Welcome to our latest monthly column, “Mom on the Street” (ya know, like “Man on the Street”).
Each month, we’ll be asking moms just like you for a slice of their sage advice, insider tips or
tried-and-true wisdom in the hopes that their unique brand of mothering inspires, assuages, calms,
strengthens and even amuses you.
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Amanda Moore, founder of holistic interior design firm re:place (www.replacenyc.com) and the recently launched nursery design specialty firm first:place, is a mother of one and lives and works in New York City. Here’s what Amanda has to say:
“As a single mother and business owner, it’s imperative that I find time to relax and unwind. I practice yoga several times a week and try to get weekly massages. But the best downtime for me is when I consciously focus on unwinding with my two-and-a-half-year-old son. I turn off the TV, cell phone and BlackBerry, hide the to-do lists, and I just let him lead the way. He is so free and imaginative when he plays; it reminds me of the lack of playfulness in my adult life and inspires me to be just a little more free every day. For me, the most spirit-boosting and relaxing activities are making artwork with him, playing make-believe games and chasing each other around (a loose version of tag). These moments foster a bond and renewed energy that unwinding on my own does not. Don’t get me wrong—I still keep my massage therapist on speed dial!” |
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 Catherine Brooks is the CEO of C-Panty (www.cpanty.com), the after-Cesarean underwear. Here’s what this Solana Beach, Calif., mother of two has to say:
“It took me a while to get Mommy R&R right. An example of my R&R routine that was not so successful is as follows: find someone to watch the kids, find something to do, take that rare shower, remind myself to stop multitasking chores and get out of the house, remember what I was going to do, realize that my R&R time is dwindling, run out for a manicure that I smudge on the way home.
Then I figured that my R&R time needed to be planned and not too long (yikes—guilt!) or short (I do need to unwind!). Luckily, I live in the outdoor playland of San Diego. When I relocated here eight years ago, I was determined to learn to surf. My husband and I took lessons, and now I am proud to say I can hold my own out on the waves. Every Friday morning, we get a babysitter for our ‘date night,’ which is my prized R&R time. It just happens to be in the wee hours of the a.m. We throw on warm, toasty clothes, load up our boards and head to the coast. Part of surfing is the ritual. You check the tide, scope out a spot, watch the waves a bit and then venture in. We head out winter and summer. Some days I am glad just not to get tossed about by heavy surf, other days we enjoy smooth summer rollers. Many times the dolphins join in, swimming close by and even under our boards. After an hour or two out, we head for a warm latte and a well-deserved big breakfast. No matter what the surf conditions, I am so relaxed, refreshed and refocused that I am ready to head back to Mommyhood with a smile. I can’t wait until the kids can join us!” |
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 Erica Ramos-Guevara is a publicist for Orca Communications (www.orcacommunications.com) and a writer. Here’s what this Phoenix mother of two, ages 5 and 18 months, has to say:
“My children call my name countless times a day. As all moms can relate, there’s always something that needs to be done, some fire that needs to be put out. It’s certainly a challenge to have quality downtime, but that’s where creativity comes in. I actually have to unwind at the beginning of my day. It’s the only realistic opportunity for me.
I am a big fan of affirmations and the law of attraction. The second I wake up each morning (two hours before the rest of the clan), I make a conscious effort to think positive, grateful thoughts, and it helps set the tone for the rest of the day. After a morning workout, including relaxing breathing exercises to calming music, I take a long bath or shower and just soak in the sun’s rays that seep through my window. Luckily for me, my husband, who can sleep through anything, doesn’t mind that I am a big Mariah Carey wannabe, belting out tunes in the bathroom daily. Then it’s breakfast for one, on my back patio. I like to stare at the Desert Mountains and take in fresh air.
This weekday ritual is the longest alone time I get each day. It’s priceless to me. I am able to sort out the stuff in my head. I feel prepared to deal with the rest of the challenges and craziness life throws my way. Once it’s over, the day is no longer about me. I don’t have the best sleep pattern, but I never skimp on getting up for my two-hour alone time each morning, no matter how tired I am. Playing with the kids is also a great way for me to forget life stresses and live in the moment. Who can resist a fun romp on a trampoline or playing Red Light, Green Light? Definitely a great way to unwind!” |
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 Robyn Miller lives in New York City with her husband, Todd, and their sons, Jonah, age 4, and Griffin, age 2. Her company, Robyn Miller Design (www.robynmillerdesign.com), is a stationery line featuring birth announcements, party invitations, moving announcements and holiday cards. Here’s what Robyn has to say:
“As much as I would love to relax, I still haven’t found a way—and am not optimistic that I will for a long time. My two sons have nonstop energy and are constantly being zipped from place to place in an effort to enjoy all the fun things in New York City. Between pick-ups and drop-offs for school and classes, play dates, running after (and I really mean running—he’s fast!) my 2-year-old, trips to museums, running errands and managing my business, my day is filled with an endless list of to-dos—no different from any other parent of young kids.
It’s not exactly relaxing, but I thrive on being busy and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When my husband, Todd, is home in the evening, we play with the kids by chasing them around the apartment, dancing to music or playing hide and seek. Usually my husband will come up with some hilarious physical game that never seems to end as the kids yell ‘again!’ over and over and are laughing so hard they can barely catch their breath. Nothing is better than knowing that my kids are happy from a day of fun-filled activities. In the evening, we all read books together and tell stories about our day. As for the daily commotion, it’s hectic, but it’s exactly what I want to be doing right now—although I could use a few more hours of sleep. When I have time, I try to relax by getting massages, reading and listening to music. One of my favorite things to do is have dinner with my husband or out with friends.” |
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