Where in the world do you live? And, are you from there?
I live in the United States. I was raised in Central New Jersey. About 7 years ago, my husband and I moved to Pennsylvania.
What language(s) do you speak?
I speak English, but can definitely hold my own when it comes to speaking Spanish.
When did you first become a mother?
I gave birth to my twin daughters at age 32.
Are you a stay-at-home mom or do you work?
I work full-time.
Why do you blog/write?
Graduating with a degree in English, I have always had a passion for writing. I “aspired” to be a Creative Writing teacher. Fifteen years later, as a Director of Sales and Marketing, I am still “aspiring!”
My first blog started (and continues) as my personal family blog. Instead of writing letters to my daughters, I have tried to keep a personal blog just for them. This virtual journal might just help them when they least expect it.
As my career responsibilities grew, I implemented blogs as a part of our marketing strategy. Although I get some enjoyment from maintaining those blogs, they are nothing like my personal blogs.
I am also a contributor to a variety of industry related blogs. Unfortunately, they feel more like work than anything else.
How would you say that you are different from other mothers?
After 5 ½ years of motherhood, I am proud to say that I am no different. Like many mothers, I strive for outstanding – will learn to be ordinary but refuse to accept failure.
For me, “failing” would be if my children didn’t have this extraordinary sense of self-worth and confidence in who they grew to be. When you strip down their education path, career choices, intertwined with life’s challenges, I would hope that they were still proud to wake up every morning just for being who they were. To believe in yourself and stand proud of who you are can lead you to amazing things. I wish that for them – each and every day.
What do you view as the challenges of raising a child in today’s world?
For girls, it is this “in-your-face” need for perfection. From body image to material things, girls are being shown that “perfection” is on the surface and that is what really matters! As we all know – it does not.
When my girls were very young, I used to say “you are beautiful on the INSIDE and out.” When they got a little older, they started to understand what qualities truly made a person beautiful on the inside. However, with all the media/peer influences, it is a hard for them to ignore the pressures of society.
Even at such a young age, they face this issue all the time. I find this to be disheartening as well as challenging.
How did you find World Moms Blog?
Long or the short? OK – here’s the short. A family member e-mailed me a blog post from WMB that they thought I would enjoy. I LOVED IT!
After reading and reading and reading, I thought I would “try” and join this group of writers. Jennifer B. was extremely responsive and after submitting some writing samples, here I am – (thankfully!)
This is an original post to World Moms Blog from our new, mother of twins in Pennsylvania, Twinmom112.
Nice to meet you! I like your comments about raising girls. I agree, as someone who has my entire life struggled with body issues (when I really should not have or be since I am very active) it is my main concern with raising my daughter today. I try to remember to keep positive when I put that bathing suit on or look like a mess. I want her to be confident and not such a freak about her figure and trying to be perfect. Anyway, good luck! There is so much pressure out there for our girls, to be perfect. I have a boy too but I’m sure he will have different issues to contend with.
Nice to meet you too! You are so right – Trying to stay postive about myself – especially when I am having an off day – is always on my mind! It is amazing how much they pick up on! Sometimes they will question “if I like the way I look,” and I (try) to always say “yes!” I too want them to feel beautiful in their own skin – Boy is it tough to be a female in our society!
Welcome to World Moms Blog!!!! 🙂
I didn’t know that is how you found us — very cool. A big thank you to your family member!!!
So glad you are writing with us!!
Jen 🙂
Hey Jennifer!
It is amazing how I learned about WMB! Jennifer D’Am … and I have the same Aunt! (She can explain the connection much better!) I bet she didn’t even know I was sent her email~ It got me “hooked!” So glad to be part of WMB! Thanks again!
Hi TwinMom! I love what you said about instilling that beauty is from the inside. I can’t wait to read more from you 🙂 – Maureen
Thank you so very much! So excited to be here!
Lovely to meet you! I agree about the need for our children to feel secure in themselves regardless of what is going on in their lives. I look forward to hearing more from you. 🙂
Hope we can all share in ways to teach our daughter(s) to love themselves unconditionally! So happy to be here!
Welcome to WMB! I live outside Seattle now, but I am a PA native…Wilkes-Barre area. Which part are you close to? I love your interview and am excited to read your posts. Cheers!
Hey! I live near Allentown! Thanks for the support – I look forward to reading all the posts! 🙂
Welcome twin mum (or ‘mom’ as you say) Twins and full time work = my utmost respect.
I have all boys so it’s interesting to read your views on the challenges of raising girls as opposed to what I view as the challenges with raising boys. As much as we don’t like to admit it – there are differences, inner and outer beauty is not a big thing with boys.
LOL – I often hear “how do you do it with 2 at the same time!” – It’s funny; I always wonder how ANY mom does it with children of varying ages! Hope we can learn from each other! 🙂
Welcome to WMB! I like what you said about raising girls. As a mom to a boy, I do actually have the same struggles. Trying to help him see himself & others as beautiful from the inside, rather than focusing just on the surface.
When I think of having a son, I don’t often think that they would have to worry about the same types of issues! What an interesting perspective! Love learning about the differences! Thanks for sharing!
Welcome to WMB! As a mother of a boy and a (still)baby girl, I like this perspective and will certainly start to incorporate it once my baby girl understands a bit better. One of the big challenges with girls is the barbie doll, with her unattainable proportions. Hopefully all of our girls will learn to be strong, self-assured, independent women, and our boys, loving, sensitive and strong.
I look forward to reading more from you!
Welcome!!!! Nice to get to know you and am so glad you joined!!
So glad you are here!!!
Welcome