Navigating Second Child Syndrome: My Journey as a Mom of Two

When I became a mom for the first time with Ezra, everything was new, exciting, and meticulously documented. I had the time to soak in every milestone, capture every smile, and devote all my attention to him. Then came Luca, my sweet second-born, and with him, a wave of emotions I never expected—joy, exhaustion, and an overwhelming sense of guilt. 

With Luca, I quickly realized things were different. There were fewer pictures, less one-on-one time, and an overall feeling that I wasn’t giving him the same experience Ezra had. I constantly questioned myself: Am I failing him? Does he feel just as loved? Am I doing enough? 

The mom guilt would creep in during moments like forgetting to log his milestones or having to constantly divide my attention between both of my boys. Most recently when Lu’s first birthday was quickly approaching, and I realized I hadn’t taken a photo of him for everyday of his first year of life like I had with Ezzy.  

Some days balancing their needs adequately just feels like an impossible task. 

However, I’ve come to understand that love isn’t measured in perfectly curated baby books or undivided attention. It’s in the little moments—the cuddles before bed, the way Luca lights up when I enter the room, sharing exciting Lego ideas with Ezra, and the bond that they share as brothers. 

I remind myself daily that I am enough, even on the days when the guilt feels heavy. Luca’s journey may not look identical to Ezra’s, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less special.

 

If you’re struggling with Second Child Syndrome and mom guilt, know that you’re not alone. Your love is what matters most, and your children feel it in ways you may not even realize. 

~Sarah 

Black History Month is a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. At Rhea Lana’s, we are proud to recognize the incredible contributions of our African American franchise owners. Today, we’re highlighting two of our new franchise owners, Sparkle and ShaTia, who are building legacies of entrepreneurship, empowerment, and community impact.

Sparkle, a Houston native and devoted mother of five, found more than just a business in Rhea Lana’s—she found a way to provide high-quality essentials for her children while pursuing her passion for retail and service. With the support of her fiancé, she embarked on paving a new avenue for success through the Rhea Lana’s franchise. Sparkle prides herself on working in an environment of trust and integrity and strives to create growth within the community through Rhea Lana’s of West Houston-Memorial. 

ShaTia, who has called Texas home for nearly three decades, discovered Rhea Lana’s through a simple flyer—but that moment changed everything. As a wife and mother of two, she quickly realized the power of this business to help families access high-quality clothing at affordable prices. Rhea Lana’s has changed the way she purchases items for her children to provide more money for trips, speech and occupational therapy, swimming classes and any other needs her children may have. Through her franchise, she is now creating that same opportunity for other families in the Houston area.

For both Sparkle & ShaTia, Rhea Lana’s is more than a business – it’s a platform for change. Their journey as franchise owners embodies the spirit of Black History Month: breaking barriers, uplifting communities, and honoring the trailblazers who paved the way. As they continue to build their business, they carry forward a legacy of strength, perseverance and excellence.
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“The Rhea Lana’s franchise has provided us the opportunity to become the women entrepreneurs that we always dreamt of becoming. We finally found an opportunity that fulfilled our passion to help the community while still maintaining full-time jobs. The founder, Rhea Lana, supported us from the very beginning by embracing us as moms, women of color and as women involved in STEM careers. She understood our unique blend of motherhood and career driven mentality were valuable assets to the Rhea Lana’s franchise family. This really spoke volumes and affirmed that we belonged in this community of women embracing women regardless of backgrounds, education and most importantly ethnicity.

Black History month gives us as African American entrepreneurs the opportunity to not only educate our children on the importance of their history, but it also allows us to be proud of who we are and demystify the stigma surrounding the color of our skin. Black History month allows us to reflect on how we have evolved as a people, culture and a community. We are embarking on a very bright future and acknowledge the foundation that was made possible by those who came before us. 

Today we as owners of the Rhea Lana’s of West Houston-Memorial franchise are continuing the legacy of the rich historical contributions African Americans have made in America. We are grateful for the opportunity and are ecstatic about what the future holds for us and the Rhea Lana’s of West Houston-Memorial franchise.”

Join us in celebrating these inspiring women and their dedication to making a difference—one family, one sale, and one community at a time. Learn more about franchising opportunities with Rhea Lana’s here.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show a little extra love to the special people in our lives. Whether it’s for grandparents, teachers, or a close family friend, a handmade gift from your little one is always a cherished keepsake. This year, one of our team members is making adorable and budget-friendly wooden heart picture frames—a simple yet meaningful craft that’s sure to bring smiles!

What You’ll Need:

• Wooden heart picture frame (available at Dollar Tree for just $1.25!)
• Paint, markers, stickers, glitter, or decorative gems
• Mod Podge or clear glue (optional for sealing)
• A printed photo of your child (wallet size or trimmed to fit)
  

Let the Creativity Flow!

Let your kids decorate their frames however they choose! Utilize craft supplies you already have on hand, or take them shopping to pick out the perfect decorations for that special someone. Whether they paint, color, or add sparkly embellishments, their creativity will make this gift extra special.

Why We Love This Craft:

• Affordable – Each frame costs just $1.25, and you can use craft supplies you likely already have at home.
• Personalized & Heartfelt – There’s nothing more meaningful than a handmade gift from a child.
• Perfect for Any Age – Even toddlers can enjoy finger painting their frame, while older kids can get more detailed with their designs.

This simple yet sweet craft is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your little ones while creating something meaningful for Valentine’s Day. So grab some wooden frames, break out the craft supplies, and get ready to make someone’s day extra special with this heartfelt DIY gift! ❤️

Have you tried this craft? Share your kids’ creations with us!