Blog - Hopeful Mama

Staying Grounded When There are Big Changes in Life

by Lisa Edwards, Ph.D | Oct 29, 2017 | Positive Psychology and Strengths

In many ways Fall reminds me of being pregnant or having a new baby. Everything is in flux. Outside leaves are changing and falling, the weather is becoming cooler, and nature seems to be preparing for a new season. Inside, things are changing even more quickly and...

When We Feel Scared about the World We Brought Our Children Into

by Lisa Edwards, Ph.D | Oct 2, 2017 | Positive Psychology and Strengths

This morning during the chaos of pouring cereal and children bickering over a Lego figurine at the breakfast table, I tried to get my husband’s attention. He hadn’t heard the news yet so I knew I couldn’t let him start his day without telling him what had happened. As...

Faculty Mama: This Fall I Refuse to Get More Crumbs in My Keyboard

by Lisa Edwards, Ph.D | Sep 20, 2017 | Faculty Mama

We’re four weeks into the semester and things already feel pretty intense. The marathon has started and I know I will need to do everything possible to stay on course until the end. Most days, this means cramming my work days with non-stop ‘productivity.’ No time for...

Here’s Why Moms Should Eat the Frog Too

by Lisa Edwards, Ph.D | Apr 9, 2017 | Positive Psychology and Strengths

Have you ever heard the phrase: “Eat the frog?” It comes from a quote that is often used by productivity authors to emphasize that we can avoid procrastination by completing the tasks that we’ve been putting off early in the day, so we can then focus on other...

Faculty Mama: I Assign You an A+ This Semester

by Lisa Edwards, Ph.D | Dec 18, 2016 | Faculty Mama

Last week was rough. As I was hurriedly getting ready for a day of never-ending grading, search committee meetings and reference letter writing, I heard a loud "MOMMY!" from my oldest child's bathroom. I turned the corner, just in time to see her start throwing up...

A Little Imagery Can Go a Long Way In Managing Stress

by Lisa Edwards, Ph.D | Dec 13, 2016 | Maternal Mental Health

There’s no denying it—this time of year can be really overwhelming. Every time I talk to a fellow mom we end up venting about how there’s too little time between Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, we have too much to do, and we don't know how we will...

Hope Notes for Moms: Meet Your New Boss

by Lisa Edwards, Ph.D | Oct 31, 2016 | Hope Notes for Moms

Dear New Mom, Welcome to the most challenging job you will ever have. Your new boss is small but loud and has poor communication skills. You probably already know you love your new boss more than you could ever imagine. There will be times you think you're not good...

Help! My House is About to Be Invaded by Halloween Candy

by Lisa Edwards, Ph.D | Oct 21, 2016 | Hopeful Mama

For families who celebrate Halloween, this is a really fun time of year. Yes, sometimes there is a scramble to get the costumes together at the last minute, but overall it is pretty darn sweet to see our kids all dressed up and watch them trick-or-treat. The only...

Fall Brings a Chance to Model to Our Children How We Handle Change

by Lisa Edwards, Ph.D | Oct 16, 2016 | Positive Psychology and Strengths

Sometimes change comes easily and it is wonderful. Babies start sleeping through the night, moms start having a little more time for themselves, and partners begin to find more moments to enjoy each other’s company. Other types of change are not as positive: A child’s...

If You Care about Moms and Families You MUST See This Movie about Maternal Mental Health

by Lisa Edwards, Ph.D | Oct 6, 2016 | Maternal Mental Health

Do you remember getting that wonderful glucose test for gestational diabetes when you were pregnant? Or perhaps you were one of the lucky ones (like me) who even got the follow-up test, where you drank the sugar solution and waited for hours to find out your glucose...