Zara Hanawalt

Chicago

Lifestyle Writer and Editor at Freelance

Articles

The Identity Shift of Motherhood Didn't Rock My World—But This Did

6 days ago | theeverymom.com | Zara Hanawalt

When I became a mom, I expected my identity to shift. I even knew I may feel like I’d lost my sense of self entirely. So when my children were finally born, I braced myself for that feeling to set in. But as I stepped into motherhood, I quickly realized that the shift in identity wasn’t the thing I’d struggled with the most. Motherhood didn’t feel like it robbed my identity; it added to it in a way that was both destabilizing and fulfilling.
Ellen Pompeo and Chappell Roan's Viral Motherhood Takes Are Both a Little Bit Right

3 weeks ago | theeverymom.com | Zara Hanawalt

When Ellen Pompeo’s Call Her Daddy podcast episode dropped, her motherhood quote made its rounds on the Internet. And, one week later, the CHD podcast made headlines again after an interview with Chappell Roan was released. In the former, a celebrity mom reflected on the magic of motherhood. And in the latter? A woman who does not have children made an observation about the parents she knows being, in her words, “in hell.” The takes are very, very different… but neither one is entirely wrong.
How to Explain the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan to Kids

1 month ago | theeverymom.com | Zara Hanawalt

You may have heard that Ramadan, the month when Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset, is here. This represents a really wonderful opportunity for parents of all backgrounds to start conversations with their kids about religion, traditions, and tolerance—and if you’re unsure of how to approach this conversation, we’ve got you covered.
A Super Bowl Ad Finally Recognized Dads as Parents — But as a Mom, I Have Mixed Feelings

2 months ago | sheknows.com | Zara Hanawalt

I have no shame in admitting this: Google’s Super Bowl ad made me cry. The ad features a dad practicing for a job interview. When asked about the job that taught him the most, he begins reflecting on his role as a parent. “It was a role where I learned to take constructive criticism … I got pretty used to, you know, working long hours with a small team. I got very comfortable, uh, multitasking … and I had to become really organized,” he says.
Is It Imposter Syndrome or Are Your Qualifications Underrecognized?

2 months ago | theeverygirl.com | Zara Hanawalt

When Ilona Maher was asked how she deals with imposter syndrome, the 2024 Olympic Medalist delivered a flawless mic drop moment that made us love her even more. “I don’t have that,” she said. “I don’t know what that is,” she added. “It’s like when you don’t feel like you deserve it, right?… I feel like I deserve what I’ve gotten.
Doctors Reveal the One Thing They Would Never Let Their Kids Do

Jan 8, 2025 | parents.com | Zara Hanawalt

If you’ve ever wondered how medical professionals would handle certain parenting situations, you’re in luck. A viral Instagram reel lays out the things a group full of doctors from different specialties would never allow their own kids to do. It’s an eye-opening look at some dangers parents may not have considered. Shilpa Dass, MD (@pedsbraindoc), a neurodevelopmental pediatrician who shares her takes on baby and child development online created the video.
This is the Anthem All Moms Need to Hear Going into 2025

Dec 19, 2024 | parents.com | Zara Hanawalt

When Sofia Richie went viral on social media for dancing to the song “Messy” by Lola Young, the first thing I remember thinking was, “Wow, I can really relate to these lyrics.” The chorus of the song includes the lines, “I’m too messy and then I’m too f-ing clean/You told me ‘get a job’ and you asked where the hell I’ve been.” For me, these lyrics are the perfect representation of motherhood—specifically, the experience of trying to meet the wildly unrealistic set of standards our world holds...
Will There Ever Be Another Eras Tour?

Dec 10, 2024 | theeverygirl.com | Zara Hanawalt

When I attended The Eras Tour in the summer of 2023, my main takeaway wasn’t about the music, the costumes, or even the crowds. I had a realization: This is what the world would look like if it were run by women. Not necessarily in the literal sense: As much as I would love to live in a perpetual blur of sequins and friendship bracelets, I know that isn’t the stuff of real life, regardless of who is running the show.
Should Kids Be Yelling 'Mom' Instead of 'Help' When in Danger?

Dec 7, 2024 | parents.com | Zara Hanawalt

Though many parents might long for days when their kids aren't calling their names seemingly every few minutes, there may be some hidden positive yield from it. In a viral TikTok video from the creator Sierra Noelle (@sierrasaidthat), she explains why she taught her daughter to scream “mom!” instead of “help” if she’s ever in trouble in a public space. Noelle theorizes in the video that when women hear a child scream that word, they’ll immediately rush to check on the child’s safety.
What To Do When Only One Twin Gets the Party Invite

Dec 6, 2024 | parents.com | Zara Hanawalt

A mom went viral after sharing a TikTok about a party invitation she received for one of her children—but not the other. Sounds normal, right? But the problem is, this mom has twin girls who are in the same class at school. And as any twin parent will likely confirm, that changes the equation. “I knew this day would come but I was so not prepared for it,” the mom, who shares that her daughters are nearly 5 years old, says.