Storytelling & Community Lead
Brooke Macdermott is the heartbeat of Mom Joy’s Hive’s storytelling and community engagement. With a background in journalism and a deep love for real-life narratives, she brings voices from across the parenting spectrum into the spotlight. Brooke curates heartfelt stories from moms, dads, and caregivers around the world—stories of triumph, vulnerability, humor, and growth. Her goal is to foster connection and remind parents that they’re never alone in their journey. As Community Lead, she also oversees discussions, reader features, and special series that invite parents to share and learn from one another. Brooke is a mother of two, a fan of Sunday pancakes, and a collector of hand-written letters from Hive readers.
A good neighborhood helps, no doubt. Places like Baton Rouge offer quiet streets, strong schools, and the kind of community most families look for. But that’s only half the story. What happens inside your home matters just as much. The way your rooms feel, how they function, and how they support daily life all play […]
A Home That Heals: Designing Spaces for Family Well-Being Read More »
The Day My Child Taught Me Patience It started with a classic meltdown. Pajamas halfway on, teeth definitely not brushed, and a fierce declaration that bedtime was canceled forever. My first instinct was to match the storm frustration for frustration. But something stopped me. Maybe it was how tired his face looked behind the yelling,
Heartwarming Moments That Changed My Parenting Journey Forever Read More »
Why Movement Matters More Than Ever Movement isn’t just about burning calories it’s about clearing mental clutter and hitting reset. When families stay active, there’s a measurable shift: focus sharpens, sleep gets deeper, and irritability levels drop. Kids are more patient. Parents, less frazzled. You don’t need a gym; a brisk walk or a short
Family Fitness Fun: Easy Ways To Stay Active Together Read More »
When Holding It Together Felt Impossible There’s no playbook for parenting when life tips into chaos. One minute, you’ve got a rhythm meals planned, laundry folded, a bedtime routine that sort of, mostly works. Then something shifts. A health scare, work stress, emotional burnout. Suddenly, the routine you built your sanity on starts to crack.
Finding Strength In Chaos: My Journey Through Parenting Challenges Read More »
Set the Stage for Fun The first key to a solid game night? Lock in a day or night that sticks. Pick something realistic Friday after dinner, Sunday afternoons, whatever fits the rhythm of your lives. Consistency isn’t just convenient; it builds anticipation and makes game night feel like a real event, not just a
Game Night Magic: How To Create Unforgettable Family Evenings Read More »
Being Present Your attention is the most stabilizing force in your child’s world. Not your money, not your schedule, not even your words just you, fully there. When kids know they have your eyes, your ears, and your presence, they feel safer navigating everything else. And you don’t need to craft perfect moments. Folding laundry
Mindful Parenting: Simple Ways To Raise Happy And Resilient Kids Read More »
Start the Day With Presence Mornings can be messy school lunches, missing socks, coffee that’s gone cold. But under all that chaos sits a small window for meaningful connection. You don’t need a perfect morning routine. What matters more is whether you’re actually there in it. Real eye contact while zipping up a coat. A
10 Daily Parenting Habits That Build Stronger Family Bonds Read More »
Get Clear on What Joy Looks Like for Your Family First things first: joyful does not mean perfect. Think less polished Instagram grid and more lived in rhythm that actually works for your people. A joyful routine doesn’t mean zero meltdowns or always on smiles. It means your days feel grounded, doable, and most importantly
How To Create A Joyful Parenting Routine That Works For Your Family Read More »
Sleep Isn’t a Guarantee “Sleep when the baby sleeps” sounds nice in theory, but let’s be honest it rarely works that way. Sometimes the laundry needs folding. Sometimes your brain won’t shut off. Sometimes you just want a moment alone that doesn’t involve drool or a diaper. The exhaustion hits hard. It’s not just tired
Lessons I Learned The Hard Way As A First-Time Mom Read More »
Becoming a new mom brings a whirlwind of emotion. It may include pure joy, overwhelming fatigue, and a life that’s forever changed. According to ResearchGate, embarking on the journey of motherhood is not without its challenges. Mothers take on the heavy responsibility of caring for their children, frequently sidelining their own needs. While you
Self-Care Advice New Moms Should Never Overlook Read More »
Adult craft kits are a refreshing way to step away from screens and the constant demands of everyday life. Whether you are looking to relax after work or explore a new creative hobby, the right project can transform a simple evening at home into something calming and deeply satisfying. I have tested dozens of craft
5 Best Adult Craft Kits to Order for a Relaxing Creative Night in 2026 Read More »
