I keep telling myself that if E, my 2-year-old foster daughter is going to watch this much TV, at least choosing something educational means I’m still checking the “good parent” box, right? So there I was, encouraging (forcing) my foster daughter to watch National Geographic instead of her beloved Cocomelon. I had big plans: hoping to broaden her horizons, expose her to the wonders of the animal kingdom, and maybe, just maybe, get her hooked on something a little more educational. But what really tickled me was that I ended up feeling inspired by an adorable AF family of meerkats. Their knack for pausing, assessing their surroundings, and working as a team was damn impressive and surprisingly relatable. Here’s what I picked up from those little desert dwellers that I plan to apply to both parenting and life in general.

Lesson 1: Stop and look around

Watching meerkats in action is a reminder that sometimes, the best thing you can do is stop what you’re doing and look around. These little creatures are always pausing to survey their surroundings, making sure they’re not missing any potential threats or opportunities. It’s a powerful lesson for all of us: we often get caught up in the daily grind, rushing from one task to the next without taking a moment to assess if what we’re doing still matters in the bigger picture. Meerkats know that staying aware of that bigger picture is the key to survival. They remind us to reassess our path every now and then—to make sure the hustle isn’t just busywork, but is actually aligned with our true goals.

Lesson 3: Stay mindful and (try to) appreciate the present

Meerkats are basically the gurus of mindfulness, constantly pausing, scanning their surroundings, and staying hyper-aware of what’s going on in their little world. Honestly, if we adopted even half of their focus, parenting might feel a whole lot less like a circus. Being present, like the meerkats, isn’t just a trendy wellness buzzword—it’s a game-changer for both our mental health and our parenting. When we take a moment to pause and really check in with ourselves (instead of just powering through the day), we can reduce stress, make clearer decisions, and actually enjoy the moments with our kids. So, the next time you’re about to lose it over a spilled juice box, channel your inner meerkat, take a breath, and assess whether this really needs to be a crisis. Your mind, and your kids, will thank you!

Lesson 4: Stand tall, baby

Meerkats might be tiny, but when they stand up tall on their hind legs, they have all the swagger of a creature five times their size. It’s like they’re saying, “I’m small, but I know I’m important, so don’t mess with me.” This is a solid reminder that sometimes, a little bit of posture can go a long way in boosting our confidence. Whether you’re handling a toddler tantrum or making tough decisions at work, standing tall—like a meerkat surveying the world—gives off a vibe of calm authority. So next time you need a confidence boost, remember: a meerkat doesn’t slouch, and neither should you!

Lesson 5: Teamwork makes the dream work (even when you’re outnumbered)

Meerkats are the ultimate team players—everyone has a role, whether it’s keeping watch, digging for food, or caring for the young—and they know that success depends on working together. As moms, we could definitely take a page from their playbook. Parenting is a full-contact sport, and trying to do it solo is like trying to run a marathon with one leg. Whether it’s tag-teaming the bedtime chaos, splitting snack duties, or just keeping each other sane during the toddler meltdown of the century, working together makes everything (slightly) less chaotic. Just like meerkats, when we unite our forces and play to each other’s strengths, we can tackle the messiness of parenting head-on. So, next time you’re drowning in diapers and dishes, remember: even meerkats know that asking for backup isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s the secret to survival!

So, after a somewhat dramatic National Geographic binge (complete with me narrating in my best British accent), I walked away with more than just a newfound respect for meerkats. Turns out, taking a moment to pause, assess, and work together isn’t just good advice for meerkats, it’s something we could all use more of in our own lives. Now, if only I could convince her that Shark Week is cooler than Baby Shark…

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My hope is that this blog may be helpful, or dare I say inspirational to someone out there.  What surprising places have you picked up some life lessons? Please share!