Jackie Nastri Bardenwerper
Jackie Nastri Bardenwerper lives in Fairfield, CT with her husband and three children, ages 10, 7, and 4. She is the author of several novels that encourage tween and teen girls to listen to their inner voice, from saving the family fishing business in ON THE LINE, to following a passion for crafting in SALTED CARAMEL DREAMS, and exposing a friend’s hurtful social media platform in POPULATTI. She is currently working on a new children's book series and a new novel on motherhood. She also shares her own motherhood experiences on her Instagram @jnbwrite. When not writing, you can find Jackie and her family enjoying Fairfield’s beautiful coastline where they love fishing, swimming and sailing.
Organized Sports Are Killing Our Playground Time
Well, we’ve made it. Finally, it is May, that glorious month that lies on the cusp of summer. Mild weather, bursting flowers, and new...
Bigger Kids Means Later Bedtimes and No Alone Time
Back when our firstborn was an infant, I remember wondering if I would ever have a moment to myself again. From the no-schedule newborn...
My Kids Want A Dog. We Don’t. Should We Give In?
It was in the middle of a gray, arctic-freeze afternoon when we finally gave in to my son’s pleading to visit the pet store.
“I...
Takeout Turmoil: Our Family’s Pizza Wars
Imagine the scene. It’s 4 p.m. on Friday after a long week. Before loading up the car for the requisite sports practices, you approach...
Who Knew Middle School Could Be Such Fun
Middle school. When I hear those two words, I often still cringe. Memories of my own friend drama, awkward changes, and increased academic demands are...
Reflections From My Holiday Address Book
It seems that we receive fewer holiday cards in the mail every year. A few friends have swapped paper for email, and others post...
Another Unsolved Mystery: The Tale of Our Stolen Pumpkin
Since I was a kid, I’ve loved pumpkins. Maybe it’s because I was born in October, and my dad brought my first pumpkin to...
Kindergarten: The Third Time Looks Different
It was a beautiful afternoon. The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and my youngest’s kindergarten door had just burst open on a...
No More Laundry Soup
Well, it is here. The month we’ve all been waiting for!
And no, I’m not talking about back-to-school. That big day was a few weeks...
We Said No To Travel Baseball
It was sunset on a heatwave Monday, and my kids were on a local diving board. The hour was close to bedtime, and their...