Where in the world do you live? And, are you from there?
I have lived in Reno, Nevada since 2006. I was born and raised in Fremont, California.
What language(s) do you speak?
I speak English, and can communicate with American Sign Language. I have taken both Spanish and French courses.
When did you first become a mother?
I was 22 when I had my son in 2006, although it was probably a year later when I really started feeling like a mother.
Are you a stay-at-home mom or do you work?
I currently work outside of the home as an administrative assistant for an environmental consulting firm here in Reno. In addition to that, I am also a Tupperware consultant and freelance editor.
Why do you blog/write?
I have always been a writer. I have been writing stories since elementary school. I love writing. I started my blog as an attempt to get myself into the habit of writing on a regular basis. Now I use it as a sounding board for some of my fiction writing, as well as a way to track my life as a mother and my son’s childhood experiences. My blogging has also helped me join a community of writers and parents that I can share my experiences with.
How would you say that you are different from other mothers?
I used to think I was completely different from most mothers. But the more I meet and talk to other moms, the more I realize that we are so much alike. We all have insecurities in how we are as parents, and we all want the same thing – healthy and happy children.
Something that might set me apart is the honesty between my son and me. I have been open with him about a lot of things, including my struggle with depression and my divorce from his father. I have told him the truth about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. We have honest discussions about death and other topics some people deem the “tough stuff.” It’s not always easy explaining certain things to a 5-year-old, but we always work through it all. I leave myself open to his questions and concerns.
What do you view as the challenges of raising a child in today’s world?
I feel the abundance of technology in our lives today is both a blessing and a curse. I love how connected I can be to people in different parts of the world. I have family spread out, and we are able to keep in contact via smartphones, e-mail, Facebook… but I’m afraid there is an impersonality that could affect my son’s generation. With everyone connecting from behind computer screens, I’m afraid they will miss out on the beauty of face-to-face connections. There is so much more you can take away from a conversation in person than over the Internet, because you can see facial expressions, body language, and the tone of someone’s voice. So while I don’t view technology as any sort of evil, I do worry that my son might miss out on something important in human development and interaction.
How did you find World Moms Blog?
I found World Moms Blog through several bloggers I follow on Twitter, including Alison Lee, Robin Farr, and Carri Brown.
This is an original, first-time post to World Moms Blog from our new writer in Nevada and single-mom of one, Unintentionally Brilliant. You can find more of her writing on her personal blog, Unintentionally Brilliant.
Photo credit to the author.Â
Welcome! I liked reading about your parenting style. I agree with technology being a blessing and a curse – and it almost seems like there isn’t any way around it. Welcome to the blog and can’t wait to read more about you.
Thanks Diana. There really doesn’t seem to be any way around it, but here’s to hoping we can accentuate the positive things about technology for our children. It really can be so incredible.
Welcome! Looking forward to reading more!
Thank you! I’m so happy to be here.
Rox, Welcome to World Moms Blog!
Really good point about the lack of being able to read body language — such an important part of being human.
I’m looking forward to reading more from you!! 🙂
Jen 🙂
Thanks so much Jen. I’m so happy to be a part of this amazing group!
It’s so lovely to see you here Roxanne!
Thank you Angela!
Welcome Rox.
I agree about technology playing an important part in relationships and social development in the next generation. That definitely is food for thought.
You seem to be a person with a lot of different perspectives. Looking forward to your posts.
Thank you; I’m so happy to be here. I’m so interested in reading and contributing so that we can learn a little bit more about the parenting perspectives of others in the world.
Welcome 🙂
I love the fact that you have told the truth about Santa and his mates – that is what I am planning to do!
Thank you. I have to admit that it gets tricky telling the truth about Santa. He misunderstood me at first and went around thinking that Santa had *died*. So we had to have another conversation to clear that up. But in the long run, I think it’s best for the both of us.
Welcome Rox. I feel your fears about technology. Ten years from now imagine how advance it will be?
Can’t wait to read more 🙂
Thanks!
Looking back at my own life, it’s fascinating to see the leaps and bounds that technology has made. So part of me is very interested to see what happens in my child’s lifetime. But also a little nervous. Here’s hoping we use the technology appropriately and still nurture face-to-face relationships!