Baltimore's Child Baltimore's Child
Title: Director of the early childhood program at Beth El Congregation, Federal Hill
Lives: Owings Mills
Family: Adam (husband), Isabelle (17) and Arden (20)
What’s the hardest part about juggling both parenthood and your career?
Time. At any stage, there are certain things that you want to be there for. It’s hard to navigate that. It’s being there for their special moments—good, bad and indifferent. Time is definitely a struggle.
What makes trying to balance both easier?
My husband and I divide and conquer. It’s important that you understand how you partner together as parents. You want your children to know that they’re recognized, heard and supported.
What do you love about being a parent?
Everything. The happiest of happy moments or the not-so-happy moments, but that bond and that special connection. Even if we’re all sitting and watching TV together and hanging out, it’s moments like these that just make it all worth it. There aren’t words to describe it, but you have this warmth in your heart.
What do you think is your biggest parenting fail?
Letting my husband get them dressed when they were little. One time, I was working on my master’s degree and had class, and we were going over to his aunt and uncle’s house. When I showed up, I looked at him and said, “What did you put Arden in?” I didn’t even know what to do with myself. It was funny as anything.
What’s the one thing you hope your children learn from you and your career?
When you’re passionate about something and you make a point to stand up for what you believe in, whether it’s something for someone else or it’s your dream or aspirations, you push through to be that change.
Family Favorites
Family Meal: They like tacos. I would have breakfast for dinner.
Dessert: I make these pumpkin-chocolate chip muffins. I can make them one day and by the next there’s almost next to nothing left.
Book to Read Together: When the girls were younger, it was “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans
Way to Spend a Weekend with your Family: The girls saw a movie where they had a “yes day” where the parents couldn’t say no to anything. My husband and I have given in, and we’ll have a “yes day.” It could be going out shopping or to Washington, D.C., or a park.
Vacation Spot: The beach.
