Miranda Rake

Miranda is a staff writer at Romper, where she examines parenthood from every angle, with a particular interest in maternal mental health. She explores everything from moms who use psychedelic mushrooms to why so many American moms are on antidepressants, and from the meaning of Shiv Roy’s pregnancy to how (unfortunately) great it is to drink a whole lot less. Before joining Romper, she worked for more than a decade as a food writer at publications like Imbibe, Food52, and Food & Wine. She holds a masters degree in Food Studies from NYU, and a bachelors degree in Comparative Religion & Ethics from Willamette University.

She lives in Portland with her husband and two little kids, and is passionate about all of the usual stuff, like what Phoebe Waller-Bridge is up to, how her children are sleeping, good TV, and swimming in the warm sea. She thinks you should definitely cry-it-out because everything is easier after a good nights’ sleep. She also thinks that you should do what’s right for you instead of listening to her advice, because parenting is challenging, wonderful, and — most of all — deeply personal. She thinks you’re probably a really great parent, and she doesn’t really like leaf blowers or writing in the third person. For four years, she ran a small-batch jam company, as is typical for a Portland-based millennial like herself.

Miranda Rake

toddler apologist

Save Your Terrible: 2 Is The Best Age

“All the emotional beats of a classic opera, poured into 27 pounds of tiny human.”

is my debit card getting hot or is it just me?

8 Things To Nab At Hanna Andersson’s 50% Off Black Friday Sale

The best time of the year is happening right now. Time to get strategic.

sit. stay.

6 Pet Etiquette Rules For Kids

To keep your children — and your pets — happy and safe.

*Ding Ding*

We Tried A Lot Of Balance Bikes For My Kid, But This One Has It All

The joy of cycling has been unlocked.

All Copacetic

Signs Your Pet Is Stressed About Your New Baby & What To Do About It

And how to establish a peaceable kingdom before your baby comes home from the hospital.

No Pain All Gain

Tips For Making Shots Hurt Less (Or Not At All)

Inexpensive, proven ways to take the stress and pain — really! — out of getting shots.

Traveling With Littles

This Kids Inflatable Mattress Is A Must-Have For Camping, Sleepovers, & Travel

A bed-on-the-go your kid will actually sleep on.

Welcome to pawston

'Go, Dog. Go!' Season 4 Is Coming & We’ve Got The Exclusive Trailer

Join Tag and Scooch for more wild, colorful rides around Pawston and beyond.

SOS

Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Hire A Parenting Coach

Many parents are turning to them for guidance, but it comes with a steep price tag and few guarantees.

adhd

7 Moms On What They Wish They'd Known Sooner About Their Child's ADHD

Advice from the heart, from parents who have been there.

Parenting

People Are Obsessed With Cutting Out Red Dye, But Does It Really Affect Kids?

California recently banned Red Dye No. 3. Should you do the same in your family?

Life

It’s Time To Embrace The Man Cold

Let’s make this the winter of “man colds” for all.

you've got this

What To Expect Before, During & After A Tongue Tie Release

If your health care provider has recommended tongue tie correction, here's what you need to know.

Ankylo-what-a

Tongue Ties In Babies: What Parents Should Know

It’s surprisingly complicated.

Like, Totally

Totally Killer Is A Totally Fun Slasher Throwback, But Can Your Teen Handle It?

It's Back To The Future meets every '80s slasher movie.

Exclusive

Watch The Trailer For An All-New 'Sesame Street' Halloween Special

Oscar’s Handmade Halloween features adorable rescue dogs, DYI costumes, and absolutely zero scares.

Pup Power

What To Know Before Taking Your Toddler To See The New 'PAW Patrol' Movie In Theaters

And how to decide if your little one is old enough for this level of action.

Just Joking?

Comedians Urge Parents To Take Gun Threats Seriously In Chilling PSA

Wanda Sykes, Billy Eichner, Jay Pharoh and more comedians help Sandy Hook Promise deliver an urgent message in this new PSA about “knowing the signs” to prevent school shootings.

Imagine not worrying about guns

What Moms In Other Countries Really Think About Guns In America

International perspectives on our nagging national conundrum.

safety first

Yes, You Need To Ask About Guns In The Home Before Play Dates

Here’s how to make these life-saving conversations a little less awkward.