Parenting twins is wild enough; add in medical unknowns, therapy appointments, and a history of infertility and loss, and the picture gets even more complicated. But as my mom always reminds me, God paints on a bigger canvas than what we see. This post is personal. It’s about grief and gratitude. It’s about the babies we lost and the ones we get to hold. It’s about trusting that even when we can’t see the full picture, it’s still being beautifully painted.

As both a mom and a counselor, I’ve seen the back-to-school season from all angles. I have worked with dozens of kids and families as the school year approaches, worked within schools at the start of the school year, and have walked my own bonus son through the weeks leading up to a new school year. So, let me walk you through some practical (and slightly sarcastic) ways to handle the back-to-school jitters, for your kids and yourself.

CHOO CHOO—ALL ABOARD THE TODDLER EXPRESS! We thought we were going to a cute little children’s museum for a quick energy-burn session. We ended up discovering a full-blown toddler paradise…and accidentally launching our 2-year-old’s career in railway management. As a mom and counselor, I went into Wise Wonders Children’s Museum in Billings, MT prepared for everything, but I was not prepared for how amazing this place is.

There’s nothing quite like the rush of panic that hits when your child starts to unravel in the middle of a grocery store, playground, or family gathering. Maybe it's loud. Maybe it's messy. Maybe all eyes seem to turn to you. Public meltdowns are a universal parenting challenge, and if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or embarrassed during one, you’re not alone.

As parents, we want the best for our kids, not just academically, but emotionally too. We want them to be kind, confident, and resilient. We want them to understand and manage their feelings and to form healthy, positive relationships with others. But how do we go about teaching them these important skills? Enter Social Emotional Learning, or SEL.

Hi, I’m Jolene! I’m a licensed counselor, a proud mom, a bonus mom, and someone who is wholeheartedly embracing the beautiful chaos that comes with raising a family. I'm also a wife to a man who is not only my best friend but also spends most moments testing my sanity. With a career centered around helping kids and families, I've had the privilege of guiding many through their challenges, but nothing has been more life-changing or rewarding than being a mom myself.