The demands of motherhood seem endless, from balancing schedules to providing enriching opportunities and the everyday tasks in between. One local mom is helping parents and early childhood educators make mealtime easier with her line of dinnerware specifically designed for tiny hands.

Brittany Francis started My Modern Mom three years ago, inspired by how her three children lit up when they fed themselves and with a nudge of encouragement from her late grandmother. The milestone of a child using utensils marks a crucial developmental leap in toddlerhood, one that requires fine motor skills only developed through countless opportunities for practice. To make that learning process better for everyone, Francis created a line of easy-to-grip utensils and suction plates with scoopable lips that support fine motor development and promote independent feeding.

After donating products to her daughter’s early childhood education center, Francis received positive feedback from the teachers and her mealtime mission expanded. With each purchase, a donation is made to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund, which is matched dollar for dollar by the state of Louisiana. Together, these contributions expand access to high-quality early education programs by creating more available spots for families who qualify for financial assistance.

In addition to bolstering opportunities for local children to attend high-quality childcare, Francis frequently donates her dinnerware sets to local childcare centers. “It’s just amazing to see kids light up when they realize that they can feed themselves, and it builds confidence,” she says. “It makes mealtimes fun because they don’t have to be stressful. After long days of working and school routines, families can still have that peaceful time at dinner, sitting around the table together.”

As she looks to the future, Francis has her sights set on completing the My Modern Mom dinnerware collection with cups while continuing her mission of building a community of moms who uplift and encourage one another to be the best versions of themselves. “This is about legacy. It’s family. It’s community,” she says of the brand. Follow along with Franc