Donia
Donia is a stay-at-home Egyptian archaeologist who majored in Egyptology. Egyptology had always been her passion since childhood. But family is her biggest passion. She lives in Mount Kisco with her husband Ayman, their daughters Dania (2005) and Mirette (2012), their cats Tiger and Drogo, and their German Shepherd Max. She is also a stepmom to two girls Nada (1991) and Malak (1995). When she is not busy taking care of her big family, she enjoys anything Sci-Fi and fantasy, watching cooking and baking competition shows, playing the drums, playing tennis with her husband, video games, and DIY projects. According to her girls, she particularly enjoys event and travel planning for her family and always goes all-out and prepares too much for an event. She is excited to join Westchester County Mom to share her experience as an expat and mom.
Heard, Hugged, or Helped
As my kids get older, their needs change, including their needs for me.
This can be devastating or celebrated depending on the day and many factors. But regardless, I struggle to figure out what they...
Heartbreakingly Helpless: Parenting a Suicidal Teen
*Trigger Warning: This post discusses suicide.*
I wrote about my experience mothering a struggling child a few months ago when things were especially difficult for my younger child at school. Back then, I still had...
Mothering a Struggling Child
Although my children are a bit older, last year was by far the most challenging for me as a mother. When your child struggles, you can’t help but wonder, “What did I do wrong?”...
The Empty Bookcase
I’ve always had a strong connection with books. I was a voracious reader, obsessed with books. I didn’t have access to public libraries, and buying books was a luxury, so I only had access...
A Mom’s Guilt Never Leaves Me
I don’t know if it’s just me or if all moms feel this way, but I always feel guilty. A mom’s guilt never leaves me, no matter what.
I always feel like I’m not doing...
Living with Bipolar II Disorder
Mental health awareness is so important as a mother.
Before I was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, I was misdiagnosed with major depression for years. It wasn’t until my doctor asked me if I ever...
The Default Parent
When you become parents, you are expected to share your children’s responsibilities equally. You both take turns taking your children to their school events. You both drive them to their play dates. You are...
The Converted Grinch
When we first moved to the United States, we discovered that there were so many new holidays to celebrate. We were not big on holidays, I can’t say we ever celebrated more than just...
Parenting ADHD
ADHD can present itself very differently in children.
It was obvious to me from very early on that my younger child had ADHD. Everything pointed in that direction. From being hyperactive, and not just an...
Can I Have a Hug?
Can I have a hug?
Life gets very hectic, especially when school starts. I may get overwhelmed with the school schedule and the extracurricular activities after school. The constant rushing and hustling begins early in...