It can feel wrong to say that out loud. Many moms think they should simply be grateful for whatever the day brings. And you can be grateful while still being honest about one thing you would enjoy.

Is Mother’s Day really about what Mom wants?

For many families, Mother’s Day becomes a day of guessing. The kids imagine what Mom might like. A spouse tries to help. Mom smiles, saves the handmade cards, and enjoys the effort.

All of that matters. But sometimes the day becomes more about what your kids want to do for you than what you might actually like.

For years, I didn’t say anything. I simply enjoyed the blessing of the day. Truly. Then one year, a few days before Mother’s Day, I told my family one thing I wanted.

It was not big. I asked for a specific dinner. That night, my husband and kids made exactly what I asked for. It felt great.

Why is it okay to ask for what you want?

Think about how you handle your family’s special days. Do you ask your child what kind of birthday dinner they want? Do you ask your spouse what would make the day feel special?

When they tell you, it helps. You do not have to guess, hope, or pick the “favorite” that might have changed since last year.

The same can be true for Mother’s Day. Telling your family one thing you want may actually make the day easier for them. It gives them a clear way to celebrate you.

This is not about taking over the whole day. It is about making room for one thing that would make you happy.

• A favorite meal or takeout order
• A slow morning without rushing
• A walk, beach visit, or family outing
• Time to read, rest, or be alone
• A small gift you would truly use

Need an easy outing idea? Check the Family Events Calendar for Collier and Lee Counties before Mother’s Day weekend.

How can you plan ahead without planning the whole day?

Before your family can know what you want, you need to know what you want. Take a little time to think about what would make the day feel good to you.

Do not plan every hour. Pick one or two things. This leaves space for your family’s ideas while still giving you something you will enjoy.

Key action: Make your request realistic for your family.

• For a simple meal, ask three to five days ahead.
• For a gift, ask one to two weeks ahead.
• For an outing, check schedules and reservations early.
• For quiet time, be clear about when and how long.

If your idea is not something your family can realistically do, save it for yourself. Then choose something they can make happen.

For example, your family may not be able to plan a full weekend away. But they may be able to order your favorite Thai food, take you to brunch, or give you an hour to sit outside with a book.

For local meal ideas, browse Mother’s Day dining options in Collier and Lee Counties.

What should you say to your family?

This is often the most awkward part. Many moms feel uncomfortable saying what they want. They worry it sounds selfish or ungrateful.

You do not have to drop hints and hope they understand. Be direct, warm, and kind.

Try this:

“I’m excited for Mother’s Day. I always love it when you make homemade cards for me.”

“One thing I would love this year is to have Thai takeout for dinner.”

“Can we make that happen?”

You can change the words to fit your family. The important part is to name something they already do that brings you joy, then clearly ask for one thing you would like.

Key action: Ask clearly enough that your family does not have to guess.

What if Mother’s Day still does not go as planned?

Sometimes your family will not do what you asked. They may forget. They may get wrapped up in their own ideas. They may not understand why it mattered to you.

That can feel disappointing. The best response is two-fold.

First, be grateful. Do your best to enjoy the day as it unfolds. Take whatever your family offers as a gift and express your thanks.

Then, do the thing you wanted. It may not happen on Mother’s Day, but that does not mean it cannot happen at all.

• Order the takeout the next night.
• Take an hour to read later in the week.
• Buy the flowers you wanted.
• Plan the walk, beach day, or hike yourself.

If you wanted a bigger family outing, consider a simple local plan from family fun in Collier and Lee Counties or one of these day trips for families in Collier and Lee Counties.

Can Mother’s Day celebrate your family and you?

Mother’s Day for moms does not have to be perfect to be meaningful. You can love the handmade cards, the noisy breakfast, and the kid-planned surprises. You can also ask for something that would make you happy.

The day may not go exactly as you hope. But you can enjoy what your family offers and still make space for what you need.

After all, Mother’s Day is a day for your family to celebrate you. It can also be a day for you to celebrate you.

The post Mother’s Day for Moms: Ask for What You Really Want appeared first on SWFL Family.

Bonita Springs

• Angelina’s Ristorante
  24041 Tamiami Trl., Bonita Springs
  Elegant Italian dining with Mother’s Day brunch and dinner service.
  Website: www.angelinasofbonitasprings.com
• Artichoke & Company
  1920 Saradrienne Lane, Bonita Springs
  A popular brunch option known for holiday buffet service and live music.
  Website: artichokeandcompany.com
• Jimmy P’s Charred
  25301 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs
  Steakhouse option known for special holiday entrées and a more intimate dinner feel.
  Website: www.jimmypsbutchershop.com/charred-bonita-springs/home
• Roy’s Restaurant
  26831 S. Bay Dr., #100, Bonita Springs
  Upscale island-inspired dining with brunch and dinner appeal for Mother’s Day weekend.
  Website: www.roysrestaurant.com/locations/bonita-springs
• Tanglewood at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
  5001 Coconut Rd., Bonita Springs
  Resort dining featuring champagne brunches with seafood, carving stations, and desserts.
  Website: https://www.hyatt.com

Estero

• Ristorante Farfalla
  21301 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero
  Italian restaurant known for special Mother’s Day dinner offerings.
  Website: www.ristorantefarfalla.com
• Rodizio Grill – Coconut Point
  8017 Plaza Del Lago Dr., Estero
  Brazilian steakhouse featuring Mother’s Day weekend dining promotions.
  Website: www.rodiziogrill.com/coconut-point/reservations.aspx
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House
  23151 Village Shops Way, Estero
  Classic steakhouse with Mother’s Day brunch and dinner appeal.
  Website: ruthschris.com/promotions/mothers-day
• California Pizza Kitchen
  23181 Village Shops Way, Estero
  A casual family pick for parents who want a simpler meal out with the kids.
  Website: www.cpk.com

Naples

• Bodega Olé
  965 4th Avenue North, Naples
  A local option to check for holiday specials and a smaller, casual setting.
  Website: www.bodegaole.com
• Bar Tulia
  Naples and Mercato locations
  A stylish brunch or dinner choice for families who want a lively atmosphere.
  Website: www.bartulia.com/mercato
• Brio Italian Grille – Waterside Shops
  5505 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
  Italian chain known for brunch specials and take-home holiday meal options.
  Website: www.brioitalian.com
• The Capital Grille
  9005 Mercato Dr., Naples
  Refined steakhouse offering Mother’s Day brunch along with dinner service.
  Website: www.thecapitalgrille.com/events/mothers-day-brunch
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
  8985 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples
  Polished steakhouse with brunch and holiday dining specials.
  Website: www.flemingssteakhouse.com
• Food & Thought 2
  7941 Airport-Pulling Rd., Naples
  Organic market and café with chef-driven brunch specials and handcrafted cocktails.
  Website: www.foodandthought2.com
• Hogfish Harry’s
  600 Neapolitan Way, Naples
  A casual seafood-centered choice to check for Mother’s Day specials.
  Website: www.hogfishharrys.com
• Jane’s Garden Café
  1209 3rd Street South, Naples
  Charming garden setting for a brunch-style Mother’s Day outing.
  Website: www.janesgardencafe.com
• Mercato – Bouquets & Bubbly for Mom
  9110 Strada Place, Naples
  A Mother’s Day weekend event that pairs dining and shopping with festive extras.
  Website: experiencemercato.com/events/bouquets-bubbly-for-mom
• The Local
  5323 Airport Pulling Rd. N., Naples
  Farm-to-table favorite to check for Mother’s Day specials.
  Website: www.thelocalnaples.com
• Ocean Prime
  699 5th Ave. S., Naples
  Upscale seafood and steak restaurant featuring Mother’s Day brunch and dinner options.
  Website: www.ocean-prime.com
• Old Vines at Mercato
  9110 Strada Place, Naples
  Wine-focused restaurant with brunch appeal in a relaxed setting.
  Website: oldvines.net/mercato
• Parmesan Pete’s
  7935 Airport-Pulling Rd., Naples
  A neighborhood Italian spot to check for Mother’s Day promotions.
  Website: www.parmesanpetes.com
• The 239
  9108 Strada Place, Naples
  Mercato dining option known for festive extras and celebratory brunch appeal.
  Website: the239naples.com
• Ritz-Carlton, Naples
  280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples
  Luxury resort brunch setting with chef stations and a more elevated holiday feel.
  Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/naples
• The Rooster Food + Drink
  600 Goodlette Road N., Suite 101, Naples
  Popular breakfast-and-lunch spot for a more relaxed Mother’s Day meal.
  Website: theroosternaples.com
• Sails Restaurant
  301 5th Ave. S., Naples
  Luxury Fifth Avenue restaurant hosting a special Mother’s Day champagne brunch.
  Website: www.sailsrestaurants.com
• Seasons 52
  8930 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples
  Fresh seasonal grill with brunch and all-day dining options.
  Website: www.seasons52.com
• Taberna
  9108 Strada Place, Naples
  Mercato favorite with Mother’s Day reservations and weekend specials.
  Website: www.mytaberna.com
• Tigress Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
  12155 Tamiami Trl. N., Naples
  Rooftop dining at the Perry Hotel with a special Mother’s Day brunch event.
  Website: www.perryhotelnaples.com
• T-Michaels Steak and Lobster House
  4050 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples
  A longtime Naples favorite for families who want a steak-and-seafood celebration. They offer a Mother’s Day menu.
  Website: tmichaels.com
• Thee City Grill
  3883 Tamiami Trail East, Naples
  A casual local pick with a Sunday brunch.
  Website: theecitysdiner.com
• Waxin’s
  9108 Strada Place, Naples
  Mercato restaurant known for special brunch offerings.
  Website: www.waxins.com
• First Watch
  Multiple Naples-area locations
  A breakfast, brunch, and lunch option that works well for families with younger kids.
  Website: www.firstwatch.com
• California Pizza Kitchen
  5555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
  A casual option for families who want something easy and kid-friendly.
  Website: www.cpk.com

Marco Island

• Ario & Tesoro at JW Marriott Marco Island
  400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
  Resort dining with a polished special-occasion feel for Mother’s Day dinner.
  Website: maiajwmarco.com
• Hilton Marco Island Resort & Spa
  560 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
  Beach resort option worth checking for Mother’s Day dining details and special menus.
  Website: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mrkmhhf-hilton-marco-island-beach-resort-and-spa//dining/
• Maia at JW Marriott Marco Island
  400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
  Resort brunch or buffet setting for families who want a more relaxed midday celebration.
  Website: maiajwmarco.com
• Sale e Pepe
  480 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
  Elegant beachfront restaurant with a dedicated Mother’s Day brunch menu.
  Website: sale-e-pepe.com/menu/

Fort Myers

• Burntwood Tavern
  13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
  Casual tavern hosting a Mother’s Day brunch buffet with daytime seatings.
  Website: burntwoodtavern.com
• Connors Steak & Seafood
  10076 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers
  Prime steakhouse and seafood restaurant for families who want a Mother’s Day lunch or dinner option.
  Website: www.connorsrestaurant.com/fort-myers-fl-steakhouse
• Cristof’s on McGregor
  10231 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers
  A buffet-style option that works well for larger family groups.
  Website: cristofsonmcgregor.com/easter-sunday-and-mothers-day-buffet
• Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant
  14301 Port Comfort Rd., Fort Myers
  Waterfront favorite for a scenic Mother’s Day celebration.
  Website: lighthousewaterfrontrestaurant.com
• The Veranda Restaurant
  2122 Second St., Fort Myers
  Historic fine-dining restaurant known for Southern Regional cuisine and special holiday menus.
  Website: www.verandarestaurant.com
• Silver King Coastal Kitchen
  2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers
  Celebrate Mother’s Day in style with a special brunch and a three-course prix fixe experience.
  Website: www.silverkingfortmyers.com/specials

Fort Myers Beach

• Margaritaville Beach Resort
  251 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach
  Island-style resort offering a Mother’s Day brunch buffet with sweet and savory favorites.
  Website: www.margaritavilleresorts.com
• JWB Grill at Margaritaville
  251 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach
  Waterfront restaurant serving an elevated à la carte Mother’s Day brunch in a relaxed resort setting.
  Website: www.margaritavilleresorts.com

How to choose the right place for Mother’s Day

The best Mother’s Day dining 2026 plans start with what Mom actually wants. Some families want an elegant champagne brunch. Others want a casual lunch, a steakhouse dinner, or a waterfront table that feels festive without being formal.

Choose the experience first, then choose the area.

• Pick Naples for the widest variety.
• Pick Bonita Springs for upscale dining and brunch options.
• Pick Estero for steakhouses and Coconut Point convenience.
• Pick Marco Island for a destination-style celebration.
• Pick Fort Myers for buffet, waterfront, and historic dining.
• Pick Fort Myers Beach for a relaxed resort-style outing.

Before you go

Mother’s Day menus can change quickly. Call or check the restaurant website before heading out to confirm the latest details.

• Reservation times
• Brunch, lunch, or dinner hours
• Prix fixe, buffet, or à la carte service
• Children’s menu availability
• Dress code and parking
• Holiday pricing and cancellation rules

Looking for more family fun after brunch or dinner? Check the Family Events Calendar for Collier and Lee Counties, browse the Dining & Delivery Directory, and explore more local ideas in Things To Do in Southwest Florida.

The post Mother’s Day Dining 2026 in Collier and Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

Watch With Family of Any Age

1. The Sound Of Music (1965, G). From the moment this movie starts, you will cheer for Maria to say no to the nunnery and yes to seven mischievous children and their handsome father.

2. Mary Poppins (1964, G). Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious fun for a family desperately in need of some magical attention.

3. Brave (2012, PG). “What became of this precious daughter I once knew?” Disney brings us the classic mother-daughter conflict story willful-princess-style, without a suitor in sight.

4. Freaky Friday (2003, PG). Young ; Lohan holds her own opposite a veteran actress like Jamie Lee Curtis in this mixed-up mother-daughter remake.

5. The Incredibles (2004, PG). Holly Hunter is Elastagirl, just your average suburban mom with superpowers trying to cheer on her spouse, raise her kids, and save the world from mass destruction.

6. Little Women (1994, PG). You won’t find a better mother than Marmee, played by Susan Sarandon. She encourages her daughters to become who they are meant to be despite challenging times.

7. Secretariat (2010, PG). It’s a long shot for any horse to win the Triple Crown, but Penny Chenery, played by Diane Lane, is just the person who can make it happen.

8. Parental Guidance (2012, PG). Old-school parenting collides with new-school parenting with entertaining results. Bette Midler and Marisa Tomei bring believability to Billy Crystal’s touching comedic riffs.

9. Places In The Heart (1984, PG). During the Great Depression, Sally Field, a widow, struggles to keep her small cotton farm going after her husband is accidentally killed.

10. You Again (2010, PG). Kristin Bell is Marni, a total geek in high school with an archenemy named Joanna. Imagine her surprise when she finds out her seemingly all-together mom shared similar struggles on the eve of her brother’s wedding.

11. Baby Boom (1987, PG) A working woman inherits a baby girl during her yuppie days and gets schooled by the babe as to what matters in life.

Watch With Tweens & Up

12. Steel Magnolias (1989, PG). Sally Field plays mom to diabetic newlywed Julia Roberts in this heartfelt story of a big-time friendship sprung from small-town Louisiana life.

13. Motherhood (2009, PG-13). For every mom who has ever tried to throw a birthday party to beat all birthday parties while also trying to squeeze out an iota of time for self-expression, this Uma Thurman film is for you.

14. Now & Then (1995, PG-13). Four grown women and best friends look back at the 12-year-old girls they were in 1970 as one of them prepares to deliver her first child.

15. Mother (1996, PG-13). Albert Brooks is a grown man trying to figure out why he can’t have a successful love life while pointing fingers at his mother, Debbie Reynolds.

16. Parenthood (1989, PG-13). It is an ensemble comedy focusing mainly on Steve Martin’s character but offers terrific mom performances from Mary Steenburgen, Diane Wiest, Harley Jane Kozak, Eileen Ryan, and Martha Plimpton.

17. Mamma Mia! (2008, PG-13). It is a lighthearted musical that reprises ABBA tunes to tell the story of a young woman’s desire to find out about her real father.

18. Anywhere But Here (1999, PG-13). Susan Sarandon is Nathalie Portman’s eccentric, pushy mother, who is on the verge of driving her daughter crazy.

19. The Help (2011, PG-13). Skeeter, an Ole Miss college graduate, comes home to help care for her ailing mother in the 1960s. To be taken seriously as a writer, she decides to write a tell-all book from the local maids’ point of view, reminding her of the woman who raised her.

20. The Blind Side (2009, PG-13). At her insistence, Leanne Tuohy’s typically conservative family takes in a homeless teenager. “Big Mike’s” presence turns into a boon for the family as they rally around him to succeed against steep academic odds.

21. Joyful Noise (2012, PG-13). Two mothers, Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton, need to overcome their small-town rivalry if they want their church choir to have a shot at winning the national championship.

22. Bend It Like Beckham (2002, PG-13). A soccer career is not exactly what Jess Bhamra’s mother has in mind for her Indian daughter, especially when she bends the rules to reach her dreams.

23. Home For The Holidays (1995, PG-13). Holly Hunter plays Clyde, a 40-something single mom who finds returning home to see her family has a way of making her act the same age as her teenage daughter.

24. Hope Floats (1998, PG-13). You had me at Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. fall in love again.

25. Juno (2007, PG-13). It’s a great way to kick off a discussion about some serious topics you might prefer to avoid. This film sheds light on teen pregnancy, divorce, and adoption with dignity and humor.

26. The Guilt Trip (2012, PG-13). A road trip movie with Barbara Streisand and Seth Rogen stays in the funny lane with a touching ending you won’t see coming.

27. What To Expect When You’re Expecting (2012, PG-13). Five couples are pregnant, and not much is happening the way any of them expected. If you had a difficult pregnancy, this is the one to appreciate.

28. Fried Green Tomatoes (1991, PG-13). It is a captivating tale of an older woman who has outlived all her friends, only to make a new irreplaceable one in a housewife badly in need of a life makeover.

29. Stepmom (1998, PG-13). Trying to sort out the challenges of divorce and re-coupling makes for a moving story of transformation for the whole family.

30. The Divine Secrets Of The Ya Ya Sisterhood (2002, PG-13). Any woman with a trying relationship with her mother will enjoy the antics of Sandra Bullock vs. Ellen Burstyn and her girlhood Ya-Ya tribe.

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz loves to celebrate motherhood, Hollywood-style, in all of its glorious complexity, preferably with a nice big bowl of freshly popped popcorn and a glass of Canada Dry ginger ale.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

135 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Naples Moms (and Dads!) Find Community in local Facebook Parent Groups

Enter to Win The Neapolitan Family Mother’s Day Giveaway!

The post Celebrate Mom with These 30 Motherhood Movies appeared first on SWFL Family.

I did a brief inventory of my own group membership and found over 38 groups that had the word mom, family, or parent in the title. I belong to the groups I administrate for Neapolitan Family, plus some based on local mom interests, parents of students at Florida State University, University of Florida, and parents of students at both FSU and UF. Parents of Greeks, parents of pre-law, parents of study abroad, parents who belong to my same religion, and parents that have children with a disease in common.

There seems to be a Facebook group for every kind of parent of every kind of family. Launched in 2010, nearly six years after the inception of Facebook, groups can be public, private, or secret, and members can be accepted, denied, and blocked by the administrators and moderators. Even though most groups now offer the anonymous post option to maintain a safe space for the members, nothing on Facebook is ever 100% private.

In the pandemic era, communicating in groups became an even more important way for moms to stay connected. And, in response to difficulties brought on by the pandemic and the recent catastrophic hurricane, some groups began to offer financial support and donations to struggling moms, and even staged a few middle of the night escapes to women suffering from domestic abuse.

I spoke to several local moms’ groups, and one created just for dads, about the evolution of their groups and how they became such a powerful source of support in our community.

Naples Moms 2.0: 21,100 members

The Naples Moms Group (2.0) was founded in 2018 by Naples Realtor Judy Huntley. She created the group the same day that the original Naples Moms Group was archived without warning. Because of the size of the group, Judy relies on moderators Nadine Eubanks and Renee Kirnon to monitor posts and approve new members. The group is made up of new and seasoned moms, grandmothers, and moms-to-be.

The most popular topics are not surprising: baby weaning, breast feeding, general parenting, marriage troubles, and searching for babysitters, photographers, day care, and health care providers. Not surprisingly, off-limit topics included politics and opinions about circumcision and vaccines.

There are sub groups for more specific conversations such as Naples Moms Marketplace for members to sell their personal items or to advertise their businesses, Naples Moms Virtual/Homeschooling Co-Op, Naples Moms Newcomers, as well as their own neighborhood page, Golden Gate Estates Neighbors: Advice, Tips & News.

The group also has hosted an annual holiday bazaar event, complete with mom-owned business vendors, entertainment, and food trucks.

Harnessing help beyond advice became a huge focus of the group in recent years. “During COVID, we paid rents and utilities and brought groceries to our fellow moms in need who found themselves suddenly without income,” Huntley told us. “We mobilized again after Hurricane Ian as we filled our members’ trunks with donated goods and brought them directly to the hardest hit areas in both Naples and Fort Myers, offering hope, water, ice, diapers, and even insulin. We fed an entire apartment complex of kids that hadn’t had power in weeks with a huge pizza party and brought loads of diapers and wipes.”

In addition to recent crises, the group raises thousands of dollars each Christmas and sends that money to surprise dozens of families who needed a little miracle. They also have helped pediatric cancer patients go on Disney trips, and delivered a carload of gifts, goods, and gift cards to a secret women’s shelter in Immokalee.

“We have a secret side group of women who have the resources to move mountains, and I can reach out to them with the bigger tasks,” Huntley says.

“One time, a group member submitted an anonymous post about needing a bus ticket out of here to get to family and away from an abuser,” she reflects. “My daughter and I drove straight over and brought them to The Shelter Naples. We ended up caring for her daughter briefly while she worked and got on her feet. I am happy and proud to say that today she is doing amazing, is employed, has her own place, and is getting married to a wonderful man. I am so proud to know her.”

Huntley says helping women who need to leave abusive relationships and start over has been some of the most “meaningful moments of my life.”

The Real Moms of Naples: 13,000 members

Around the same time Naples Moms 2.0 was created, another local mom and Realtor, Karly Carballea, created her own group. The Real Moms of Naples also is made up of all kinds of moms and caregivers who often belong to both groups to increase their crowdsourcing of information and opinions. For that reason, Carballea recently changed the name from Moms of Naples to The Real Moms of Naples so people would not get confused as to which group they were posting in. The topics are similar to the other mom groups but, according to Carbella, no subject is off limits as long as the conversation remains kind and respectful.

Carballea plans a monthly event that any member can attend so that they can meet other moms in real life and become friends, while patronizing the small, local businesses that often struggled during the pandemic and recent hurricanes. She also has planned volunteer events for local nonprofits such as Beverly’s Angels and Salvation Army, including a pop-up shop where families could select necessities from donated items. She currently is working on a project that will include a quarterly nonprofit event.

Naples Moms of Tweens and Teens (MOTTS): 1,118 members

This group was created by three moms because the local social media groups available in our area in 2019 were geared toward moms of infants, toddlers, and younger elementary-age children. “Parenting tweens and teens introduces daily challenges and practices in patience,” moderator Jennifer Stoneburner explains. “This group has developed a relaxed environment where moms understand that they are not alone in riding the roller coaster of parenting adolescents and budding adults.”

Stoneburner says that the best thing about the group is that the moms do not judge, and instead find ways to support, understand, and sympathize with one another.

She says the most popular posts are those that shine a humorous light on this chapter in our journey. Off-limit topics include religion, politics, and hate speech.

The group hosts a MOTTS Night Out the first week each month at a locally owned establishment, in addition to occasional daytime coffee meet-ups. “Personally, it has been amazing to observe the fellowship and the camaraderie among a group of like-minded women,” Stoneburner says. “Friendships have been forged in these monthly meet-ups, and that is what it is all about.”

The Posh Mama Club of Naples: 118 members

Moms who trend toward a more glamorous lifestyle, or who aspire to, will find like-minded mamas in The Posh Mama Club of Naples. Founded by Emely Darby, a former corporate social responsibility and public relations director, the club was created to become a safe haven for fashion-forward mothers who want a little bit of glitz and glam in between the tantrums, diaper changes, and chaos. 

TPMC focuses on the mothers’ morale through fashion expression, networking, empowerment, and fun, Darby says. She is proud that this is a diverse group of like-minded current/former entrepreneurs, educators, attorneys, brokers, physicians, and stay-at-home mamas who share a passion for fashion, beauty, and staying active within the community.

Darby says that the most popular group topics are self-identity, empowerment, latest trends, business goals, self-reflection, and the next brunch or happy hour spot, with the goal of creating “genuine friendships with women who feel the same and creating a safe space away from conflict.”

The group hosts at least four private socials per month, plus a book club and a Posh Kids social.

TPMC hosts an annual “PoshGiving” to benefit The Shelter for Abused Women and Children, and has collaborated with Cancer Alliance of Naples, Humane Society, Make-A-Wish, Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation South Gulf Coast Chapter. 

Dads of Naples: 202 members

Are there any Facebook groups just for local dads? We found one. Dads of Naples is moderated by Jay Weitzner, who owns Symmetry Exercise Clinic in Naples. The group was created for dads to have a place to connect and have a “dad-perspective” of events, topics, and things to do in general. While the group does not have as many members as the moms’ groups, Weitzner plans to host live events to build the group, which he says is diverse in every way, including, politically, professionally, and economically, but “it’s no Reddit,” he jokes.

We regret that Karly Carbellea’s name was misspelled in the May issue.

The post Naples Moms (and Dads!) Find Community in local Facebook Parent Groups appeared first on SWFL Family.

But Cyndee doesn’t stop there. Most notably, she recently started The League of Courageous Women, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging young women in middle school, high school, and beyond to dream big dreams, set high goals, and actively pursue leadership opportunities.

Cyndee is a mom to an 11-year-old daughter, Bridget, an aspiring dancer who loves to travel and excels in school. She and her daughter spend lots of time together; I especially enjoyed hearing Cyndee’s perspective on family time, motherhood, and the idea of balance.

College? I was born and raised in Naples. I got my associate’s degree from what used to be Edison Community College (now Florida SouthWestern State College). I went on to University of West Florida, where I received my bachelor’s degree in management and marketing. I decided to gain some work experience before pursuing a master’s degree. I am currently working towards a master’s in business administration from Hodges University.

Career Path? I have always wanted to be a small business owner. Before starting a business, I knew I needed experience in different sectors. I’ve been involved in sales and marketing since 2000 in various capacities: hospitality, construction, public relations, and communications. Throughout my career, my real passion has been the ability to share someone’s story as a way to compel others to get engaged in the community and take action. I love to hone in – to share others’ stories. I built my business (C2 Communications) as a way to pursue this passion.

Tell us about your book. I wrote Building Brand You in a time when social media was just emerging and the economy was flailing. It’s a tool book designed to help business owners answer the question “How do I market myself?”

What motivates you in your career? C2 Communications is nine years old, and it has been so rewarding on a professional level for me. I’m really interested in making the community a better place for my daughter, especially as I see her grow and change. And as a single mom, the business has allowed me to create a better life for us.

Tell us about your daughter. Bridget is 11 years old, going on 30. She’s smart and compassionate. She’s an aspiring dancer. Bridget sets really big goals for herself, and she puts her heart and soul into achieving these goals. Nothing can deter her when she sets her mind on something. Bridget attends Gulfview Middle School.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? There’s a group of my daughter’s friends I’ve been able to inspire. I’ve connected with them, and I’ve been able to connect them with other leaders in the community. Inspiring the next generation of women leaders has given me a lot of hope. I’ve loved being a part of shaping this group of girls as they set big goals.

What has been your biggest regret? I had the opportunity to backpack across Europe after I graduated from college. I should have taken that opportunity to travel before I had to start making payments on my student loans. I wish I had traveled before becoming a mom – before work.

Tell us about your volunteer positions and community involvement. I’m a member of the Northside Naples Kiwanis Club, and am on the board of Keep Collier Beautiful, a nonprofit dedicated to improving waste handling practices in Collier County. I’m also heavily involved with the Leadership Collier Foundation and a member of the Public Relations Society of America. In addition, I’m executive director of the Farm City BBQ of Collier County. I’ve been on the Farm City BBQ committee for 16 years, but formally took over the organization around 10 years ago and filed for nonprofit status in 2011. We’ve donated about half-a-million dollars back into youth leadership programs.

What’s next for you? Research shows that about 44% of girls in 4th and 5th grade desire to be a leader. In middle school, there is a point at which that number drops dramatically. About 36% of girls in 6th grade want to be leaders. Within a relatively short period of time, they are losing momentum to be engaged as leaders in their schools and within their family units. A new non-profit organization I’ve started seeks to raise up the next generation of women leaders. The League of Courageous Women is dedicated to inspiring young women to make bigger goals. Through various events and programs, we are connecting middle school, high school, and adult women with one another to inspire future leaders.

Our goal is to raise awareness about the need for cultivating women leaders and elevate the conversation about women in leadership. On September 29, we are hosting a Leadership Summit; we’re partnering with various agencies and organizations, including Hodges University, to present topics related to women in leadership. We’re planning to continue hosting networking events, connecting women of various ages. Additionally, we are planning to add on a formalized mentorship program and implement a “Courageous Cash Kickstarter Program.” The fund will support girls who have ideas on ways to improve their schools and home.

How do you balance motherhood, your career, and your burgeoning nonprofit? I don’t think balance is the answer. I think presence is the answer. We get off-balance when we’re at home, and all we’re thinking about is being at work. Or when we’re at work, and all we think about is being at home. True fulfillment and balance happen when we shut our phones off, talk with one another, and genuinely listen.

Best parenting advice you’ve ever received and from whom? When I was starting my business, I was crazed and stressed. I worked long hours, and I stayed up so late. Sometimes, I would drive home and tell my daughter, “Mommy’s computer is at the office tonight,” or “Mommy shut her phone off for the day.” I would see her face light up with excitement. I remember my grandmother telling me that her biggest regret is that she spent too much time cleaning and not enough time playing when her kids were little. I really internalized that. I want to be the example of that for my daughter. And now that she’s 11 and has her own phone, she says to me quite often, “I’m shutting my phone off to be with you.”

What does a typical weeknight look like for you? Every night is different; our schedule is a mix of ballet, board meetings, and many other activities. However, I believe in making time for family meals. We always sit down to dinner together. I also make breakfast every morning before school.

What do you do for fun on the weekends? My daughter is very active in ballet, and so I often do pilates on the weekends at her dance studio. We enjoy walking the Gordon River Greenway. My daughter and I enjoy traveling to explore various places and go to concerts – it’s something meaningful we pursue together.

What do you love about Naples? I love that we have a quieter pace of life here. We have the ability to slow down and enjoy each other. We have great schools, and it’s safe to send our kids to school here. Naples is a great place to have a family and spend quality time with your family. I love visiting Miami, New York City, and Los Angeles, but I come back to Naples because it’s a great quality of life for my daughter.

Click here to find a copy of Building Brand You by Cyndee Woolley.

The post MOMentum Moms: Cyndee Woolley appeared first on SWFL Family.

Sterling, clearly an animal lover, has lived and cared for animals in the Naples area her entire life. Her parents hail from Connecticut but, searching for a warmer climate, drove as far south as they could. Born in Lee Memorial hospital in 1978, Sterling is a proud product of Collier County Public Schools. Her sister Monet, also of Naples, chaperoned Sterling’s first date at the tender age of 16 with her high school sweetheart (now husband), Scott. She met him when she was 14 but was too young to date, so she claims he endured endless board games with her family. Fast forward to 2017, and with 14 years experience as a veterinarian under her belt, she decided to take on the challenge of opening her own practice, Naples Coastal Animal Hospital, located at 956 2nd Avenue North.

Tell me about your decision to open your new business. After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Florida in three years, I graduated from [UF] vet school with a degree in Animal Sciences. I worked for a newly opened animal hospital in the area for two years, and then for 11 years at another wonderful local animal hospital. I always knew I wanted to work on domestic animals and be part of the family atmosphere of Naples, and even raise my own family here.

I have always wanted to provide more personalized medicine and care, allowing more time for my clients, and even home visits. Down the line, we plan to provide concierge care, which would allow clients access to my cell phone, after-hours visits, and in time-sensitive cases [I would] meet clients at the emergency hospital and act as a liaison and facilitate for them. We currently don’t have these types of services in animal medicine here. Also, we will provide specialized individual needs regarding vaccinations or titers (blood test to gauge the level of vaccine still in an animal’s body). This is extremely personalized medicine.

What was your family’s take on your decision to open your own business? My entire family was extremely supportive. The kids even drew pictures that they brought to school of what the new practice would look like! In January 2017, I started the process. I met the wonderful ladies at Wholesome Hound and became aware that there was space available next door on 2nd Street North. I went to the city council for lengthy discussions, received approval (they voted unanimously for me as they, too, saw the need), and now the mayor brings his pet to me. He even cut the ribbon on our opening day.

How do you balance being a mom with your professional and charitable obligations? I really just try to live in the moment. My mom always nudges me to take time now to ensure that I’m a part of my kids’ lives when they are older. I want them to know that I always have time for them. I am lucky because I’m able to have my husband and family join me in my charitable endeavors so they can experience giving back, which is a great lesson for the kids. We participate in the local “Bark For Life” event, which is supported by the American Cancer Society and raises money and awareness for pets with cancer. I also work with local rescue groups on difficult situations they encounter. We recently fostered four puppies whose mother could no longer care for them as her milk had dried up. We received a call and immediately took on all their vet care, bottle feeding them day and night and house training them until we could adopt them out to good homes. We were really happy as they probably would not have survived without our care. I strongly believe in giving back to the local public schools, so I frequently support school and PTO fundraisers and offer a “Vet for the Day” raffle prize, which allows the winning child to shadow me all day, seeing patients and even viewing x-rays and surgery. I also go into many public schools in the area to talk about age-appropriate topics like pet handling and medical issues. I really love to be able to do this.

What is a typical week night like for your family? We are constantly running from one extracurricular activity to another! My kids love swim, book club, drama, and Mathletes. On a rare quiet night at home, we all get into our PJs and eat pizza, play games, and watch a movie. My husband is a great cook so he loves to get us all around the table for family meals and to recap our day.

Do you have any favorite local spots you like to go as a family? We love Brooks Burgers! The kids love the Popsicles they give out after dinner. And Peace, Love and Little Donuts is a favorite. Every morning my son Vanden begs to go there for breakfast. We also love to hang out at Cambier Park every Sunday to regroup with family, relax, enjoy church in the park, as well as taking the dogs and kids biking on the Gordon River Greenway.

What’s the best parenting advice you’ve received? Bob Marino, my best friend’s dad, always says to divide your responsibilities into four quarters: urgent and important, urgent and not important, not urgent but important, not urgent and not important. Prioritize your day based on that formula. I try to do this.

Best and worst part of your kid’s current ages? With Catalina (11) and Vanden (9) being so close in age, often they are in the same clubs as they have similar interests, so that can create clashes between them. They love being together but, as all siblings do, they also need time apart. Also, I sometimes find it sad that they don’t need me as much as they did when they were little. But on the flip side, we now have great conversations. They want to learn so much, about everything! And when we don’t know the answers, we say to them “Oh, that’s a great thing for YOU to research.”

Your proudest moments as a mother?

When they show kindness. They’ve both been recognized for it at school, which makes me so happy. Recently, Catalina asked to sit next to an ESL [English as a Second Language] student displaced by the hurricane to help her adjust to a new environment, and now they are really good friends.

What are your hopes and goals for 2018? Once things are fully up and running at the practice, I want to get out into the community even more to hold educational talks on pet care or on specific topics like wildlife hazards to pets. I want the practice to be a place we hold drop-in sessions and a place that all pet owners in the community feel comfortable visiting. People are already loving it as much as we are, and we want to see that continue.

The post MOMentum Moms: Sterling Sigmond appeared first on SWFL Family.

Keep your focus

There are many reasons a mom will be put on bed rest, but most often, it is because of the risk of pre-term labor. Focus on the goal, which is allowing baby to grow as long as possible. Reminding yourself of this will help keep you going each day.

Keep a record

Many moms find that writing in a journal or starting a blog is therapeutic. Record your thoughts and feelings about pregnancy, as well as what is going on that day. Take pictures to document the pregnancy. After the birth, you will have a record to look back on.

Keep entertained

Many hospitals are equipped with free wi-fi for patients to use. This comes in extra handy while on bed rest. Catch up on your TV shows, read books or magazines, watch movies, do some Internet shopping, play games on your phone or tablet, scroll through Facebook or Pinterest, and research the best car seat for baby. Utilize any form of entertainment to pass the time.

Keep resting

The adage: “Enjoy sleeping now because when baby comes you will wish you could sleep more.” is very hard for most moms to hear when they are forced into bed rest. However, it is a common saying because it is true. Rest is best for baby and mom. Try to make the most of it while you can.

Keep comfortable

Create a comfortable space wherever you are resting. At home, keep snacks, water, books, and other items close at hand so you don’t have to be up and about during the day. Bring comforts from home to the hospital. Items like blankets and pillows, pictures of family, and any favorites that make you feel more comfortable will ease the time you spend at the hospital.

Keep busy

This is the time to catch up on the things you never have time to do. Try beauty maintenance such as painting your fingernails or plucking your eyebrows. Teach yourself a new skill like knitting or crocheting using free tutorial videos online. Finish the thank you cards from your baby shower. Anything to pass the time.

Keep a routine

Wake up at approximately the same time daily, shower, get dressed, eat meals at the same times, and do basically the same activities each day. Keeping a simple daily routine will help time pass and help create a sense of normalcy. If you are working, get a laptop and keep up with your work from your home or the hospital bed.

Keep a positive perspective

It is hard not to get down when you see the same four walls day in and day out, sometimes for weeks on end. Keep telling yourself “You can do it!”. Take each day as it comes and keep pushing yourself toward your goal. Remind yourself this is temporary and will be worth it in the end. Someday this will all be a distant memory.

Keep a support system

A strong support system is key to surviving bed rest. Encourage friends and family to visit as much as possible. Having people around to talk to does wonders to raise spirits for a mom on bed rest. If family and friends offer to help by bringing meals, caring for older children, or doing housework, accept the help.

The main thing to remember while on bed rest is that it will end. Each day the baby stays in utero is less time baby will spend in the NICU. Take one day at a time and try to remain positive. Soon enough, you will be holding your baby in your arms.

How to Survive Hospital Bed Rest

Hospital bed rest is a totally different experience than resting at home. The four walls of a hospital room can feel like a prison after looking at them for days and weeks on end. Here are some ways to survive hospital bed rest.

Sleep. Often, it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep in the hospital. Taking naps throughout the day is healthy for mom and baby and passes the time.

Accept visitors. If someone offers to visit, accept their offer. It’s always nice to have someone new to talk to.

Comforts. Bring as many comforts from home as you can. Having a favorite pillow or photos of loved ones can do a lot to encourage you.

Go for a ride. Ask if you are allowed to go for a ride in a wheelchair. A change of scenery, even for a few minutes, can make a big difference.

Throw a party. Ask friends or family to bring dinner to you. Watch a movie together or just chat. Make it a weekly event so you have something to look forward to.

One day at a time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when the days are long and boring. Try to take one day at a time and remain positive. Each day that passes is allowing baby to grow bigger and stronger.

SARAH LYONS survived five weeks on bed rest prior to the birth of her triplets in 2014.

The post Surviving Bed Rest appeared first on SWFL Family.

In the decade since I first met Cindy Dreyfuss, I have volunteered alongside her at our children’s schools and watched her take on each task with enthusiasm and feisty perseverance. The one thing that always impresses me most (besides her education and career accomplishments) is how she makes sure to tell everyone on her team what she admires most about them. Whether on the water or at school, when things are not smooth sailing, Cindy approaches life with an “all hands on deck” attitude.

College? I attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. With military obligations to the country, my education instilled a sense of service to a greater good.

Past careers? I was formally trained as a Merchant Mariner and sailed as a Navigation and Cargo Officer on ocean-going super tankers. I was the Executive Director of the U.S. Sailing Center in Miami, and was part of the leadership team that achieved the designation as an official U.S. Olympic Training Facility. When we moved to Naples, I was a buyer for Shaw Aero Devices, a local aerospace parts and manufacturing company.

Tell us about your husband and how you met. Peter is a mechanical engineer and is currently Director of Engineering for the Shoulder and Upper Extremity Team at Arthrex. We met at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy – now married 21 years, but with nearly 30 years of friendship behind us!

Volunteer positions once you became a stay-at-home mom: Locally, it started when our kids were young helping deliver Meals on Wheels with them each week for a few years. Then, as they grew, the activities were focused on where we were: on the sports fields and in the schools. My favorite saying is, “find a need, fill a need”. I was volunteer treasurer and then president of Gulf Coast Little League for six years. I also volunteered as an Optimist soccer coach. For several years, I taught Catechism at St. Ann Catholic Church. I then became involved in each school my children attended.

What do you love about your roles in PTO? Leading in a formal role was not necessarily my intent. However, I have a pretty strong personality and a firm belief that no complaint should be shared without a willingness to offer and be a part of a solution. My fellow volunteers are AMAZING and make my life a whole lot better for knowing and working with them. I love to see the success that can result from that “little bit of extra support”.

Favorite PTO accomplishment? I think it would be leaving a legacy of giving and encouraging others to give, even if only 2-3 hours for an event once a year, or 1 hour a week to the community in which our children are growing up.

Talk about how you educate Title 1 PTOs on how to raise money. This is an ongoing process. I hope to “teach the schools how to fish,” in a manner of speaking. By sharing good practices that are cost saving and practical based on needs, it starts to encourage more enthusiasm and creativity. It started with a “sister school program” (schools partnering for needed uniform clothing) and expanded to shared volunteer resources and knowledge, sharing excess bounty of uniforms (new and gently used), and adopting causes to support each other.

Compare sailing a ship to being PTO president. It’s a bit of crisis management. When things are going well, there are no worries. Then comes an event (a hurricane or bad weather) and it’s all hands on deck. Getting and motivating the workers or volunteers is about the same – except for the whole “threat of death” thing.

What are your plans when your kids have grown and flown? I would love to go back to work, officially. I still feel that love of learning new things. An opportunity to put my community knowledge to work as a county commissioner would be a future consideration.

How do you balance being a mom with your professional and volunteer obligations? Admittedly, not well. When I do something, I am all in. When they were younger, it was kids 24/7. I have learned that as I age, now approaching 50, I operate best with a restful night of sleep. When they were young, they would tag along to activities. As adolescents, they were expected to manage themselves (make their own lunches, wait for a ride until I was done, and make meals on their own). Haven’t been able to relieve myself of all of the laundry duties yet, but since the washer works through the night, I will let that pass.

What is a typical week night like for your family? We try to eat meals together when all of our schedules allow, whether at home or out. Mornings are up starting at 5:15 a.m. and things never really stop. Most nights have a variety of returning times and since we have pets, it’s all the basics of walking animals, feeding the masses, handling the house cleaning task for the day, maintaining laundry for various sports and school needs, and prepping communications or material for the next day.

What does your family like to do together for fun/weekends? Sports, activities, work, pets, and volunteering dominate our days. Occasionally, we will have a chance to sign out a boat and head to a quiet part of Keewaydin Island or a family favorite of volunteering at the Humane Society of Naples. Good therapy.

Typical date night for you and your husband? What’s that? Occasionally, we will look at a clock and see if any local restaurant is still serving at 10 p.m. when the kids are doing homework or watching a movie. I guess we really need to work on that.

Best and worst part about having teenagers? Best – seeing them as 6-foot-tall humans is still a bit shocking. I am happiest when they show rare moments of affection. Worst – ugh, they are teenagers. Attitude, know-it-alls, independence but with the need for stuff “right now” – and with opinions, boy do they have opinions!

Your proudest personal accomplishment: Aside from my family and our efforts to be responsible people, I think it would be the longstanding friendships that we have. I am proud of my service to country, and my unique career past.

Biggest regret? Professionally, not extending my commission in the Armed Forces beyond my 12 years and not finishing my master’s degree in education so that I could formally teach. Personally, not asking my grandfather for another dance at my wedding (he passed away shortly after) or reconciling a bumpy relationship with my father before he died.

What are your family’s New Year’s resolutions? We don’t make resolutions; rather, we have a “Five Year Plan.” With the kids in high school, I am setting a timeline to finish the memory quilts and photo albums, and enjoying the youthful times with them while I can.

The post MOMentum Moms: Cindy Dreyfuss appeared first on SWFL Family.

The best way to make a positive impact on the girl vs. girl trend sweeping the nation is to address and redirect mean girl behavior in our daughters. Like many mothers of daughters I polled, I started noticing mean girl behavior early in my daughter’s public school experience. Ironically, the behavior wasn’t coming from acquaintances, but from girls my daughter considered friends.

This brings up an uncomfortable reality: there is not much we can do about mean girl behavior in other people’s kids. We can report it to their parents or to school or organization authorities, but there is little more we can do to ameliorate mean girl situations once they are happening. So what’s a pro-active mom to do?

Take heart. There is much you can do to prevent mean girl behavior in your own daughter. One more girl setting an example of how to be kind and emotionally intelligent, despite peer pressure moving in the opposite direction, can help turn the tide. If mothers can encourage their daughters to stay open, vulnerable, and in touch with feelings no matter what, we might be able to dismantle the mean girl time bomb that ticks silently away inside every girl, just waiting to go off when that girl is pushed too far.

Only when girls understand that bullying is never acceptable can a better example spread. If your daughter can embody healthier choices, she can help create harmony within her middle school girl tribe. Here are six crucial ways moms can prepare daughters to navigate the social pressures of middle school.

Define Meanness.

Rudeness, meanness, and bullying exist on a behavior spectrum. Meanness is intentionally hurtful, as opposed to rudeness, which is unintentionally hurtful, as opposed to bullying which is consistently hurtful. One of the problems with mean girl behavior is that it can be subtle, insidious, and elusive. Teach your daughter the difference between the three types of behaviors and how to tell the difference between someone who is consistently, purposefully mean and someone who simply makes a mistake. Make sure your child understands that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that you expect her to be kind regardless of circumstances. Keep talking about what these three behaviors mean on an ongoing basis, until your daughter can tell the difference. Once she knows she always has a choice about how to respond in any situation, you are making good progress.

Encourage Self-Acceptance Over Popularity.

Left to their own devices, kids will always decide that being popular is better than not being popular. In middle school, popularity is perceived as power and kids are instinctively hungry for it. Make sure you don’t secretly hope your child will be one of the popular kids. If you put this trip on your child, you are encouraging her to put perceptions over feelings, which can lead to imposter syndrome. If you want your child to be authentic and emotionally intelligent, this means accepting and liking her as she is so she can accept and like herself. If you want your daughter to have genuine self-esteem, conversations on self-acceptance need to start young, long before middle school. Then let the popularity chips fall where they may. After all, popularity does not necessarily equal happiness.

Teach How to Detach From Drama.

No matter how secure and emotionally intelligent your child, hormones will be ebbing and flowing in middle school. Rather than letting this become an excuse for poor behavior, teach your daughter to step back from situations when erratic emotions are involved. Girl vendettas are common in middle school and can ignite for the slightest reasons. Your daughter may empathize with one or both girls and get inadvertently sucked into a feud if she does
 not know how to avoid one. Teach your
 daughter to listen to the facts and form her
 own opinion without getting involved in 
any drama. Encourage her to not take sides 
when one girl turns against another, but to
 be the voice of reason whenever possible.
 Affirm that girls need to stick together and
 prop each other up when they are having
 a bad day without getting overly involved 
in solving each other’s problems. Once 
your daughter understands that drama is a
 distraction from personal priorities, she can
more easily steer clear.

Model Healthy Communication.


Girls often start to lose their authentic
 voices when they become teenagers. So your job as your daughter’s confidante is to keep the doors of communication open and let her be honest and real with you as she is trying to figure everything out. If your formerly sunshiny girl suddenly turns partly cloudy, don’t fret. She may push you away and not want to talk as much as she used to, but don’t give in to the common misperception that teenagers need to be left alone. Your middle schooler can’t navigate this brave new social world solo. If you expect her to, she is going to feel stressed and look for friends who can help her take the edge off. You have to be there, mom, every day, listening and responsive, whenever either of you wants to talk.

Keep Your Negativity in Check.

When confronted with a challenging situation, your daughter will intuitively imitate the way you behave. If you project negativity onto others, she is going to learn to do the same. If you are insecure, she will be insecure. If you are superior and competitive with others, she will follow suit. If you judge and condemn… I am sure you get the picture. You can’t hold your daughter accountable for her attitudes and actions, if you are not accountable for yours. Be sure you set a good example, mom, or you just might see your least appealing qualities reflected back to you in your daughter’s behavior.

Reinforce and Challenge Your Daughter’s Strengths.

If you want your daughter to be a leader, not a follower, she needs to know and use her strengths. If you and the rest of your family don’t reflect her strengths back to her, it’s going to take your daughter longer to activate her personal power. If you only reflect back her weaknesses, she is going to believe she is a walking, talking pile of not good enough, which makes her an easy target for mean girls. Girls with high self-esteem don’t usually become targets and self-motivated girls don’t focus on the behavior of others. If they have a negative encounter with another girl, they shrug it off and bounce back quickly. So make sure your daughter is armed with something besides superiority and a sharp tongue. Be certain she knows what she is good at and encourage her to put her strengths to good use in your community for the benefit of all.

If your daughter is busy exercising her skills, challenging herself to reach new goals, and striving to make a positive impact in the world, she will gain the healthy self-esteem and confidence that result from positive personal experiences. Happy, engaged kids are less likely to bully others.

Once your daughter understands the dynamics of mean girl behavior, she can steer clear of drama when it crops up and will keep you in the loop as to how she handled it. These are the kinds of conversations every mom hopes to have with her daughter in middle school. If you are not having them, then maybe your daughter needs the mean girl primer only you can give her.

Take the time to educate yourself about how to avoid mean girl behavior before middle school starts, mom. Then share what you learn with your daughter. You will both be so glad you did.

The post How to Dismantle the Mean Girl Time Bomb Before Middle School appeared first on SWFL Family.