As a mother of two, one Gen Z and one Gen Alpha, I am balancing motherhood with a very full professional life. I lead a business serving clients in 12 countries, I am completing my master's degree, I travel regularly for global keynote speaking, and I also hold volunteer leadership roled within an association I am part of. One practice I follow is taking one-on-one "yes trips" with each of my children. I let them choose the activities and shape our time together, which creates deeper connection and gives them my undivided attention. A second is what I call stacking. For example, when I drive my children to sports practices, I use that window for my own self-care, like going to the gym, instead of defaulting to more work or wasting time. A third is keeping a short list of non-negotiables. Because I travel often, I am not present for every day-to-day moment. Still, there are milestone events in my children's lives, like dance competitions, recitals, and other moments that matter deeply to them, that I simply do not miss. These are my non-negotiables. Sometimes that requires difficult tradeoffs, complicated travel, or saying no to meaningful professional opportunities, but to me it's a sacrifice worth making because I need to ensure that my children feel deeply seen even within my very ambitious professional life.
1. Many days I feel overwhelmed trying to mother my five children while also running a business that supports moms like me. Like many parents, I feel like I'm juggling a never-ending to-do list - trying to keep up with work while making sure my kids are fed, active, learning, and cared for. Daily stress can feel heavier when the baby isn't sleeping, the kids are fighting, or you're navigating illness or developmental concerns. We had three kids under three when our daughter Aviva was weathering multiple hospitalizations for an undiagnosed illness. Managing the stress and anxieties around her health while running a company and navigating the uncertainty of COVID-19 was exceptionally difficult. It felt like the world was going to collapse on our shoulders, and we had little guidance or support. My husband and I realized there had to be a better way, so we created Avocado Health. We wanted to make sure other parents never felt so alone. By providing quick, trustworthy answers to parenting and health questions, Avocado Health helps parents get the information they need, when they need it. Now, when I'm overwhelmed by a massive tantrum, worried about a baby's wheezing, or unsure how to handle it all, I can turn to Avocado Health. With trusted 24/7 answers, weekly parenting workshops, and 1:1 coaching, it provides not only guidance, but a community of parents who truly understand and support one another. 2. I've learned to prioritize self-care by making time each day to pause and breathe. On advice from Avocado Health, I block off 2-2:15pm on my calendar to lie down, close my eyes, and listen to calming sounds. It's a moment to disconnect from the demands of motherhood and running a business. Afterwards, I make a cup of green tea so I feel rested and ready for the second half of the day. Before picking up my kids, I take a few minutes to listen to meditation music to help me shift out of work mode so I can be fully present as a mom. These small rituals help me show up more focused both as a parent and as a co-founder. I try to help other mothers find the strategies that work for them so they can feel calmer, more confident, and supported. I know how challenging it can be to navigate the highs and lows of motherhood alongside demanding responsibilities. I hope to create a place where parents can find the guidance they need every day. Cristina Bernardo, Co-Founder of Avocado Health https://avocadohealth.ai/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinabernardokullberg/
Hi, Thank you for opening this important conversation. I am a former corporate leader, co-founder of the conscious brand Mr. & Mrs. Shogun, and a mother to an 18-year-old Gen Z daughter. The Challenge: In business, women are trained and paid to be "Fixers." When a crisis hits, my executive brain instantly wants to create a 5-step action plan. But when my daughter comes home overwhelmed by the anxiety and information overload typical for her generation, my "leader mode" is actually the worst thing I can offer. I had to learn the hard way that Gen Z doesn't need to be managed; they need a safe space to just feel. The Intentional Practice: My daily practice is what I call the "Somatic Pause." Before I respond to her overwhelm, I do a 5-second check-in with my own body. I consciously drop my shoulders, unclench my jaw, and shift my nervous system from "fight-or-flight" (performance mode) into "rest-and-digest" (parasympathetic state). Instead of giving her logical advice from my head, I offer her a regulated nervous system. I've found that this physical calmness de-escalates her anxiety faster than any words. More importantly, it creates a safe space for her to find her own answers. Instead of handing her one-size-fits-all advice, I am teaching her true independence: how to navigate the world by connecting her head (logic), her heart (emotions), and her belly (intuition). I would be honored to be considered for a quote in your piece. Warmly, Dr. Zuzana Shogun Valekova Co-founder, Mr. & Mrs. Shogun https://www.linkedin.com/in/zuzana-shogun-valekova/