Connect What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

My rewards for mothering is boundless! The joy of watching my kids grow and evolve into themselves is my absolute favorite thing. I think having older teenagers now it is especially rewarding engaging with them in a more adult way, whether it be laughing or debating. My kids are my everything. As hard as it will be to send off two to college this fall, I know it was the end goal all along. Part of my heart will be outside the four walls of my home- and that’s bittersweet.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from motherhood is by far validating. Listening to a child is one thing- but listening and validating without trying to fix their problem. All they want is to be heard and seen. It is quite hard to learn to not give solutions or opinions- but that is quite frankly the ticket to being the best mother to them.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would buy a new to me car, and give my car to my oldest son who got in a car accident and totaled his car. We were not able to replace it. He’s saving for one and working so hard. My car right now would be a perfect rig for him whirl i also get to benefit and drive a nicer car as well.