Jenny Berk

Jenny is a crass and pushy (read = sweet) native New Yorker who has always had a penchant for New England, after attending Brandeis for 4 years, but especially so after meeting her husband Barry, who also happened to live in Boston. After marrying, and creating 3 awesome daughters - ages, 11, 8 and 6 - she and her husband moved to Needham and love it there! Jenny is a Certified Eating Psychology Coach, Mindful Eating Instructor and Wellness blogger. She loves writing about how Mom's can navigate and prioritize their health and positive body image after having children. When she's not trying to figure out how the heck to parent a tween, She can be found blogging at the Huffington Post, (healthy living section) and on her site www.jennyedencoaching.com. Heck yes! - mindfulness, kettlebells, body acceptance, yoga, traveling the word and eating decadent and unctuous (vegetarian) food. No way, man! - arthritis at 40, allergies to anything, animal cruelty, waiting in line.
self-care - Boston Moms Blog

Self-Care Strategies for Stressed-Out Moms

Whenever I’m in a funk, I head for the forest. Forest bathing, or what the Japanese call shinrin yoku is the practice of simply being among the trees. Benefits include increased immunity, lowered stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and increased energy and vitality. But, most importantly, it changes the scenery, which sometimes is the best self-care of all. When my babies were little, just going outside changed the mood so quickly, with new smells and sights and stimulation. I could ward off a tantrum even on the streets of Cambridge.

hungry after dinner - Boston Moms

5 Reasons Your Kids Are Still Hungry an Hour After Dinner

There is often this odd hour or two after dinner, where it’s too late to start some sort of messy project but too early to start the bathtime and bedtime routines. It’s often an inflection point for the parents at that time as well, after they’ve devoted so much blood, sweat, and tears during the day. You may not actually be up for a third round of Candy Land or cards. But, food is the great equalizer — it gives us something to do, too, so it makes sense this might happen.

meal planning - Boston Moms Blog

Meal Planning Mama

For me, meal planning and prep have been an evolving process. As my family has grown and expanded and their palates and proclivities have varied, I’ve had to get creative about what I prepare for them.