Nov 2, 2026 · 5 min listen · Last updated November 2, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Hi, it's Chloe. November 2nd. Ten in parenting — the one that made me re-read the abstract is at the top. Let's get into it. First, from Sincerely, Vivy. Free Fridays: This last baby..
Listen · storyflo · parenting
Daily Parenting Brief · November 2nd
0:00-5:29
Pick your daily storyteller
Subscribe to match with Theo, Jessica, Chloe, Mason, Brock — your voice, every brief.
Audio pre-rendered by Storyflo · cached + delivered from the edge
Free Fridays: This last baby.
In this heartfelt piece, a mother reflects on the bittersweet journey of watching her children grow up. She shares how, after feeling nostalgic about her youngest, Sarah, she and her husband, Fadza, decided to have another baby, Idris. However, Idris has his own agenda, showing a strong preference for his dad right from the start.
The story captures the ups and downs of motherhood, from the initial excitement of pregnancy to the reality of a child who seems to favor Fadza over her. A touching moment occurs when they return from a trip and she eagerly awaits Idris at school, only to find him running straight to Fadza instead.
Despite the playful frustration, the mother concludes with a light-hearted resolution: perhaps it’s time for another baby, hinting at the endless cycle of love and chaos that defines family life.
Happy November! Below, I’m sharing two things I’m doing now to prepare for Christmas. Not because I’m trying to skip ahead, but because I know that holiday magic is actually a big mental load that often falls on moms. Take care of yourself this week - with the election, the news cycle is bound to be loud.
In this entry, the writer reflects on the joy of solitude, especially when the kids are at school. They find peace in simply being alone with their thoughts, taking the time to appreciate the beauty of nature around them. The sky, with its ever-changing clouds, inspires a sense of wonder, as they even recall seeing a cloud shaped like a kangaroo. The writer also marvels at the diversity of people passing by, noting that each person has unique features. This moment of quiet contemplation prompts a deeper question about the last time we allowed ourselves to pause and appreciate the world around us.
The article dives into the exhilarating rush of entrepreneurship through the author’s personal journey, starting from childhood. They recall their early ventures, like renting out a homemade storybook and selling friendship bracelets in school, highlighting that excitement and adrenaline that comes with each new idea. Fast forward to now, they’re reigniting that entrepreneurial spirit alongside their partner, Fadza, as they rebuild after setbacks. The author reflects on the importance of focusing on their own path rather than others’ expectations, finding joy in involving their kids in the process. They encourage anyone with entrepreneurial dreams to embrace those late-night ideas and take action, reminding us that even failures are part of the journey.
The entry reflects on a significant day for the writer, who had been anticipating it with a mix of excitement and caution. They initially aimed to approach it with a sense of detachment, hoping to shield themselves from potential disappointment. Despite their intentions to stay cool and not overly invested, they admit to secretly counting down the days and feeling a deep emotional pull. The writer acknowledges the vulnerability of the heart, recognizing that it's natural to hope and feel deeply, even when trying to protect oneself. Ultimately, the entry captures the struggle between desire and self-preservation in the face of uncertainty.
On a breezy night at a dessert shop, Fadza gently pointed out a habit of Vivy’s: she often checked her phone while others were talking. Instead of reacting defensively, she surprised herself by acknowledging the behavior and expressing a desire to improve. This moment marked a shift for her, as she realized her ego was no longer in control. She reflected on how learning about her faith has helped her lower her ego and focus on what truly matters—being respectful and attentive to others.
Vivy also appreciated Fadza’s kind approach to delivering the feedback, which made it easier for her to accept. This experience sparked a realization about the importance of mutual respect in giving and receiving advice. She emphasized that both parties should come with open hearts, ready to listen and learn. And of course, she mused that a little tiramisu can sweeten the conversation too.
The author shares their experience in Bosnia, reflecting on a moment at a food counter where the cashier wished them well on their trip. This seemingly innocent exchange raises concerns about privacy, as it feels unsettling to think that their travel plans are common knowledge. The author expresses anxiety over the potential risks this awareness poses, particularly regarding their children's safety. They emphasize the importance of being cautious, acknowledging that not everyone has good intentions. The entry captures a blend of excitement for travel and a deep protective instinct for family, highlighting the complexities of navigating personal safety in public spaces.
On a bus ride back to Sarajevo, the author reflects on visiting a stunning mosque in Travnik and feels compelled to share its beauty on social media. When a friend questions the need to post, it sparks a moment of self-doubt about whether sharing is seen as showing off. Despite the intention to highlight the mosque, the author worries about triggering envy in others and ultimately decides to delete the post.
This moment leads to a deeper reflection on their journey as a blogger, which began twenty years ago. Initially, they shared snippets of life anonymously, fearing parental disapproval. Over time, the blog evolved into a more personal narrative, sharing everything from weddings to family life. While many followers appreciated the openness, there were also critics who didn’t resonate with the oversharing, leaving the author contemplating the balance between sharing and privacy.
The article reflects on a personal packing experience for a trip, highlighting the contrast between past and present travel habits. The author recalls how previous holidays were consumed by work, often packing excessive outfits and accessories for business purposes, particularly for a scarf collection. This time, without the demands of a business, the suitcase was surprisingly light at just 15kg, leading to feelings of guilt and emptiness about not working during the trip.
As they travel, the author grapples with the unfamiliarity of enjoying moments without the pressure to create content. Memories of past trips, filled with stress and hustle, are juxtaposed with a newfound appreciation for simply being present. The narrative emphasizes gratitude for both past experiences and the current, quieter chapter of life, encouraging readers to embrace each phase with an open heart.
The author shares their deep love for bookstores, describing them as a personal paradise filled with endless possibilities. They reminisce about spending hours in bookstores since childhood, feeling an irresistible pull to explore them in every country they visit. Unlike their family, who enjoy books but don't share the same enthusiasm, the author revels in the thrill of discovering new titles, often piling up several books at a time. Their husband’s skeptical remarks about finishing all the books only fuel their passion. This love for bookstores is so strong that they even dream of transforming fashion stores into vibrant libraries.