Have a Beautiful Weekend.

I also saw and loved it! That scene when the husband is lamenting about his “cool and inspiring wife” and his wife responds “she died in childbirth” was the most succinct line about the transformation from ‘woman’ to ‘mother’ I’ve ever heard.

I haven’t seen it yet(!), but just want to say it’s directed by the amazing Marielle Heller! https://cupofjo.com/2020/02/13/marielle-heller-interview/

Hi. We stayed here several times with the grandparents before the Pandemic. Lovely location, quiet but central. Near the Pimlico tube and at the start of a bus line that goes to Trafalger Square and the West End quickly–a fun experience for the kids in itself. There used to be a lovely indoor pool as well. It looks like it’s being renovated but worth investigating. https://www.dolphinsquare.co.uk/Dolphin-House-serviced-apartments

https://www.lagaffe.co.uk/pages/hotel-hampstead You might decide you want to be more central but if I was staying over in London with kids and grandma (and didn’t want it to cost the earth) then this is where I’d stay

I used to stay in the Royal National Hotel in Bloomsbury. It’s a bit dated/shabby (at least it was when last I stayed there), but clean, and with a decent breakfast buffet. It’s also really convenient to the tube.

We have stayed a bunch of times at the Hilton on Edgware Road (Hilton London Metropole). We have three kids (now between 11-14) and spend 4-5 nights there a year ago. It is by no means the nicest/most charming hotel in London (it’s not crummy either – just a regular Hilton). But. It is really well situated – just a couple of blocks from Paddington Station (an easy walk even while rolling a suitcase), is close to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens for walks and playgrounds, and has several good tube lines and bus lines (easier than the underground if you have strollers with you) just outside the door. And when looking for rooms to accommodate 5 people, it was by far the most affordable option in the city centre the last time we were there. If money is no object, Number 16 Hotel in South Kensington is absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend.

Hi Mas! What’s your budget / how fancy are you aiming for? If it should be as cheap as possible Premier Inn is a good choice – very standard hotel, nothing fancy, but it’s clean and they have multiple locations all over the city. If you’re looking for something a bit cozier, the Harrison Pub near King’s Cross is a pub that has four rooms. Or the rooms at the pub The Grazing Goat The St. Giles Hotel is in a great location. Something fancier that is nice is the Ampersand Hotel (I’ve only had their afternoon tea there, but it’s really really nice – and comes with the according price tag).

Hi! My mom (80) at the time and I took my daughter to London as a high school senior. Not a little kid, but still think our hotel would be a great option – it was charming and felt English but had a cot option which was hard to find! Location was PERFECT (super close to a tube station) and we loved the morning breakfast. The lobby bar was lovely – a couple of nights we brought dinner in and sat there to eat and have a bottle of wine. https://www.miirohotels.com/templetongarden

Very keen to see the responses! We are also going to London this summer as a family and after finding that almost every family room / apartment hotel in the Rick Steves guidebook (my go to guidebook series) was already booked, I finally gave up and booked an AirBnB.

Several times a year I stay at The Resident in Kensington. From a price and location standard, it is perfect for me. It is only two blocks from the Earl’s Court underground station which is really convenient. Taking the underground is also an easy (and cheaper) way to get to and from Heathrow. They have lots of different sized rooms and every room has a very small kitchenette, which is great for leftovers and snacks. The neighborhood is vibrant, charming and safe.

Check out Staycity Aparthotels! We stayed at the Paddington location with my family of 4 in a 1 bedroom suite and the grandparents in a different room. It was perfect!

They look ready to fight you! Haha.

I just went to look – yes, it’s weird!

Yes!! We did this post and would love to do more! https://cupofjo.com/2022/09/12/single-moms-by-choice/

Samesies. Immediate tears.

Beautiful sentiment, beautifully written. All the feels.

Yes to this!! Another Canadian terrified by this prospect, and scared that Americans really don’t understand how destabilizing the tariffs and threats are (though I also don’t blame Americans for not being fully in the loop, there is so much to keep track of just in the US – shock and awe doctrine is real!) I know there are a million things to ask your senators and congress people for, but please, please, please ask them to leave us alone!!

We live in the part of New York State that is closer to Toronto than to NYC. We love our visits to Canada for the arts, shopping, exploring various ethnic neighborhoods, and enjoying the amazing outdoors. What must you think of our government for challenging Canada?

I’m so embarrassed for the United States and sorry that Canada has to deal with this shameful ridiculousness. Please know that speaking as an American, I don’t know a single person who thinks that annexing Canada is a feasible idea, never mind a good one (and I do know Trump voters). I’m afraid he’s going to harm both of our economies, and I’m genuinely embarrassed and ashamed that he’s the president. I wish I could do something more than say I’m so sorry, but I just couldn’t let this comment pass without saying it. I’m so sorry, and I’m calling my (unfortunately blue state) representatives constantly right now.

Hi Caitlin — Horrified American here. Most of us absolutely do not want anything but peace with our friendly neighbors to the north. I’m so sorry you have to feel worried because of the poor moral clarity and decision making of so many Americans.

Yes yes yes! Fellow Canadian here feeling despair and fear at all that is going on. I come here to connect with people from all over but mainly from the US at the moment to find reaffirmation that the administration does not represent the views of so many. It’s easy to lose touch with such important connections and that loss of connection contributes to enabling further decline of so much good.

Caitlin, I just want to say on behalf of myself and everyone I’ve talked to about this in Boston that I am sorry/humiliated/horrified by the way our president is talking about Canada. My family has been lucky to spend time in Canada and we love it and (I cannot believe I have to say this) of course 100% respect your right to self-government. I am so upset about the damage Trump is doing to our countries’ relationship.

I love this idea. Maybe a post by Canadians about what they love about where they live. Or great travel in Canada. Or a bookish post about Canadian authors. This Californian loves her neighbor!

Sending love to our Canadian friends

Ohhhh like this lovely roundup of Canadian brands by the Subversive Socialite? https://www.tiktok.com/@subversivesocialite/video/7478412996641852727?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7482440712089601567 (Would also add Worth Mending if there are any darning/visible mending nerds here.) Not Canadian, but as a New Englander who regularly runs into folks from across the border, sending much love your way!

Yes, I support this 100%! There is real fear here about what Trump’s threats will mean for our country.

Growing up in Washington state I have always considered myself an honorary Canadian. I love Canada and the Canadian people are warm and wonderful. British Columbia is a beautiful place and all of the Canadian provinces have unique and interesting characteristics. I have traveled to most of the western provinces and hope to spend more time traveling in beautiful Canada.

Yes please – I have been hoping to see something like this addressed on COJ – I think Americans think its just chit chat their president throws out there but he has broken international law in his threat to our country. This is real, very very real – America, you are a part of a country that has threatened war on an ally, please understand what that means.

Everyone I know is deeply worried about this and many other actions/threats that Trump has made. Please know that many many Americans do not want what Trump is doing. Only about 1/3 of the voting population voted for him (slightly less than 1/3 voted Kalama and 1/3 decided to sit this one out (!!)). He does not represent America, or at least the America that I know. I’m embarrassed and sorry for our country.

Trump is a monster with pudding for brains. I apologize for the 70 million of Americans who sided with villainy. It’s only March and the despair is real. He’s trying to ruin everything.

As a fellow Canadian who is so anxious about this, I took such comfort in the kind replies from Americans to this comment! It’s a relief to know such a large part of your country opposes his views and is speaking loudly out against them – at very opportunity, including in the comment section of COJ.

Oh, Canada !! My heart breaks for what Trump has done ! Everyone I know fully supports you !! Love from barely recognizable America.

Chiming in as another utterly terrified Canadian. When an abuser tells you what he’s going to do, you must believe him. I hear his scapegoating lies about Canada and it doesn’t matter that none of it is true. If you repeat a lie enough, people will believe it. It’s not just disrespect, which, tbh, I could laugh off. He’s going to turn US citizens against Canadians and decimate our economy with this trade war. He’ll hurt the American economy too but that will be to his benefit because he will blame it on Canada. It’s all laying the groundwork for invasion (which he will call a “special operation”). We have been watching it happen in Ukraine and it would be a mistake to think we are exception or special or that bad things can’t happen to us. And even though it seems absurd and even though many Americans want no part in invading a friendly neighbour, none of that will matter a jot because he will convince enough people that this is in their interests. That it has to get worse before it gets better. We cannot underestimate this man and his cronies. He got elected twice, despite the very best efforts of so many good and thoughtful Americans. If I sound like Cassandra it is because I feel like Cassandra. Ugh. Sorry for the total downer.

It’s terrible what Trump is doing to Canada ( my country) and his own country. Thank you to all the American supporters . Let’s stand together. 🧡

My family and I are from Austin, Texas but our love for BC runs deep. We visit at least once a year, partially to escape the heat but mostly because the vibrant greens of ancient trees covered in moss, Vancouver’s soundtrack of seabirds and ambulance sirens, and the soaring mountains are deeply restorative to me. We discovered that my daughter is basically Elsa (the cold never bothered me anyway!) when she happily played in frigid Kootenay Lake for hours beneath the shadow of Nelson’s BOB one summer. Our kids are as familiar with Vancouver’s Chinatown (and Jam Cafe!) as they are our own neighborhood at home and they always insist on going sea kayaking when we’re in Tofino. My daughter will even belt out O Canada any time we’re in Dallas for a Stars hockey game against a Canadian team. I am horrified by everything the Trump Administration is doing but the assaults on Canada and Canadians are what inspired me to actually do something about it and call my Congressperson. As someone from a gerrymandered and deeply red state it can feel pointless to try to advocate for change but I make sure that my kids see and hear us call so that they know they should have some power in who and what governs them. I am so deeply sorry for what this administration is doing and I hope that we make it through so we can mend broken bonds once it is all over. With love from ATX and Go Canucks! – Beth

Thank you caitlin from a very concerned Canadian and long time 10+ years Cup of Jo reader. Would love to see some form of support for Canada on Cup of Jo in the near future.

Eastcoast Canucks reply is everything. This should be everything that Americans read – it is exactly whats happening. Laying the ground work. Its so easy for Americans to say they are sorry for whats being said, but what will you do when your country invades another, when your leader is the dictator who has brainwashed a nation of reasonable people

Jenny I think you are generalizing Americans too much. Not all Americans think this is just chit chat, not all Americans are brain washed or even close to it. If you have practical ideas for what to do I’m all ears – right now I am protesting and donating to help get democrats elected. I would also say contacting my members of congress but I live in DC and have no congressional representation. What would you have us do if Trump invades Canada?

Am I the only person who had no clue what this meant and had to look it up?!!

This is hilarious… but why do you seem like you feel bad about nursing there? If god didn’t want babies to nurse he should maybe have rethought biology a little. When I was nursing mine, a friend and I kept a running list of the funniest places we’d nursed our babies, but really, anywhere we go with a baby is the place to nurse a baby. The funniest one, I think, was when I (in a rising gondola) saw another mom (in the descending gondola) also nursing. It was hilarious, and we both laughed and waved!

This is the truest of true. Omg getting up in the morning and realising the front door has been wide open: not a great feeling. We lived in the forest and the amount of frogs and sometimes a chicken that had to be escorted outside again … New moms’ brains..

The Morman Tabernacle Tale is so funny and I’m very grateful for the laugh, I needed it. I’m kind of tearing up too, because it’s these moments you will remember and laugh about with your family and child forever. I love that story, bathing him in the sink, etc. oh parenthood ! Luv it. I’m still chuckling. Thanks. :)

Oh my gosh. I laughed reading this (the door!!! 😂) and related so much!! I got myself out the door with my third to a consignment shop to find some clothes that felt like they fit. In the changing room he had a complete blow out diaper situation involving every layer of his clothes, and I realized I had no diaper or change of clothes in the diaper bag!😳 AND no public restroom. I wiped him up as best I could, wrapped him in a swaddle blanket, and left without buying anything.

I totally did this with the Friday link packs for years…. Now my 12 and 14 year olds mostly put themselves to bed. It does get easier.

They don’t offer them at NYMag unfortunately!

https://archive.ph/P9Zsr This site can get around any paywall!

I was able to access through my library’s website. If yours doesn’t have a subscription, apply for a Seattle Public Library account!

Web Archive to the rescue! https://web.archive.org/web/20250312143028/https://www.thecut.com/article/sex-sabbatical-husband-marriage.html

Liz if you visit archive.ph and pop in the URL you can read most paywalled articles from major publications!

Wow that was an intense article. Glad I read it. I had a completely different (better) experience as a gay kid in the late 90s… have things gotten better in hetero adolescent/young adult relationships?! I really hope for better things for my kids (and all of today’s kids)

Thank you for sharing! I will have a middle schooler next fall and… just wow. What an interesting piece! And sobering.

Thank you for highlighting the middle school infographic. My daughters are 4 and 7 and attend a small close-knit school. The transition to middle school/junior high is a scary one. This post identified so clearly the troubles the system creates. Thank you again!

Thanks for sharing! This was good.

This data strengthens my stance that all people, but especially pre-teens, need a “second space” where they can belong. More than once, the infographic reminded the reader that the children didn’t feel particularly close in their relationships to their teachers. I take issue with the idea that teachers, who are bowled over with the increasing workload and stress, are under pressure to also be the relationship-builders and confidence boosters for their students. Perhaps this confidence and sense of belonging need to come from within, bolstered by sports teams, friendships, coaches, pastors, neighbors, volunteer opportunities, music instructors, etc. The schools are already under serious strain and criticism, and the infographic mostly made me (a teacher) feel even worse.

Wow – thank you for sharing the middle school link! The data is really interesting and it’s presented so well. I really appreciate that you called it out.

Seconding Sarah here as someone who has an 8th grader and works in a school. This is not only the job of a school. Kids need support and opportunities in all areas of their life. My own experience as a parent has been one of astonished gratitude at the care and insight of middle school teachers and staff with their students. Also, very important to keep in mind: the timing of this data. The current middle schoolers are kids who missed a lot in their late elementary school years due to Covid and I think the data reflects this as much as anything.

wow! Thank you for highlighting! We are in the thick of this right now – considering a very $$$ independent school for 6th grade, which goes against all my public school love. But my kid is ND and already struggles with peer connections – this backs me up that getting him in a place where he can feel more connected is so important considering brain development. Thank you!!!!!

Sarah, thank you so much for your work as a middle school teacher! You sound like a very thoughtful teacher. To share a slightly different perspective, which has honestly surprised me, we have a 7th grader (as well as a 3rd grader who still attends the same elementary school that our middle schooler did) and we have loved watching our older kid grow and learn more in the middle school era! We are so grateful for our public middle school and teachers <3 which as you state certainly operate under incredible strain.

I’m crossing all fingers for you Katie. And be very proud of yourself. You’re amazing.

Oh my gosh this means so much to me!!! Going to share with the team :) thank you so much xoxo

Totally agree. The “messy middle” is going to stay with me for a long, long time.

Second this!

Anan again :) maybe this is obvious to everyone but I’ve been thinking about how maybe the “messy middle” and the transition to motherhood piece are for many of us related…too complicated and nascent a thought for anything more but yea there it is. Thanks for the company with the big questions. Much love to you hungry searchers in the comments xoxo

I’m pregnant as a solo mom right now and this means so much to me to read! Thank you, Megan and Tara!