Amanda Hyslop RN, APN

Memory Battles and Father’s Love - Southern Marin Mothers Club

After my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I began to understand memory loss not only as a neurological disease, but as a family experience. This piece explores the science of Alzheimer’s alongside the humor, grief, and connection that continue to shape our relationship.

SMMC • 21st November 2024

Why Thanksgiving Is My Favorite Holiday: It’s All About Family, Food, and Low-Key Fun - Southern Marin Mothers Club

If you’re attending someone else’s Thanksgiving, it’s always nice to bring a thoughtful gift. Here are a few ideas:
For me, Thanksgiving will always be about the moments that make us feel connected to the ones we love—whether that’s running a race, having an impromptu family argument with a turkey mascot, or simply savoring good food with good company.
Happy Thanksgiving!

If you’re attending someone else’s Thanksgiving, it’s always nice to bring a thoughtful gift. Here are a few ideas:

For m...

The Mom Mindset - Southern Marin Mothers Club

Okay, let’s be honest. Being a mom is the hardest job in the world. Oh sure, athletes are celebrated for their lock in, be aggressive, stay hungry mentality. In business, the focus is high ownership, move quickly! Healthcare’s approach is data-driven, grounded in compassion and empathy. And in the world of education, it is all about Carol Dweck’s growth mindset- stretch, grow, and when you say you are not good at something, tack on the crucial word ‘yet’.

But folks, have we talked about th

Spring Cleaning: Clear Your Home and Your Mind - Southern Marin Mothers Club

SPRING CLEANING: CLEAR YOU HOME AND YOUR MIND

My son is what you might call a 'spreader.' He leaves a trail of belongings from the front door to the kitchen—shoes haphazardly discarded, socks by the couch, binder on the dining table, hoodie draped over a kitchen chair, and books strewn across the desk. I've come to realize he might have picked up this habit from me. Despite my best efforts to keep our home organized, it's a relentless endeavor. Some days I find joy in the process, while on othe

Adventures in Culinary Cuisine - Southern Marin Mothers Club

Last year, when I was approached to host a fundraising event for my children's school district I found myself grappling with hesitancy. These hesitations were not just about the practical aspects of event planning but also about stepping out of my comfort zone in community involvement and leadership. As someone who often prefers supporting roles, coordinating with the district fundraising team and rallying support from the community felt a bit overwhelming. Yet it also presented a unique opportu

Keeping the Flame Alive - Southern Marin Mothers Club

I am a little unsure if I have the expertise to be writing this because I am not a psychologist or a marital therapist. My experience stems solely from my years with my husband, fifteen of which have been shared alongside raising our children. We have had our ups and downs, a fair number of stresses ranging from moving states, changing jobs, children, and now dealing with aging parents. At the end of the day when the job and children duties are put to rest my husband finds his way to playing vid

Embracing the Crown Over the Cape: Setting Boundaries for a Healthier You - Southern Marin Mothers Club

EMBRACING THE CROWN OVER THE CAPE: SETTING BOUNDARIES FOR A HEALTHIER YOU

It's an undeniable reality that being a mother/caregiver means having a busy life. I don't know a single caregiver who isn't constantly on the move, from chauffeuring the kids to their activities, managing the family calendar, handling their jobs, and tackling the never-ending list of tasks. School communications, homework, and keeping the house clean are just added to the mix. It's a whirlwind, and honestly, if I hear on

The Power of Giving - Southern Marin Mothers' Club

Recently, while exploring my Waking Up Meditation App, I came across a fascinating idea that caught my attention - generativity. This term was introduced by the esteemed psychologist Erik Erikson. For those unfamiliar, Erik Erikson was a German-American developmental psychologist celebrated for his insights into the psychological development of human beings.

In Erikson's widely recognized theory, he presents a journey of eight distinct stages that every person travels through, from infancy

Championing Imagination in Our Children’s Lives and Our Own - Southern Marin Mothers' Club

CHAMPIONING IMAGINATION IN OUR CHILDREN’S LIVES AND OUR OWN

Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” In my household, this wasn't merely a quote fit for a fridge magnet — it was our family motto. Growing up, creativity was a family value. My dad was a solid-state physicist and assisted in engineering the gigabit. And my mother, she might've daydreamed about Hollywood, but she channeled that inner starlet into mommy mode and taught aerobics with flair. Our house was a

In Defense of the Ordinary Barbie - Southern Marin Mothers' Club

IN DEFENSE OF THE ORDINARY BARBIE

The sweet ease of summer - the sun-kissed days, the leisurely mornings, and the thrill of blockbuster movies. This season, my daughter and her exuberant friend led me on an adventure to the silver screen, where the larger-than-life spectacle of Barbie awaited us. This women-led blockbuster has made history at the global box office, grossing $1.03 billion -- and for good reason. Little did I know that behind the glitz and glamor lay a cinematic journey that w