Natalie Bunner
Natalie is a nomadic spirit who loves to travel but has always called Louisiana home. Born and raised in Lafayette, she grew up with five brothers and so she feels that being a #boymom was destiny. Marriage and babies were a late blessing as she became a wife and mother in her mid-thirties but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Life with her husband, Wayne, and two sons, Edison and Oliver, is always full of laughter; there’s never a dull moment with those three! Natalie is a Licensed Social Worker and currently works with children in the charter school system. Providing support for children in need is her life’s purpose. In her mind, social work and motherhood go hand in hand. Creating an environment where kids feel safe, loved and valued as individuals go a long way to building well-adjusted adults. Natalie explores social work and motherhood both here at Lafayette Mom and on her site Connect. Learn. Grow. at nataliebunner.com.
Clare, I See You: Lessons to Learn from the Bachelorette
"I didn't expect that from the OLDEST BACHELORETTE..."
I told myself, years ago, that I was done with the Bachelorette/Bachelor franchise. Years ago, it started as a guilty pleasure that turned into, "Why am I...
You Are Not Alone: Resources for Suicide Prevention
Life can be significantly challenging; this year has been the ultimate life test for so many. We all cope with stressors in our own way. Trying to obtain space in our lives to avoid...
Cleaning Up Debris: How to Self-Care After the Storm
I've been feeling a bit like Chicken Little over the past several days! It seems like every level of chaos has been kicked up in the Universe and we're all scrambling for cover because,...
…For My Mental Health
One of the things that I have found so interesting this year, particularly about a month into the Great Pandemic of 2020, is people's sudden interest in global mental health. As a social worker...
Will You Run the Race With Me?
Truthfully, it has been a LONG year, mommas! There has been so much happening that I struggle to keep up with it all. Professional challenges, then Covid-19 and consequential three-month society shut down, then...
Raising #colorconscious Kids in a Colorblind World
"I was raised not to see color."
"I am colorblind."
"I don't care what color you are, I just don't like (something related to black culture)…"
"I'm not racist … I have two dear black friends…"
If I...
Intimacy in Isolation
"Let's talk about sex, baby..."
Salt -n- Pepa knew how to get our attention, didn't they? That song can still interrupt the thoughts of almost every adult on the planet! When we think about intimacy,...
The Neapolitan Effect: Navigating in Today’s World as a Multiracial Family
"Oh my God! Your boys are so BEAUTIFUL! I know that's not what you're supposed to say about little boys but..."
"I just want you to know that we (restaurant staff) just love when you...
My Fave Top Five: Hilarious Comediennes Talk Motherhood
It was the longest March EVER. By March 54th, I had almost given up all hope that the month was ever going to come to an end! It didn't help that our wedding anniversary...
I’m OVER It! :: Dealing with Quarantine Burnout
"I'm resigning...effectively immediately."
Yesterday was so incredibly chaotic that I legitimately texted a group of friends, "I'm resigning from this parenting life, effective immediately. I'm done with this day, y'all." I know that may sound...