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Hidden Anxiety in High Achievers
The Perfect Mom Myth
Breaking the “Tough Boy” Mold
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COLLEGE PREP SERIES: THE “BEFORE YOU ARRIVE” SUMMER GUIDE It is finally time for the baby bird to fly the coop! Check this list for helpful tips on making the transition a success. 9 EMOTIONAL SUPPRESSION IN BOYS: IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING LANGUAGE Discover how little ones can benefit from being able to name their feelings and work through emotions— especially boys. 14 PERFECTION OR PRESSURE: RECOGNIZING ANXIETY IN HIGH-ACHIEVING STUDENTS The pressure is on, the expectations are high. Look into how success comes in many ways, academic and beyond. 16
what’s on the web GIFTS MOMS WILL LOVE Find a Mother’s Day gift as wonderful as she is.
AMAZING MEXICAN EATS Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with festive food.
18 THE “PERFECT” MOM
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH Check in on your kid’s well-being with simple questions.
You have seen her on social media, you have seen her all glammed up at school events, but did you realize you can also see her in the mirror?
BENEFITS OF BILINGUALITY Mom + owner of Little Minds, Angélica explains.
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Mama THE FILES
MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN
PUBLISHER EDITORIAL
AMANDA MILLER MANAGING EDITOR AMANDA CIANI MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN ASSOCIATE EDITORS ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN PRODUCTION MANAGER KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH
MCKINNA SPROLES GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MORGAN ESPENAN DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR SARAH MILLER MERCEDES MITCHELL SABRINA SMITH BREE WRAY CLIENT SUCCESS REPRESENTATIVES JILLIAN NORMAN PRODUCTION INTERN ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT ANTOINE COURTNEY KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES CAMILLE CAVIN MARKETING COORDINATOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS ROXANE VOORHIES COMMUNITY OUTREACH ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER LAURIE ACOSTA DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS GAYLE GAUTHREAUX DIRECTOR OF FINANCE ALEXIS ALEXANDER SENIOR EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR JENNIFER HOFFMANN KAYLEIGH MONTANA JILLIAN WRAY ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ELISABETH BARRETT CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC CORPORATE OFFICE (225) 292-0032 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816
Raising Teens, G rowing up these days really isn’t much different than when I grew up. Except now, everything is online, and there’s a digital footprint that follows you. Most of these kids don’t really understand the importance of keeping things offline. One wrong post and whatever future you had planned is gone—poof, up in smoke.
One Post at a Time
protect them from a world that feels louder than it used to. You want to trust them, while quietly worrying about the choices they’ll make when you’re not around. You sec- ond-guess how much to say, when to step in, and when to let them learn the hard way. Some days, it feels like you’re parenting in the dark—guiding them through something you never had to navigate yourself. It’s not just about protecting their future opportunities anymore. It’s about protecting their sense of self. Because when everything is public, it becomes harder to have private moments of growth—the kind where you mess up, learn, and move on. Without those moments, mistakes can start to feel permanent. So we talk. We remind. We worry a little. And we hope they learn to pause—to think—not just about what they’re posting, but how it might make them feel later. Because growing up hasn’t changed nearly as much as the stage it happens on—and right now, that stage never really turns off.
But maybe the bigger difference isn’t just what’s at stake—it’s the audience.
We made mistakes too—just without the audience.
Today’s kids are growing up in front of invisible crowds, where every moment can be shared, judged, liked, or ignored. And that kind of constant exposure doesn’t just shape their choices—it shapes how they feel about themselves. A post that doesn’t get enough attention can feel like rejection. A comment meant as a joke can linger. And the pressure to present a perfect, curated life? That’s a heavy weight for anyone, especially a child still figuring out who they are. And as a parent—especially one raising three teenagers—I can tell you, this phase of parenting is not for the faint of heart.
There’s a constant balancing act between giving them independence and wanting to
Amy L. Foreman Publisher
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Reach out to a friend about their mental health. Find more ways to help at SeizeTheAwkward.org
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from juggling being a mother, a spouse, and an individual, but with optimism, kindness, and strength, it is easily achievable to live a life that is fully fulfilling for not only the family, but myself.” -Jennifer H. “I maintain my unique individuality by seek- ing out opportunities to expand my interests and try new things. I’m always looking for new cities to explore. I love to try different foods and find new places to hike.” -Renee S. “I maintain my individuality by scheduling regular hangouts with friends.” -Brittany G. “To maintain my unique individuality I make an effort to connect with other women that I enjoy hanging out with. Sometimes it’s din- ner, a concert, a movie, a kid-free event.... Just something to remind us that we aren’t JUST someone’s Mom. (Although we absolutely adore that title.)” -Kelly M. “I keep my individuality by making time for things I love like the Bengals and going to the games or making time to see friends. I also make sure to plan at least one date night a month with my fiancé away from any kids so we get to focus just on us.” -Rachel P. “I stay unique by running a book club. I love reading and hanging out with my bookish friends. The set one day a month gives me something to look forward to, a day just for me and to see my friends.” -Ashley Z. “I join three friends for an hour every Tuesday evening for pilates. It’s a great way to feel good and get a little me time in.” -Elizabeth H. “I get my energy and joy from my children and amazing grandchildren. My husband of 45 years passed away from a rare form of cancer after only 6 months. We had so many plans for our future, but now I have to plan a new future.” -Rhonda F. “We keep a subscription to Playhouse in the Park and Cincinnati Symphony so that I can still enjoy the arts as a mom.” -Candice K.
Keeping Your Sparkle!
BY AMANDA CIANI PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
S he is the glue that holds the family She. is. MOM! And Mother’s Day is such a wonderful way to celebrate the woman who does it all, but it kind of got us thinking… Mommas, how do you maintain your unique individuality?! Do you have hobbies and interests? Do you dedicate time and energy to nourish friendships and relationships? How do you retain being more than mom? Remember: Keep your sparkle, ladies, and Happy Mother’s Day! together. A chef, nurse, cleaning crew, therapist, chauffeur and so much more. “My interests have kind of leaked into motherhood. So antiquing, sports, spooky stuff, music, nature, travel, amusement parks, trying new restaurants—I am fortunate to have cool kids who like what I like, haha! Beyond that, I enjoy watching ‘our’ shows with my husband once the kids go to bed, chatting with my parents, and I have some lovely mom-friends whose texts truly help keep me sane!” -Amanda C., associate editor of Cincinnati Family Magazine “I love reading books. My hobbies involve riding ATVs and swimming!” -Jessie B.
“I’m using my time and energy on family and friendships. I’m a new mom and it has really opened my eyes to how important it is to spend quality time with family making mem- ories and starting family traditions.” -Cheyenne S. “I make sure to spend time doing the things I love! If I know I’ll have a busy week, I’ll ded- icate time to hangout with my boyfriend or family and leave my phone far, far away. I love being outdoors so I can’t wait for the weather to warm up! I try to find concerts that I can attend with friends so I have something to look forward to, always. I’ve found that if I have something to look forward to, it gives me a little less stress than normal because I get excited about that and forget what I was worried about a few minutes prior.” -Jessica S. “Be sure that you set time aside for yourself for things that interest you specifically. These things should not be things related to your children or your spouse. It should be things that you have been deeply connected with or passionate about your entire life. For me, that is nature and wildlife preservation, so any chance that I get to be involved with that opportunity, I am all in! It is a delicate balance
8 MAY 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
COLLEGE PREP SERIES:
The “Before You Arrive” Summer Guide
BY MADELINE PISTORIOUS
I t’s a monumental day in every home family and friends follow—because in just a few short months, your child will be off at their chosen university, starting a whole new journey. when a college acceptance letter arrives. Squeals, happy tears, and phone calls to
ROOMMATE 101 Finding a roommate is one of the biggest parts of dorm living, and there’s no one “right” way to do it. Social media connection: Many students meet roommates through Facebook or Instagram groups created for their class year. Posting a short introduction with a photo and messaging back and forth with others can help find someone with similar habits and interests. Pre-existing relationship: Sometimes your child will room with a friend from home or a mutual connection. It’s important to still discuss routines and expectations, even with a familiar face. Matching services: Most colleges offer housing portals to match students based on lifestyle preferences. After answering questionnaires about habits and routines, students can message potential roommates and get to know them before move-in. Approach a roommate search with an open mind and curiosity! Dorm life may mean little privacy, but it’s an invaluable experience full of late-night conversations, small compro- mises, and often a friendship that lasts well beyond move-out day. The summer before college comes with its own set of milestones—valuable time with family, final moments with friends, and the excitement of what’s ahead. Encourage your child to have fun with the process. Preparation matters, but so does cherish- ing this in-between season before the next chapter begins!
rail, and extra-long phone charger Kitchen and bathroom basics: Mini fridge, microwave, electric kettle, mesh shower caddy, shower shoes Daily comfort items: Slippers, robe, towel wrap Cleaning made simple: Broom or Swiffer, handheld vacuum, disinfecting wipes, covered trash can SKIP WHAT THEY WON’T NEED • Bulky items like TVs, printers, vacuums, or clothing irons • Large furniture such as futons, couches, or non-foldable chairs • Too many clothes, pillows, and linens • Excess dishes, school supplies, or heavy decor • Candles, fragrance plug-ins, or other fire hazards • Hot plates, toasters, and coffee machines PLAN AHEAD Start simple: Less is more when decorating a dorm room. A few intentional pieces— artwork, bedding, and photos—can person- alize a space without overwhelming it. Use space wisely: Bed-lofting creates space for under-bed storage like drawers, shelving, or even a small seating area. Measure before buying: Look up dorm dimensions and plan the layout before pur- chasing larger items. Check guidelines: Review school rules for restricted items like extension cords or certain appliances. Coordinate with roommate: Decide ahead of time who will bring shared items like a fridge, rug, or storage pieces.
But that acceptance letter? It’s just the beginning.
The summer before college is when the preparation happens—figuring out what your child will pack, how they’ll organize a small living space, and who they’ll be sharing it with. It’s a transitional season, and a little planning now can make move-in day (and everything after) feel a lot smoother.
DORM ESSENTIALS TO BRING (AND WHAT TO SKIP)
Packing for a dorm is all about balance— bringing what your child will actually use while avoiding clutter in a small space. Dorm rooms fill up quickly, so skip anything that won’t be used regularly. Think practical, compact, and multi-use! BRING WHAT THEY’LL ACTUALLY USE Make sleep and downtime comfy: Mattress topper, backrest pillow or headboard, mini fan, sound machine Keep things organized: Under-bed storage drawers, hanging shoe racks, rolling utility cart, desk hutch, compact organizers Everyday must-haves: Air purifier, desk lamp, portable laundry bag, water filter pitcher, full-length mirror, mini safe Lofted bed add-ons: Bedside shelf, safety
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | MAY 2026 9
community
Date Night Idea: Flight Club Grown-ups! Get ready for an unconventional night out. Beyond a typical bar stop, Flight Club Cincinnati is located in the heart of downtown and offers guests a fun, experiential outing. Tech-enabled social darts make for a fun and interactive time for dates, post-work hangs, and meet-ups with friends. Ages 12–17 can also give social darts a try with an adult, but guests must be 21+ after 6 p.m., and must be 21+ all day on Saturdays. Flight Club has tons of tasty bites, and the new happy hour special, which is available on weekdays from 4–6 p.m., includes $2 off drinks and specials on rotating food offerings like pretzel bites, deviled eggs, fried pickles, and more. Book an oche and try out social darts at Flight Club Cincinnati for yourself by visiting flightclubdartsusa.com.
Y’alls Kick Off 26-27 Season
The Florence Y’alls season kicks off with a season opener on Thursday, May 7 versus the Evansville Otters. There are tons of exciting recurring home game happenings for each day of the week, including $2 Tuesdays ($2 tickets, hot dogs, small popcorn, 16 oz. sodas, and ice creams), Wrestlin’Wednesday with the Northern Wrestling Foundation, Thirsty Thursdays, Firework Fridays, Rockin’ Saturdays with pre- or post-game concerts, and Family Sundays are also Bark in the Park days where pups can come to the game and kids can run the bas- es after the game and grab post-game autographs, too! Plus, there are tons of promotions like Superhero night, Star Wars Night, Pirates & Princesses and so many more. Every home game at the Y’alls is full of fun. Grab your tickets, which start at only $12 each, at florenceyalls.com.
Little Minds Play & Learn Opens
Due to its booming popularity with parents and kids alike, the play area of Unataza Coffee in Dayton, Kentucky is expanding and relocating! Moving nearby (right behind Unataza), Little Minds - Play & Learn is a play-learn-cafe spot that offers more footage for littles to explore, more toys to play with, and more class offerings, too! Don’t worry, coffee lovers, you can still order something delicious from the full Unataza menu. This adorable spot is the perfect place for moms to connect and their littles to play and learn; there will be playdates, sensory classes, Spanish classes, parties, and private events offered at Little Minds. Stay in the know by following them on Instagram @little_mindsk.
New Conner Prairie Museum Opens!
The Museum Experience Center (MEC) at Conner Prairie is now open! So much more than a renovation, the reimagined space is perfect for curious kiddos and their families. The six signature areas were designed to foster learning and connection, and the exciting hands-on components encourage learning through play. The MEC also features elevators, stroller and wheelchair accessibility, a dedicated sensory room, and sensory kits, making the museum a wonderful experience for all! There is always lots to see and do at Conner Prairie, as it’s histori- cal experiences span more than 1,000 wooded acres in fabulous Fishers, Indiana. Visit conner- prairie.com for more information and to help plan a family trip to Conner Prairie soon.
10 MAY 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
Mermaids Return to Newport Aquarium
A touch of fantasy fin-filled whimsy is coming back to the tri-state! Newport Aquarium’s Mermaids will make a splash starting on May 23 through June 21. Families can watch as a mermaid swims side-by-side with her stingray bestie in Mermaid Cove or snap a pic over at Shark Ray Bay’s theater during an up-close mermaid meet and greet moment. The magic of flipping, bubble-kiss blowing, twirling mermaids is sure to be a memorable experience for kids of all ages! Mermaids at Newport Aquarium is included with GA tickets; grab yours today at newportaquarium.com.
Tessa the Giraffe is Pregnant!
Congratulations are in order for Tessa the Masai giraffe, who is pregnant with her fifth calf. Keepers were unsure if 19-year-old Tessa could still conceive, but an ultrasound confirmed the good news that Tessa and five- year-old Zeke are expectant parents. The calf, which will be a whopping 6-foot-tall bundle of joy upon birth, is due in October, and will join the group (called a tower!) at Giraffe Ridge shortly after. The giraffes’ habitat at the zoo will also be expanding! Plans for Giraffe Tower, a larger habitat which includes the historic elephant building and area surrounding it, will allow the giraffes a wider range to explore and immersive experiences for visitors, including more feedings and behind-the-scenes opportunities! Watch Tessa grow with a visit to Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden this spring! Visit cincinnatizoo.org for more details.
Selfie Cincy Opens
Get ready to strike a pose at the new location for the immer- sive art and content museum, Selfie Cincy! The product of SCPA graduate Amari Samya, this space encourages visitors to explore their own creativity through photography. A true playground with its holiday and seasonal themes, this desti- nation’s nine-plus rotating rooms are the perfect backdrop for super fun photos and reels. And on puppy Sundays, the family dog can join in on the selfie fun, too! Private parties available, for those looking to curate the perfect con- tent-worthy celebration. Visit selfiecincy.com for all the deets.
LaRosa’s Taphouse Now Open
Cincinnati pizza is synonymous with LaRosa’s! And this staple brand is growing based on com- munity needs with the opening of LaRosa’s Taphouse in Mt. Washington, Ohio’s former Blue Ash Brewing space. In addition to serving up family-recipe pizza, guests can enjoy: 14 big screen TVs, an outdoor beer garden with live music, a self-serve tap system offering a selection of Big Ash Brewing craft beers, an enclosed, dog-friendly four-season patio, and for families on-the-go, a drive-up pick-up window. Pay this new poppin’ pizza spot a visit at 5230 Beechmont Avenue, and if you want to browse the menu beforehand, get ready to get hungry and check out larosas.com.
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | MAY 2026 11
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Emotional Suppression in Boys: Importance of Teaching Language BY AMELIA ROESSLER
W e might see boys mask sadness with anger, internalize shame, and have more moments of acting out. They’re told to shake things off, don’t cry, be tough. And when the anger comes, people might say, “Oh, boys will be boys.” Dr. Alyssa Lucker, the medical director at Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center, says over time, boys are taught that it’s not appropriate to express emotion. While she says at base- line, boys and girls both have the ability to express and show emotions, she thinks boys aren’t taught emotional vocabulary when girls are. “If boys aren’t taught that emotional vocab- ulary, it’s hard for them to distinguish their feelings. They don’t know what’s going on,” says Dr. Lucker. “Maybe they’re feeling frustra- tion, or they can’t separate them out.” With no words to accurately express what they’re feeling, boys might turn to anger. Along with encompassing other emotions, anger gives a sense of protection for boys afraid to show vulnerability, Dr. Lucker explains.
trum, or an outburst, or aggression is the first step. Look at what came before the behav- ior, and then what was the consequence or outcome of that behavior. Maybe a child was trying to express they were hungry and didn’t have the words, but they knew that throwing a tantrum gets a parent’s attention and gets their needs met. “There’s always a reason for why someone is acting, the way they’re acting,” she explains. Without the proper language, boys might present irritable, shut down, act out, or aggressive. Dr. Lucker believes emotional suppression also involves how the parents were raised. If parents don’t feel comfortable talking about emotions because they never talked about them growing up, it’s unlikely they’ll be comfortable talking about it with their kids. While Dr. Lucker says emotional suppression is seen more in boys than girls, she turns to language to see signs of emotional suppres- sion. Through observation, parents can label what they see—say a boy getting mad and throwing toys—and acknowledge to the boy that they looked upset and ask if they were feeling angry or embarrassed or hurt.
know what embarrass means,’ and then it’s explaining to them that it means this,” explains Dr. Lucker. Dr. Lucker says trying to vocalize what you see may look different with a two-year-old than a five-year-old, but starting to have conversations with two-year-olds who are developing the language and giving them the dialogue to help them with words is very beneficial with emotional growth. SCHOOL AND SOCIAL MEDIA Learning how to express emotions doesn’t just come from the home. School and social media can also play a role in teaching chil- dren, and boys, what’s right and wrong when it comes to expressing emotions. While not every child is exposed to the extremes of, say, toxic masculinity or heroic masculinity, social media and school can make it difficult for boys to navigate how they should be acting. Dr. Lucker gives the example of being at recess—if a peer throws a tantrum, gets angry and aggressive, but then gets the ball, it’s easy for a boy to identify, “When Timmy is aggressive, he gets the ball. Every day I notice Timmy gets the ball, so I’m going to act this way because if Timmy gets the ball, I want the ball.”
UNDERSTANDING WHAT’S DRIVING IT Trying to understand what is driving a tan-
“Giving them words, and maybe it’s a ‘I don’t
14 MAY 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
Footer Davis Probably Is Crazy by Susan Vaught: A story addressing mental health, specifically anxiety. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: Covers mental health issues, trauma, and adolescence. Meh by Deborah Malcolm: Discusses depression Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) by Keith Negley: Helps young boys understand that they can express emotions. Cory Stories: A Kid’s Book About Living With ADHD by Jeanne Kraus: In short statements and vignettes, Cory describes what it’s like to have ADHD. What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner: A self-help workbook guides children and parents through the cogni- tive-behavioral techniques most often used in the treatment of anxiety. Finding Perfect by Elly Swartz: 12-year-old Molly Nathan struggles with undiagnosed OCD as she navigates middle school friendships. Don’t Call Me Crazy by Kelly Jensen: An anthology that opens conversation on mental health. Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro: Covers anxi- ety and panic attacks.
A way to use social media for learning good emotional and social communication is FaceTime. She says a lot of research around FaceTime shows it being an effective tool for social emotional learning when kids interact with a loved one. They can see their actions, their reactions, and they can hear words. While they can get that from mom and dad, they can also get through the app. WAYS TO HELP Teaching language, modeling behavior, and understanding why a child is acting the way they are is a great way to start helping boys learn to express their emotions. Re- sponding to a feeling without endorsing the behavior is also a way to help grow language. “I can see you’re really upset. I’m not going to let you hit me, and I want to understand what happened.” To help a child learn language, especially emotional language, Dr. Lucker says it’s important to have parents mirror things such as talking about feelings or working through feelings. “It’s okay for a parent to cry in front of their child,” Dr. Lucker emphasizes. “If their child sees that their parent is crying, this creates an opportunity to talk about it.”
Dr. Lucker. It is okay to model feelings and emotions. She explains that you can model strength and vulnerability at the same time, and they can coexist together. If a boy is older, say elementary, middle, and high school, and a parent is still noticing patterns of irritability, disrupted relationships at home, at school, they can’t hold a friend, they’re withdrawn—that’s when Dr. Lucker says it might be time to consider going to see a therapist. A lot of times, irritability, lashing out, and anxiety can be driven by underlying mental health diagnoses. “Especially ADHD oftentimes really comes out in middle school because in elementary school, they’re the class clown, they’re hyper, but they can kind of get through it. In middle school, when the academics are more de- manding, that’s when really specific learning disorders are becoming more apparent. That’s when we’re figuring out maybe this is the underlying factor of what’s driving that avoidance, that anxiety, or that irritability,” says Dr. Lucker. 10 BOOKS TO START THE CONVERSATION Superpowered: Transform Anxiety into Courage, Confidence, and Resilience by Dr. Renee Jain & Dr. Shefali Tsabary: A non-fiction guide for dealing with anxiety.
Boys need to see adults handling sadness and disappointment without shame, says
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | MAY 2026 15
Perfection or Pressure?
Recognizing Anxiety in High-Achieving Kids
BY JULIANNA STEEN
I was the child that never made a B from Kindergarten through grad school. I can still recall moments of pure panic after receiving a less-than-stellar grade, the deep-seated fear that I wouldn’t be perfect. Which is, in fact, a hilarious notion—because as Hannah Montana once so aptly put it, “No- body’s perfect… Everybody makes mistakes.” Nonetheless, this desire for perfection drove my every action, both academically and per- sonally, motivating me to achieve “success.” It wasn’t until my “perfect little plan” for my life went slightly awry that it truly began to sink in that I’m not in control and that this idea of reaching “perfection” is unattainable. Turns out, I’m not alone in this—today’s students are facing more pressure than ever. THE PRESSURE’S ON The thing about perfectionism is that the pressure stems not just from sources like parents and teachers, but from inside yourself. Sure, my parents encouraged me to study and do my best, but they weren’t harsh taskmasters, waiting to punish me when I messed up. I was the one to put the pressure on myself and berate myself endlessly for not doing enough, not being talented or smart enough, etc. Unfortunately, this internal pres- sure is only rising as factors like technology and social media come into play. In a study that analyzed long-term changes in perfectionism in college students between 1989 and 2017, researchers found a 33 percent increase in the drive for perfection. This was “more than double the 10 percent increase seen in self-oriented perfectionism and the 16 percent rise in other-oriented perfectionism.” Across a similar timeline, we have watched the percentage of ado-
lescents experiencing mental health issues skyrocket—and it’s not a coincidence. WHY PERFECTIONISM IS HARMFUL The issue is, society condones, even encour- ages, perfectionism. Social media perpet- uates a “perfect image” with no room for error—only the best of the best “make it” in life (and into elite colleges), so kids must scramble for resumé-builders. I mean, have you seen these kids’ schedules these days? Between club sports, tutoring, school clubs, AP classes, and resumé-padding activities, they hardly have time to inhale food before jumping into the next thing. That in and of itself is an issue. Additionally, “Maladaptive perfectionism can lead to sleep problems, attention issues, procrastination, exhaustion, and poor mental health,” according to an article on Psycholo- gy Today. Chronic psychological stress puts physical strain on the body, and there’s no questioning the anxiety that comes with all that pressure to perform to the highest stan- dard. For many, the weight becomes unbear- able, leading to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and more. Perfectionism can also lead to avoidance and isolation. EXPECTATIONS CRUSH It’s okay—important, even—to have high expectations for your child, but it’s tough to determine when you’ve gone too far. In Jennifer Wallace’s book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It, she shares results of countless interviews with parents, as well as her own struggles regarding how to maintain healthy expectations of excellence without crushing your kids. “When you live
in a community of high achievers with strict definitions of success, when friends are com- peting for the same leadership positions, for the same teams, for the same acceptances to increasingly exclusive colleges, you grow up in an environment of outsized expectations,” she writes. The pressure to stand out, the pressure to fit in, the pressure to be the best in everything you do… it’s exhausting. Don’t hear what I’m not saying: You don’t need to make your kid quit the sport they love and let them drop out of school to play video games all day—there are many benefits to recreational activities and moving your body. You should consider, however, evaluating your expecta- tions and adjusting them where needed. REDEFINING SUCCESS Whether you’re conscious of it or not, the American dream is deeply saturated in all of us. After all, what parent doesn’t want their child to be “successful”? What parent wants their child to grow up and experience financial instability or a lack of happiness? So instinctively, you push your child to do more and be better. But here’s the kicker: Happiness and success are not one and the same. In a national study of parents in 2020, Wallace shares that 73 percent agreed that it’s a common conception that getting into a selective college is one of the most import- ant ingredients to later-life happiness. After all, it feels good to see your child do well. In the same survey, 83 percent of parents also agreed that their child’s academic success re- flected their parenting. No wonder you push for just a little more!
DISCOVERING SELF-WORTH
16 MAY 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
OUTSIDE OF ACHIEVEMENTS There’s this exhilarating high I’m always chas- ing, the feeling of being “the best.” But you know what? It doesn’t last, and it rarely feels as satisfying as I thought it would. I had an eight month gap in between undergrad and grad school, and let me tell you: It was one of the hardest seasons of my life. For the first time ever, I couldn’t claim the label “student” that I’d proudly worn my whole life, and it rocked my world. My little achiever self didn’t know how to assess my personal worth: At best, I was a once-a-week babysitter. In the early stages of that season, I had a mentor share this profoundly simple statement that blew my mind: “God defines success differently than you do.”Whether you’re a follower of Jesus or not, basing your identity and personal value on the measure of your accomplishments will only lead to discouragement and frustration, if not burnout and depression. Moreover, if us adults are prone to it, how much more likely are our kids to base their identity on the emo- tional roller coaster of a good grade or final score? Manhattan Psychotherapy suggests “Instead of aiming for 100 percent perfection, strive for 70 percent excellence and let the other 30 percent go.”
“Shame is the voice of perfection,” Brené Brown declares in I Thought It Was Just Me. Brown’s book poses three challenging, convicting questions about expectations you place on yourself (and your kids, I will add) that I dare you to answer: • Is this realistic? • What happens if people don’t perceive me (or my kid) this way? • Where did this expectation/perception come from? • Who benefits from this expectation? You’ll be surprised to discover so much of the pressure you put on yourself and your kids is rooted in shame that is perpetrated by billion-dollar industries. HOW TO HEAL In The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting, Brown states, “It’s actually our ability to embrace imperfection that will help us teach our chil- dren to have the courage to be authentic, the compassion to love themselves and others, and the sense of connection that gives true purpose and meaning to life.” Every kid is dif- ferent, which also means that their emotional processing and perfectionist tendencies will likely be different as well. Nevertheless, there are many awesome tools out there that can help you better understand your child, from personality tests like the Enneagram (hello, type 1 Perfectionists and type 3 Achievers) and Myers-Briggs to parenting books. (But
don’t turn tools into your own perfect little checklist to accomplish!) Therapy can also be extremely helpful for your child to have a safe place to work through their emotions. TIPS TO OVERCOMING • Define success as your child doing their best, no matter the outcome. • Teach them to view failures as stepping stones and opportunities to grow. • Give grace to yourself and your kids. Kids don’t do what you say—they do what they see you do. • Have open, honest conversations about your mistakes (and theirs). • Affirm your love verbally and remind them their worth isn’t based on what they achieve. • Teach your kids “You matter” by spending time with them. • Explain your expectations and set reason- able goals. (Clarity is kindness.) • Step away from the resumé-builders. • Limit your kids to a handful of activities so they don’t run themselves (and you!) into the ground. • Practice self-compassion. • Celebrate the little things and be quick to praise. • Comparison is the thief of joy—and social media only shows the highlight reels. Your kid may need to step away from social media in some capacity.
EXPOSE THE ROOTS OF YOUR EXPECTATIONS
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HIGH-FUNCTIONING, LOW-WELLBEING:
THE MOMS WHO LOOK FINE BUT AREN’T BY AMANDA CIANI PHOTO BY UNSPLASH.COM
S crolling through social media, full face of makeup, simply sneezing out her baby. Later footage reveals the new mama being rolled out of the hospital with her new bundle of joy and what… a magically, perfectly flat stomach?! In everyday life, you may find a version of this mom wearing cute athleisure sets, jetting from this practice to the next with her kids (always managing to be on time, too!), and packing healthy snacks. She also somehow manages to show up to every class party, field trip, and volunteer for all of the school events. How does she do it?! In all honesty, it is really easy to get swept up in the hype of the perfect mom persona and feel “less than.” Despite the facade that some people really do have it all, it is so important for moms to know that perfect does not exist and that if you’re doing your best, you are the best. it doesn’t take long to find an influencer in an L&D unit with styled hair and a TOXIC COMPARISONS But do we believe we are the best? Even the most “with-it,”“perfect” mom is most likely comparing herself to someone who she feels is somehow doing an even better job of jug- gling it all than her! Author of RESTLESS: How to Stop Living An If-Only Life, Kristen Mosier, LMFT, explains, “Through social media, we’re exposed to a constant stream of prompts urging us toward self-betterment, whether it’s aimed at our appearance, our health, or our parenting.” She adds, “We make compari- sons based on finances, social engagements, relationship status, travel, personal qualities, physical attributes, and more.” She concludes, “There’s always a better, more correct, or more effective way to parent… we can never
quite keep up.” Even those we deem “the best” are comparing themselves to someone they believe is doing it better. And those moms who appear to be high-functioning may be low on well-being! It is toxic, relent- less, and tiring. THE MIRAGE Moms who project perfection do exist. We’ve all seen them. But the truth is that we are mere observers of anyone’s life that is not our own. Mosier elaborates, “Social media puts our lives on display for the world and offers us increasingly unrealistic standards of comparison as influencers edit, filter, and curate their way to a ‘perfect’ life.”To clarify: The perfect mom you see on social media doesn’t really exist all of the time, and you are only seeing a very small percentage of that perfect neighborhood mom’s life. Just because a mom appears to have it all, doesn’t mean she really does, and furthermore, it doesn’t mean she feels like she has it all, either. That mom may be smiling during the car line and burst into tears on the drive home. She is probably down right exhausted because… aren’t we all? THE REALITY Yes, being a mom is hard (and rewarding!) work. While there are some obvious physi- cal factors like lugging diaper bags around, getting the stroller into the back of the van, and having a child on your hip, the invisi- ble mental load of being everyone’s go-to person for everything—and the keeper of all dates and appointments—can be even more exhausting! So while the “with-it” mom may appear energized, glamorous, and “Best Mom” award-worthy, try not to compare the
camera-ready, tiny snippets of a 24-hour day you see with your everyday mundane.
“If she appears to have it together, no one will see her as weak, needy, or ungrateful for the life she worked hard to build,” notes Mosier, “Yet, two things can be true. We can be grate- ful for what we have and still feel restless, overwhelmed, or even despairing at times.” The reality is that at the end of the night, being the chef, chauffeur, nurse, therapist, secretary, etc. is tiring; and when our heads hit the pillow, we still manage to make time to worry if we are doing enough to be the best mom, wife, worker, friend, etc. BREAKING THE CYCLE It takes a village, as they say, and friends become the family we choose. A support network that is also in the thick of parent- hood can help forge a community in which to gain support and maybe do a little venting, too. Mosier echoes, “Having other moms to commiserate with isn’t just fun, it’s integral. It helps us normalize the extreme range of emotions so common to parenting, lets us laugh and cry about it together. And when we share our struggles, it gives other moms permission to do the same.” Realizing we are all conductors of our own little hot mess express trains is truly a thing of beauty. But sometimes the pressure to keep up can be overwhelming. With mental health awareness being commonplace, it is reassuring to know that it is okay to ask for help, too. Whether you are a mom trying to be perfect, or a mom who thinks she’s not doing enough, at the end of the day, parenting is messy for all of us, even for the moms who avoid the
18 MAY 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
topic and share only the good stuff. Moth- erhood is full of unglamorous, unavoidable experiences that cross every divide we may possess. Consider this: If you ever feel a shred of jealousy looking at a snap of that picture-perfect family, every baby is a ticking time bomb—it only takes one little half-smile and a tiny grunt for a blown-out diaper up the back to retire a super cute outfit for good. And every toddler is one “this ketchup is too spicy” away from a tantrum. And our teen- agers all find their snark during puberty. So, log off of social media for a bit, spend some time with fellow messy-moms, live your life honestly, and just know that children don’t need perfection—they just need a mom who is present, loving, and you. 8 TIPS FOR BETTER WELLBEING Talk to yourself like you would a friend. You would never let a gal pal think poorly of herself. Be your own hype woman, focus on what you are doing right, and when you need it, give yourself a little grace. Unplug. Stop scrolling, and put your phone down for a little while. Constant scrolling can be a catalyst for a toxic comparison spiral. Tough Grass. Get a breath of fresh air outside, and move your body. Playing a simple game of tag with the family is a good mental re-set button. Become okay with just okay. Remind yourself not everything has to be done perfectly, sometimes it just has to get done. And if we are being real, sometimes it doesn’t even have to get done right now— so many “urgent” tasks can actually just wait til later. Find your people. Having a few friends to vent to, comiserate with, and laugh with is truly therapeautic. Even casual relationships with your kid’s friends moms can really be benefitial—they are in the same phase of life with you, afterall. Make time for you. A lavish spa day may or may not be realistic for you. But being mindful about hydrat- ing, getting sleep, and doing something small each day to feel like you seems like a reasonable task. Whether that means reading a book, slathering on a face mask, or eaint a latenight scoop of ice cream, something is better than nothing! Accept Help. No one needs to do life alone. If someone offers help, don’t feel guilty accepting it. Carpooling, baby sitting, meal prep, house cleaning, etc. can all free up your time and lighten your mental load. Seek Help. If you ever feel overwhelmed with negative thoughts, reach out to a loved one and look into chatting with a professional. Feeling like a bad mom shouldn’t be state of existence.
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Things to Do MAY
Zoo Babies 1
Bring your littles to meet the zoo babies all month long, including the wildly adorable Western Lowland Gorilla Mboka Jo! Be sure to also follow along on social media for updates on the newest additions: some irre- sistibly cute stinkers—Lily the skunk recently gave birth to 6 adorable kits. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, May 1-31. Included with general admission. cincinnatizoo.org
Photo by Michelle Peters
20 MAY 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
2 Get ready to garden! Families can browse this sale and stock up on herbs, native perennials, flowering trees, and shrubs. Cincinnati Nature Center, May 1-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. included with admission, plants priced as marked. cincynature.org Spring Native Plant Sale
This breathtaking production follows a young man on the adventure of a lifetime where he travels with the circus, and finds love! Seen through the eyes of his older self, his journey serves as a reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin at any age. Aronoff Center, May 1-3. $48.50+. cincinnatiarts.org Water for Elephants 3
5 Pollinator Fest & 5K
4 360 All Stars
Get ready for a high-energy, international “urban circus”that is sure to wow the family. The fun includes BMX bikers, basketball freestyle, breakdancing, acropatics, and awesome live music, too. May 7 at 7:30 p.m. $23+. cincinnatiarts.org
Celebrate pollinators with a family run, immersive exhibits, vendor shopping, butterfly garden and live music, too. Miami Whitewater Forest, May 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. greatparks.org
HEADS UP!
Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information.
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | MAY 2026 21
7 Suffs 8 Toast to spring with this
Find inspiration in this musical about the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tireleslly for the right to vote. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Aronoff Center, May 12-17. $40+. cincinnatiarts.org
annual weekend of live music, drinks, fabulous food, maypole dancing, and lots of German heritage. Goebel Park, May 15-17. Free admission. braxtonbewing.com Maifest
Paw Patrol Live! 9 “A Mighty Adventure” is com- ing to Cincy as Paw Patrol rolls into town for a paw-some street party…until supervil- lain scientist Victoria Vance crashes the fun! Join Ryder and his crew for an energetic live show full of paw-sitivity and teamwork. Heritage Bank Center, May 16-17. $55+. pawpatrollive.com
6 Florence Y’alls It is opening day in Florence! Venture to the stadium for a
brand-new season of first pitches, fresh traditions, and so much fun for families. Thomas More Stadium, May 12 at 6:52 p.m. Tickets start at only $3! florenceyalls.com
Jurassic Park by Brickman An adventure 6 million LEGO bricks in the making! Families can explore more than 50 massive dinosaurs and scenes from the be- loved film Jurassic World, and test their own building skills, too. Cincinnati Museum Center, opens May 22. $9.50+. cincymuseum.org 10
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WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Based on the bestselling novel, this Broadway musical tells the story of a young man who joins a traveling circus and discovers adventure, love, and unexpected family along the way. Aronoff Cen- ter, 7:30 p.m., show runs through May 3. $48.50+.
cincinnati.broadway.com ZOO BABIES PRESENTED BY GENERAL ELECTRIC CREDIT UNION
Check out the zoo’s babies from the class of ‘26! Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., event runs through the month of May. $7-27, free for members. cincinnatizoo.org sat 2
Kentucky Barrells vs. Nashville Kats
to do today
ART ON THE RISE: WOMEN IN ART Venture to the Art Climb
CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS
speare Company, 7:30 p.m., show runs through May 3. $14-78. cincyshakes.com THE PIANO LESSON August Wilson’s powerful drama explores family legacy, identity, and history through a treasured heirloom piano. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 7:30 p.m., show runs through May 3. $35-95. cincyplay.com SPRING NATIVE PLANT SALE Shop a wide selection of herbs, native plants, trees, and shrubs to enhance your garden and support local wildlife habitats. Cincinnati Nature Center, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., sale runs through May 17. Free-$12. cincynature.org STORYTIME ON THE FARM This weekly storytime will put the spotlight on a new nature story, followed by activities based on the week’s book! Winton Woods, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. greatparks.org SUPER SPROUTS GARDEN CLUB Kids can spend Fridays in the garden making discoveries and playing. Glenwood Gardens, 10:30 a.m. $7. greatparks.org TREASURES FROM THE ATTIC: 250 YEARS OF FASHION & FURNITURE Explore how everyday objects reveal stories of craftsmanship, culture, and daily life across two and a half centuries. Behring- er-Crawford Museum, through August 9, 2026, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5-9. bcmuseum.org
fri 1 THE ADVENTURES OF ALVIN SPUTNIK: DEEP SEA EXPLORER A multi-award-winning, one-man puppet show blends multimedia and storytelling in a moving tale of love and survival in a post-apoca- lyptic world. Aronoff Center, 7 p.m., additional showtimes on May 2. $25. cincinnatiarts.org CCM PREP: SPRING YOUTH BALLET The CCM Youth Ballet Companies showcase accomplished students and adults performing traditional and contemporary works, includ- ing pieces choreographed by graduating seniors. Patricia Corbett Theater, University of Cincinnati, May 1 or 2, 7:30 p.m. $10-19.50. ccm.uc.edu CINCINNATI OPERA IN CONCERT Enjoy a relaxed outdoor perfor- mance featuring opera classics alongside Broadway, jazz, and more—perfect for a picnic or fami- ly outing. Summit Park, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. summitparkblueash.com
for art-making activities, live music and more. Cincinnati Art Museum, 1-5 p.m. Free. cincinnatiartmuseum.org ARTISANFEST 513 Browse handmade goods and support local artists at this out- door artisan market. Washington Park, 10 a.m. Free.
Experience iconic music from Star Wars performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Arrive early for fun out-of-this- world activities like Lightsaber Training, Star Wars trivia, photos with cosplayers, and more. Cincinnati Music Hall, May 1 or 2, 7:30 p.m., May 3 at 2 p.m. $32-129. cincinnatiarts.org FLYING PIG MARATHON WEEKEND It’s a Cincinnati tradition! With races for littles, pets, and a full marathon, the Flying Pig is fun for the whole family. It really is more than a race, it is a party! Cincinnati, OH & Covington, KY, May 1-3; See website for registration details and pricing. flyingpigmarathon.com FULL MOON WALKS: AT LONG BRANCH FARM & TRAILS Take a guided nighttime hike under the full moon, with natural history insights and a relaxed 1- to 1.5-mile walk. Long Branch Farm & Trails, 9-10:30 p.m. $10-18. cincynature.org MAYFEST: THE FLOWER MOON Celebrate the Flower Moon with live music, games, and stargaz- ing led by Dean Regas in a fun, family-friendly setting. Alms Park, 6-9:30 p.m. Free. cincinnati-oh.gov PERICLES A staging of Shakespeare’s epic tale of adventure, love, and redemption. Cincinnati Shake-
washingtonpark.org HISPANIC CULTURAL CELEBRATION
This vibrant evening will feature live music with Mambo Combo, dance performances by Mambo Combo and so much more! Summit Park, 5-8 p.m. Free. summitparkblueash.com KNEE HIGH NATURALISTS Preschoolers ages 3-5 can explore nature through stories, crafts, and outdoor adventures followed by playtime. Shor Park, 10-11 a.m. Free. clermontparks.org FAIRY HOMES & FLOWER CRAFTS Create imaginative fairy homes using natural materials in this fun, hands-on outdoor activity. Woodland Mound, 10-11 a.m. Free. greatparks.org PUNCHLINES & POPCORN Relax with an outdoor movie screening of Clue in a casual park setting, perfect for a spring eve- ning. Washington Park, 7 p.m. Free. washingtonpark.org ROLY-POLY RACES Learn all about pill bugs! Track
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