Skimmâd while getting away, our way â Check out what we Skimmâd for you today May 13, 2023 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser](
[theSkimm Logo] Daily Skimm WEEKEND [Header Image]( [Together with the Ford Escape]( [ford]( Skimmâd while [getting away, our way]( âPurple inkâ â What Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) used to [sign a bill]( that renamed a stretch of state highway after Prince. Letâs go crazy. theSkimm With Sara Petersen [@amberfillerup](, [@ballerinafarm](, [@louisepentland]( â chances are, whether or not youâre a mom, youâve probably come across some of these momfluencers on IG or TikTok. And if youâve ever been curious about these seemingly picture-perfect moms, with their equally picture-perfect kids and houses, youâre not alone. Sara Petersen, mother of three and author of the new book â[Momfluenced](,â has spent nearly a decade studying their rise. Hereâs what she had to say about the standards momfluencers create. And why those standards exist in the first place⦠Q: How did the momfluencer industry become what it is today? Early on, there were âmommy bloggers.â And their blogs were rooted in personal essays that were often frank, snarky, profane â full of details that really unpacked the less rosy sides of mothering. Heather Armstrong [who, earlier this week, [died by suicide](] was one of them. She wrote openly about mental health struggles related to motherhood. So these early renditions of momfluencers were instrumental in starting conversations that might not have been so mainstream prior to that ... When everybody moved to Instagram, things became much more image-focused, because the platform is about aesthetics and communicating certain values through certain aesthetics ... Now, thereâs sponsored content and affiliate links ... I spoke to an expert who connects momfluencers with brands, and she described moms as the holy grail of consumer categories, because you can sell a mom almost anything if it is directly or indirectly tied to her fitness as a mother. Q: Why do people find momfluencers so captivating? Just like thereâs no one-size-fits-all momfluencer, thereâs not one universal reason people follow them. Mothers in this country are woefully unsupported systemically. They are expected to do everything and know everything about mothering â even if we really have no practical experience. And weâre expected to thrive as mothers: Weâre expected to do hours of unpaid labor with a smile on our face because weâre supposed to love motherhood if weâre âgood mothers.â Thatâs a difficult identity to contend with. I donât know any mother whoâs transitioned to motherhood without some sort of existential crisis. So much is expected of mothers and so little is given to enable them to succeed. It makes sense then that weâre all trying to find a better way to mother. And since weâre always on social media, weâre bound to find a momfluencer who speaks to our insecurities in some way. Q: There seems to be a growing number of relatable moms on social media. Is that a sign momfluencing is on the way out? I think thereâll always be money for someone who looks a certain way, has certain resources, and communicates certain ideals about motherhood. But I do think thereâs a growing faction thatâs tired of these narratives and wants to disrupt them. Especially now that more of us have the language to name our burnout. We know itâs not our individual failings thatâs making our lives difficult. Itâs the fact we donât have universal paid family leave. Itâs the fact we canât afford or find childcare. Itâs the fact we still do the majority of domestic work and carry most of the mental load ⦠So perusing these picture-perfect accounts that donât contextualize a momâs real life in 2023 stops being fun. Q: Many moms know what theyâre seeing on social media isnât realistic. Yet, they still feel guilt when their own lives donât mirror what they see. Whatâs your advice? Of course youâre feeling ashamed and insecure. Because through every step of bringing a child into the world and raising that child, mothers are both revered for doing the âhardest job in the worldâ and blamed for failing to meet expectations ⦠Weâre trained to see ourselves as deficient if weâre not succeeding at all times. One thing I found particularly freeing is digging into where these ideals of American motherhood come from â and most are rooted in racism, classism, and ableism ⦠Itâs empowering to know these ideals are not natural by any stretch. They were created by white men attempting to get free labor and uphold their own power. Also, we can all opt out of many facets of modern motherhood, like holiday cards. You donât have to do that. Psst, this interview has been edited for length and clarity. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=Author Sara Petersen breaks down all things momfluencers #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom) What's Happening ð In entertainment⦠The [Fab Five]( is back â and taking on the Big Easy. Other TV shows [making a comeback](? â[Never Have I Ever](â and â[The Bear](,â which will return next month. TBD if, like so many other shows, theyâll be caught in the [mid](. Not that thereâs anything wrong with that. Meanwhile, on the big screen, â[Beetlejuice](â is rising from the dead for a sequel. And there might also be a â[Freaky Friday 2](â starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. Plus, in music news: Beyoncé proved who run the world while kicking off her â[Renaissance](â tour. The Jonas Brothers are suckers for a [new album](. Dolly Parton will [rock and roll]( into a new genre later this year. And, no, [Taylor Swift]( isnât in her memoir era yet. Itâs [BTS](. --------------------------------------------------------------- ð In adulting⦠As things heat up outside, some singles are [swiping left]( on the whole dating app thing. While others are putting the [drinks date]( on ice. Meanwhile, if youâre worried about breaking your wedding budget, [eliminate custom merch](. We promise, no one will object. Speaking of saving money, more Gen Z couples are apparently [bunking]( with mom and dad. Because, rent money [doesnât take you far]( these days. Especially when you need a budget for [shrimp cocktail](. Oh and if you forgot about Motherâs Day, blame it on too much [multitasking](. But donât worry, thereâs still time to get a [last-minute gift](. Hereâs [one idea]( thatâs as sweet as her. --------------------------------------------------------------- ð¬ In science⦠Buckle up, because [Virgin Galacticâs commercial flights]( could take off in June. In other space news, the UK is knitting â yup, knitting â a [radar satellite](. An unusually shiny [mini-Neptune]( has astronomers doing a double take. And NASA is developing a [snake-like robot]( to search for life on a Saturn moon. (Hopefully itâs not easily rattled.) Plus, in the animal kingdom, thereâs a [new group of butterflies]( that everyoneâs Tolkien about. The Sacramento Zoo is going bananas over a [recent birth](. And researchers down under are [vaccinating koalas]( against a disease that causes some major issues, well, down under. Skimm Reads â[The Half Moon](â by Mary Beth Keaneâ¦Skimm fave author of â[Ask Again, Yes](â returns with another all-timer. This one follows a married couple over the course of one week (and two snowstorms). Malcolm, who owns a local bar, is struggling without his wife Jess, a lawyer, who has moved out. Through intricate storytelling, we learn about their failed attempts to conceive, the ways their lives have surprised them, and how they ended up where they are. This is a quick and impactful read that will stay with you long after you finish it. Skimm Picks Here are todayâs recs to help you live a smarter life⦠1. A VIP sale you wonât want to miss. [Saks OFF 5THâs Friends and Family]( is happening now through May 14. Start stocking up on summer wardrobe essentials (like heeled sandals, crochets, knits, and bold colors), and get 25% OFF your $150+ purchase.* [Run, donât walk](
--------------------------------------------------------------- 2. A thoughtful, last-minute gift idea for mom. PSA: Motherâs Day is tomorrow. If youâre still searching for the perfect present, weâve got your back. Literally. With a [Massage Envy gift card](, mom can choose a massage, facial, or stretch session. Thank us later.* [Get it](
--------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Products to help your kids get a little more sleep. From a sound machine to a baby monitor, we found [everything you need]( to help them drift off easily. Better sleep for them = more Zzz's for you. [Add to cart]( Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes [here](. Weekend Escape *Slams laptop shut until Monday.* We know the feeling. And weâve got some tips for escape. Curious about camping? There may be no better time to answer the call of the wild. Thatâs because spring tends to be cooler and more comfortable than summer. And campgrounds are likely to be less crowded before Memorial Day â which is important since camping has [gained lots of ground]( in the past few years, with millions of Americans trying it out for the first time. Whether youâre headed to a national park, a local campsite, or [your backyard](, camping doesnât have to be in-tents. Hereâs what you need to know to be a happier camper... - Pick a spot. Though some fill up quickly, government or state-owned parks are great options. To find one near you, check out the [National Park Serviceâs directory]( or [recreation.gov](. You could also consider [Kampgrounds of America](, which features a network of privately-owned campgrounds. Or, if you want something even more affordable and easy, you could head to your [backyard](. Even your [living room](. - Grab the [right gear](. Most important, make sure you have [the basics](. Meaning, a tent (ideally, one with [plenty of room](), a [sleeping bag]( (look for one labeled âthree-seasonâ), and [a lantern]( (for maximum light). Then [create a checklist]( for everything else, from extra supplies to extra clothes. Also, if you forget something or need more gear, many campsites offer rentals. - Make the most of the great outdoors. Once youâve finished setting up camp, the real fun begins. You may want to go birdwatching, hiking, or biking. Or, if youâre near water, consider fishing, paddleboarding, or tubing. At night, make sure to gather around the campfire for scary stories, and yes, [sâmores](. - Stay safe. For the most memorable camping experience â in a good way â itâs best to keep some [safety tips]( in mind: To avoid getting stuck in severe storms, check the weather forecast before you go and while youâre there. Itâs also important to [store your food properly](, so that you donât have any unexpected visitors (read: hungry wildlife). Plus, keep your campfire small and never leave it unattended. News Quiz Letâs see how well you kept up with the Daily Skimm this week. Which tech titan won gold and silver medals at their first jiu-jitsu tournament? A. Mark Zuckerberg B. Jeff Bezos C. Elon Musk D. Jack Dorsey Check back tomorrow for the answer. But if you just need to know, youâll find what youâre looking for [here](. Did you like this newsletter?
[Feedback Widget Thumbs Up]([Feedback Widget Thumbs Down]( Skimm'd by: Macy Alcido, Rasheeda Campbell, Melissa Goldberg, and Clem Robineau --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by Beacon Press, Winky Lewis, Scribner Books, Caia Image via Getty Images Design by theSkimm --------------------------------------------------------------- *PS: This is a sponsored post. Want to wake up with us every morning? [Subscribe to the Daily Skimm](. ---------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theSkimm.com Issues? [help@theSkimm.com](mailto:help@theskimm.com) [Advertise with us]( | [Careers]( [See our full sponsor agreement]( | [Update Your Preferences or Unsubscribe]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (c) 2023 theSkimm, All rights reserved. TheSkimm, Daily Skimm, and all Skimm-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of TheSkimm, Inc. 50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B, New York, NY 10010