MODERN MOM PROBS

Go to njfamily.com/modernmomprobs for more real and funny parenting tips and a few memes we love.Look!

Diagram of a Modern Mom*

MESSY HAIR BUN

A FEW GRAY HAIRS DARK UNDER-EYE CIRCLES

OVERPRICED CAFFEINATED BEVERAGE

OFFSPRING IN CARRIER

BLACK LEGGINGS FOR COMFORT AND STAIN COVERAGE

* This representation in no way depicts all modern moms. For illustration purposes only. SHOPPING BAG FROM BIG-BOX STORE

COMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR FOR CHASING KIDS AND WALKING BABY TO SLEEP

Solving Modern Mom Probs Tara Clark, the Closter mom behind @modernmomprobs on Instagram, keeps it real on social media and in her new book.

By Dina El Nabli

New Jersey Family: You’ve built an engaged community of more than 600,000 Instagram followers. How did it all start?

Tara Clark: While I was a stay-at-home mom in 2017, I created @modernmomprobs as a way to connect with other mothers and have a creative outlet to make jokes about motherhood. Although the tone of the account is lighthearted and humorous, it’s also uplifting and normalizes the tough conversations surrounding modern motherhood.

NJF: What exactly is a modern mom prob and what inspired you to write Modern Mom Probs: A Survival Guide for 21st Century Mothers?

TC: Modern Mom Prob: (noun) an unwelcome, uncomfortable or inconvenient situation or problem experienced by a parent in the 21st century. The problems are generally, but not always, characterized by technology, social media, big-box stores, overpriced coffee, or nonsensical internal pressures that 19th century moms would scoff at. I think of modern mom probs as first-world problems common to many mothers. They can be humorous or serious.

NJF: How did the pandemic change @modernmomprobs?

TC: Modern mom culture had changed and it needed to be addressed. Writing a parenting book while trying to be a good parent was the ultimate dichotomy. It was the epitome of a modern mom problem.

NJF: What does self care look like to you?

TC: Eliminate toxic people from your life. Remove things from your to-do list and delegate chores or work when you can. Say no to things that don’t “charge your batteries.” All of these things are self care. If you want to get your nails done and hair blown out, that’s great too.

NJF: You live in Closter with your husband and 8-year-old son. What are your favorite spots in town?

TC: Stern and Bow is a must. The Hill is also a great restaurant with an imaginative menu. Last but not least is Ma Mi Eatery. Our family tradition is ordering the same dishes every Friday night.

NJF: Tell us about the free virtual event you’ll be speaking at in May hosted by Bloomingdale’s in Short Hills.

TC: I’m thrilled to be a part of the Bloomingdale’s In Her Shoes: #MomBoss Panel Discussion with Hip New Jersey’s Maria Falzo on May 6 at 9:30 am. I’ll be sharing tips about work-life effectiveness. Register online for free at bloomies_momboss2021.eventbrite.com.