certainly outweighs the challenges just because I try to see the positive in most situations–even during some of the harder days or bigger emotions. But the way my kids light up about the world– from school to seeing their loved ones get home from work or come for a visit, to a new craft or toy. I love experiencing life with my husband and my kids. Getting to try new museums and parks and vacations with them to spending a whole day at home doing whatever and getting some really good quality time in can be so fulfilling as a mom. I would say [the] challenges right now are giving everyone enough time and attention they need. With three under three and a business, life is busy. So finding those pockets of time in the very busy week to get in quality time to make sure everyone’s needs are met–to juggling the busy schedule. It takes a village, and I have a good one, but there are still days and weeks [when] life is crazy. So trying to manage that and of course, navigating the big emotions and unpredictability of having babies and toddlers. Working on that as a unit in our family definitely ebbs and flows with each week. and then navigating some bigger things like allergies and sickness
[are also challenges.] HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PARENTING STYLE? ASHLEY: Consistent, routine-based, and structured. WHAT’S ONE LESSON YOUR CHILDREN HAVE TAUGHT YOU? ASHLEY: Small potatoes: not everything is a BIG DEAL and we are teaching them that too. By the third [child] it’s like… someone is playing in the mud, and I can’t get to them right now because I’m with the baby… so he will just have to be in the mud a second. [Also,] to let go… I’m still working on this, but [I’m] learning that not everything is perfect, and that’s okay. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE? ASHLEY: One is the field/setting I am in. I started Bright Start when I was having my firstborn to help step back and be with my kiddos. Now since it’s grown, my responsibilities have become larger, but so has my village of helpers with my family. We have a lot of family nearby that is always willing to help, a nanny for the
day-to-day, my two older toddlers are in school full-time, and then a babysitter roster for those important date nights. [I have] a lot of to-do lists and a really awesome, supportive team at work along with my supportive and patient husband at home. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF BEFORE BECOMING A PARENT? ASHLEY: To give others grace when it comes to family commitments. Quick Q’s Dream vacation destination ... Bora Bora. My current favorite TV show/ movie … Christmas Romcoms & Selling Sunset. Favorite girls night ou t… Dinner & drinks EARLY, somewhere cutesy and in bed by 9. One thing I can’t live without … Snuggles from my boys! …and coffee. Something I’m looking forward to … Christmas & anniversary trip.
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