In this week’s #MomLife column, Steph Hightree discusses her upbringing and how it shaped the person she is today. Being the oldest of six wasn’t easy but she survived, as did her Hanson CD. Well, mostly.
Steph Hightree
#MomLife columnist Steph Hightree laments over her daughter getting older, and what she’s doing to embrace this bittersweet time in a parent’s life.
#MomLife columnist Steph Hightree writes, “I love being a mother and a wife. I am happy to take care of my family. But I am also going to learn how to say no more often to allow for some me time.”
Watershed Voice columnist Steph Hightree writes about mental health and parenting in this week’s #MomLife.
Alek and Doug are joined by #MomLife columnist Steph Hightree, and Mark Quinn of Heart 2 Heart Autism Center to discuss the Three Rivers-based center and the services it provides. The quartet also talks about the importance of respite care, the stigma and misconceptions surrounding autism, and coping mechanisms for parents/caregivers of children who have autism and/or other cognitive disorders.
#MomLife columnist Steph Hightree writes about her son Nathan Hightree, who started sixth grade this fall, eight years after he was diagnosed as autistic, and Steph was told he would “never make it past the fifth grade” academically.
Steph is a hot mess, this is known. But it’s been a while since you’ve heard about it, and she kept receipts.
Spoiler: Disney made Steph cry.
WSV’s Steph Hightree writes, “I’ve worn many hats in my life: Daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, church board chairperson, PTO Secretary, PTO President, gymnastics mom, soccer mom, and the list goes on. But recently I have added another hat to my collection: Theater Mom.”
WSV’s Steph Hightree writes, “I promise you it will be OK. Do I expect you to feel better tomorrow? Not at all. But I do hope that you start to heal soon. You are not alone in this. Contrary to popular belief I used to be young and in love, and I have experienced heartbreak myself. I may not be an expert but I can help you navigate this new normal.”
“The famous New Year’s Eve ball has fallen in New York (and in Three Rivers), and it is now January 2022. Typically this is the time where people make New Year’s resolutions and use the phrase ‘New year, new me.’ Well, I’m here to tell you that this year I promise to be the same hot mess Steph you have come to know and love.”
#MomLife is a window that looks into all things motherhood and family. Steph Hightree published 22 columns in 2021 with plans for many more next year. Here are Steph’s Top 5 favorite columns.
Doug and Alek wanted to discuss all things holidays, and felt it was necessary to bring in an expert, so we called Mrs. Christmas herself, Steph Hightree. These three wise people discuss Steph’s lack of egg nog experience, ridiculous Hallmark Christmas movie plots, determining whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not (it certainly is), surviving Elf on the Shelf, and their favorite Christmas songs.
WSV’s Steph Hightree writes why her son won’t receive a PS4 from Santa this year or any other year, for that matter.
WSV’s Steph Hightree writes, “When did I make Christmas all about presents, and less about traditions and family time? I remember the first year I was a mother. I was so excited to buy Cadence gifts, even though she was only 3 months old at the time. She would never know what she was receiving. She wouldn’t even be able to open the gifts. But that wasn’t the point. I just loved the act of giving her things. And it has progressed every year since then. The gifts have become more elaborate, the quantity has increased, the price more expensive. But do they really appreciate the work that I put into this every year?”
WSV’s Steph Hightree writes, “Do you ever feel helpless as a mother? Like no matter how hard you try you just can’t ever get things right? You’re constantly a mess. Everyone in your family seems on edge. And you just can’t get your life together? Well, that’s how I’m feeling right now. And it’s not fun.”
WSV’s Steph Hightree writes, “Today I want to talk about teenage dating. How can something be so terrifying and exciting at the same time? Yes, Cadence, I know you’re going to kill me for writing about your dating life, but here we are (feel free to insert a shoulder shrug emoji right here). At this time I’d like to make the official announcement, Cadence has a boyfriend. There I said it.”
WSV’s Steph Hightree envisioned a much different Homecoming experience for her children than the one they chose but she’s OK with it. Mostly. But not really.