Children’s author Stephanie Sorkin’s latest book,Am I a Unicorn?, is all about how kids (and adults and mythical creatures) can embrace their differences and on what makes them special on the inside. We’re pleased to discover that didn’t mean she found it too shallow to answer SheKnows’Momsessedquestions, which, after all, often have to do with taking care of what’s on the outside too.
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Well, as a mom of three teenage girls, Sorkin also knows that we also need those smaller comforts in life — from good snacks to the perfect lip gloss — to make us feel good on the inside too. And since her kids have food allergies (the subject of her bookNutley, the Nut-Free Squirrel), she’s very good at being a very choosy mom, too.
That’s all good news for us! It means that this list of Sorkin’s favorite mom things is well thought-out, and we’re pretty inclined to trust her on them.
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Stephanie's Parenting Essentials
The podcast I have on repeat
I loveThe Happiness Labwith Dr. Laurie Santos. The title says it all! It pushes me to dig deeper and really practice self-care, awareness, empathy and compassion, for both myself and others.
The books my kids are obsessed with
When my daughters were younger, they loved to readMadeline,Eloise,andMaisy。I think the books that you choose to read when you actually have a choice, says a lot about who you are. Now that they are older (13, 14, and 17), it’s interesting to see what they gravitate to. Right now they’re readingFive Feet Apart,The Invisible Thread,andPiecing Me Together。
What I’m currently reading myself
I just finished readingBefore We Were Yoursby Lisa Wingate. It was pretty disturbing, so I really needed something to lift me up! Right now, I’m readingUntamedby Glennon Doyle. I had heard so much about it and felt it was the perfect time to read it. On deck, I haveOn Her Own Ground, the Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker。
The snacks I always keep on hand for the kids
I always have snacks in my bag! It’s gotten to the point that my kids expect it. Right now, our favorites areUndercover snacks。They’re made of quinoa and chocolate and come in a bunch of different flavors. I also have a bag ofThat’s It Dark Chocolate & Fig Truffles。They have just a few, clean ingredients, and they’re high in fiber and iron yet totally satisfy our sweet tooths.
The beauty product that’s always in my bag
I’m never without lip gloss! I’m currently lovingFenty Beauty Lip Gloss Bomb in Fu$$y, which is a shimmering pink, andDior Addict Lip Maximizerin light pink. I also don’t leave home withoutMally Beauty Poreless Face Defender。I tried it years ago and I’m hooked.
The apps that make my life as a parent easier
Two of my kids have food allergies, so theSpokin food allergy appis my go-to source for restaurant and product reviews, recipes, as well as safe vacation recommendations. It’s incredible to have valuable information at my fingertips. It also gives me the opportunity to connect with other food allergy families.
The parenting accounts I love to follow
I followMoms Don’t Have Time to Read Books, which has a podcast also. It’s a great resource for busy moms who may not have the time to search for the perfect book. I also followMoms Behaving Badly。Total mom-joke humor, but it’s a fun account for a mental health break!
The non-screen activity that keeps my kids occupied for hours
We’ve all been playing a lot ofbackgammon。My kids have gotten really good, so the competition has been heating up. They recently started beating my husband. It’s a sweet moment to watch them play together!
The TV shows I actually enjoy watching with my kids
We LOVEEmily in Paris! We also recently binge-watched every season ofGossip Girl。我想我喜欢它超过我的孩子。
The kid-friendly music I don’t hate playing
There’s always music playing in my house. A lot of Broadway show tunes, Taylor Swift, and Harry Styles, mixed in with some rap and songs popular on TikTok. I’ve also gotten my kids into the classics from Britney Spears.
My favorite subscriptions for the kids (and me)
We subscribe toIpsy。My kids love that they get to try new makeup and skincare products every month. Some of the products are full size, some are samples. It’s like opening a present when it comes each month.
The skin-care and bath products my kids love to use
My girls love Laneige. Thelip sleeping maskis their favorite. They are also addicted toGoli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies。We loveFunction of Beauty Shampooand Conditioner. I love that it’s non-toxic and cruelty free, but also that it follows the European Guidelines, which ban way more additives than the FDA. I’ve noticed a big difference in their hair since they started using it.
How I keep my wardrobe on point
During the quarantine, it was all about comfort for me. I loved wearing sets fromNSF Clothing。They’re so cozy but nice enough to wear if I needed to run and errand or go to pick the kids up at school. I’ve recently been living inAGOLDE JeansandChrldr T-shirts。Also, my favorite wardrobe staple is myRetrofete puffed-sleeve denim jacket. It’s perfect over a T-shirt or sweats.
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