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Introducing Our Substack Newsletter: Parenting and Personal Insights

Update Announcing Our New Joint Substack NewsletterHave you ever felt a hot rush of curiosity akin to reading someone else’s diary? Well, get ready because Brian and I are thrilled to introduce our new joint Substack newsletter - "Brian and Em." After a year and half of contemplation, we decided it was time to share a more personal side of our lives together. As we navigate mid-life, marriage, and parenting, we aim to create a space for candid discussions about the challenges we've faced and the lessons we've learned.What We'll CoverThis newsletter will explore a wide array of topics—from parenting in the digital age to the expectations and disappointments that often come with adulthood. Expect us to share intimate insights about our family life, insights on masculinity, and perhaps even some unconventional topics, like how we’ve navigated our relationship with social media in these testing times.For example, I plan to write about our family's approach to ensuring a safe environment for our kids amidst prevalent digital threats, including how we established conversation about subjects like internet safety and financial literacy. Posts will be both reflective and casual, designed to spark connection and dialogue amongst those who might relate.The Importance of VulnerabilityOne thing we aim for is to candidly discuss our struggles without the fear of backlash. In a world that's increasingly curated, being real about our failures and fears highlights the humanity that binds us together as parents and partners. It's okay to admit parenting isn't always a sunny delight. Yet, within the arduous moments lie the funniest and most treasured memories. Our past experiences will help others know they are not alone.Finding Connection in Sharing StoriesOur newsletter seeks to foster a robust community around shared experiences and the realities of family life. As motherhood is entwined with so much—joy, frustration, and often guilt—it’s a subject that resonates with nearly every parent. That’s where the magic in our stories will emerge; amid shared laughter over daily mishaps while acknowledging the collective struggles of modern parenting.From Writing to Publishing: Our VisionBrian, my ever-supportive partner, has dabbled in fiction and has a wealth of thoughts waiting to be shared. His perspectives on mid-life and family roles will contribute to a well-rounded discourse. By combining our voices, we’re inviting readers to witness our unfinished, imperfect journey in real-time. We hope our newsletter serves as an antidote to the perfectly polished images often portrayed online.The Drive Behind Our NewsletterMany of you might feel the pressure of maintaining a façade of perfect parenting while struggling behind the scenes. It’s crucial to acknowledge how discussions around parenthood have shifted in recent years. Conversations around mental health, the importance of self-care, and the sheer difficulty of navigating parenthood without proper community support are more relevant than ever.We want to create a space where sharing our vulnerabilities feels empowering rather than shameful. This means writing about the realities of life, just as researchers like Jessica Grose have explored in her insightful writings on unmasking motherhood's complexities. Our hope is to spark deeper connections with our readers—showing them that embracing authenticity fosters support in ways social media cannot.A Call to Join Us on This JourneyWe invite you to join our newsletter to explore parenting, marriage, and the little moments that make up our lives. Let’s discuss the good, the bad, and the hilariously messy together. Who knows, we might even share advice that makes the rocky roads easier for all of us! Let’s redefine parenting, not as a solitary endeavor but a shared, joyous expedition.