The Mother Nature

THE MOTHER NATURE
THE FAMILY GROOVE'S PROFILE OF A MOM WHO'S MAKING IT HAPPEN

Gone are the days of the traditional coffee clutch because at THE FAMILY GROOVE we're doing it new school,
bringing people together to laugh, learn, share and commiserate in the global village called the Internet.

This month we want you to meet Dr. Terri Orbuch. Known to most as Detroit's resident Love Doctor, this
mother of two is also an accomplished psychologist, published author, high-demand speaker, and sociology
and research professor at The University of Michigan. Spreading her well-studied and strategic relationship
advice to couples and families across the country, Orbuch still manages to be a hands-on mom and a loving
and attentive wife—minus the requisite complaints you hear from most over-worked, on-the-go moms these days.

With a lifelong quest to be a good role model, to listen, to be supportive and to be thankful for all her blessings, Orbuch's mission, be it on air or off, seems to be the same: to love what she does.

Terri Orbuch

1. Who are you?
Dr. Terri Orbuch (Ph.D.), aka The Love Doctor

2. How old are you?
48

3. Where do you live?
Michigan

4. How many children do you have? How old?
One daughter (13 years old) and one son (10 years old)

5. What time do you get up?
I usually get up before 7:00 a.m. except on weekends or when I get up for television segments at 5:30 a.m.

6. What daily rituals must you do to feel normal?
I like daily rituals. Every day I kiss my husband, have breakfast with my kids, talk to them about their day, drink a cup of coffee and exercise, if possible.

7. What do you wish you'd do every day, but haven't been able to incorporate into your routine?
Exercise, read the newspaper and talk with friends

8. Do you work?
Yes, I work.

9. What do you do?
Many things

10. Tell us about it.
I am an author, psychologist, workshop leader, Oakland University sociology professor, research professor at The University of Michigan, and “The Love Doctor” on radio, television and in print media. I also am the project director for a longitudinal study called “The Early Years of Marriage Project” funded by the National Institutes of Health, which has been following and studying 373 married couples since 1986. Many of them are now single or remarried.

11. What's the best thing your mother ever told you?
Actually, it wasn’t what she told me, but rather what she did that was important. She was a positive role model of a strong, confident, optimistic woman, who could work outside the home, raise children, have a healthy relationship with my father (now 51 years married) and still take care of herself. She is a hard act to follow. But, I truly believe that children are more likely to do as you do, rather than do as you say.

12. What does being a good mother mean?
It is important to be a positive role model for your children, to be patient and listen to what they say, and to be there to support them. But most of all, you want to give them the tools to spread their wings and fly alone. You want to love your children and hold them close, but the biggest responsibility a mother has is to make sure her children become self sufficient and grow to be responsible adults.

13. What's your mantra/personal philosophy?
Remember to laugh—and that each day is a blessing.

14. What do you tell other mothers?
Enjoy every moment with your children. We all make mistakes. Stay patient because we all experience challenges. Give to your children, but remember that if you don’t take care of yourself and your other relationships, you can’t be there for them.

15. Finish this sentence: I want my children to know...
...that I’m always there for them, even if they think I may not like what they say or do.

16. Who inspires you?
My children inspire me to constantly think about how to be a better me.

17. What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about family, relationships and learning.

18. How do you balance your life as a woman, a mother, a friend?
I recognize that it can be challenging at times. I try to stay organized, set priorities, focus on what is important, establish realistic expectations as to what I can achieve and smile.

19. What do you wish you knew then that you know now?
I wish I knew not to take everything so seriously—you know, don’t sweat the things that don’t really matter or the things I can’t control.

20. How do you get your groove on?
Exercise to relax and reduce stress. Romantic dinners with my husband. Hugs from my children. Talking to my parents, siblings, and friends, as well as walking by the ocean.

For more from Terri go to www.detroitlovedr.com.