Marie Claire has published an incredible 3-part profile on moms without custody that everyone should read. It includes Maria Housden, best-selling author, and Ellie Hull, a woman who decided to give up custody in order to "go back to school, get a decent career, and be a better mom."

My participation (I am profiled on page 3) began last year, when I wrote what I consider to be my "coming out" essay about my experience as a noncustodial mom. Marie Claire editor Lea Goldman came across my story, and I fit a model that would challenge the noncustodial mom stereotypes -- women who relinquished custody of their children because it was the right, loving choice in the best interests of their children. Sharing my story emboldened me, and the incredibly supportive response I received from colleagues, family, and friends inspired me to do more. In the year since, I launched my blog and have served as a noncustodial parent spokesperson on family issues.

So, having come such a long way from initially spilling my personal story, I was a bit shocked to see the headline ("What Kind of Mother Leaves Her Kids?"), with my name listed beneath it. I was afraid to read it at first -- but it is my story, more raw and personal than I have ever seen it in print, but honest. And it is my hope that other noncustodial moms will read it and realize they are not alone. That we all rethink gendered assumptions around parenting. And that school authorities, medical professionals, and others in position in our children's lives will afford noncustodial moms a little more respect.

I am so grateful to Marie Claire - and Lea Goldman in particular - for their dedication to a story that expands the narrative of noncustodial moms beyond Britney Spears tabloid. The subtitle of the piece reads, "Divorcing dads give up custody every day. Increasingly, so do moms. So why are they judged more harshly for it?" I also appreciate that they included a note at the conclusion of the piece titled "Who Gets the Kids," which helps explain the basics of child custody, something a lot of people do not know.

For those interested in reading more about the challenges that noncustodial moms and dads face in raising our children, I encourage readers to also check out my recent interview with CoParenting 101.