For Families, By Families: Keep It Real Initiative

“It almost felt like my pregnancy didn’t happen to other people…”

Mom Katie talks about her experience having her first child during the pandemic — both the difficulties and the silver linings.

“Empathy is so important. It brought my family closer together.”

Despite challenges during COVID quarantine, mom Maria and her family became stronger and more unified as they realized how important emotional well-being was for them all.

“Bring them around other peers, whether it’s going to the park or going to the library…”

Mom and behavior analyst Katie talks about COVID’s impact on young children and gives advice for parents whose children haven’t had much social interaction yet. Watch the video.

“That ended up being the best thing that worked for us.”

Janell talks about how she found child care during COVID-19 and gives some advice for new parents. Watch the video.

“I’m in the process of trying to work with Care 4 Kids…to get him in daycare”

New mom Mya talks about the routines in her life that have helped her go back to work with a 6-week-old at home and her hopes for day care programs in her son’s future.

“I think I’m still in the adjusting process.”

New mom Mya talks about how she’s adjusted to motherhood, taking things day-by-day—and some of the best parts of becoming a parent.

“[My doula and midwives] taught me how to do this journey in a mentally healthy way.”

What are the resources that make the biggest difference for parents? Watch mom Lauren talk about how working with her doula, midwives, and therapist to take care of her health changed her life. Watch the video.

“When you become a mother or a father, it’s very instinctive…”

Watch mom Mya talk about continuing to pursue her dreams to give herself and her boys a better life. Hear her advice for new parents and what it’s like raising two boys under the age of two. Watch the video.

Discussing Race with Your Child: “It was a nice way to begin the conversation.”

Chenae talks about her own experience coming from a mixed family — and how she used a PBS video to start a helpful discussion about race with her own daughter.

Discussing Race with Your Child: “I don’t want him to be afraid to live in this world.”

David worried about raising his new son in a country that makes it hard for Black men to succeed. While his son is still too young for “the talk” now, learn how David plans to approach it.