working with kids

Just a month ago I realized how real PTSD can be. While we were dealing with the quick spread of Omicron over the holidays, I quickly caught major flashbacks of the anxiety that had first taken over at the onset of the pandemic. Classrooms started shutting down and quarantines became mandatory but we were all surprisingly scared of what we already knew was coming – remote learning once again. The stress levels went through the roof and COVID testing became part of our weekly routine. Don’t get me wrong, I love my children but working with your children is a whole different ballgame. I struggle to balance it all on an everyday basis so when dropping off my children at school is not an option, everything gets thrown off and planning beforehand quickly goes out the window.

A little over four years ago, I was pregnant with my second child, launching a business and going through a separation. Life didn’t stop while figuring it all out. Considering a free 3K program came with guilt when I was already in the business of providing an enriching and diverse early childhood program that my older daughter could essentially partake in. I realized how difficult it was both physically and emotionally to work with your children. The amount of patience it takes to work while parenting… to work as a teacher to little ones while your child and student is only able to see you as their mother. We’ve met so many parents that have struggled and continue struggling because of the lack of flexibility offered and the lack of an affordable option for quality care for their child(ren). It sometimes feels like a cat chasing its tail – the need for uninterrupted work time in a comfortable space without feeling like you have to go broke in order to provide a stimulating and enriching space for your child to socialize while being cared after. I knew then the strong need to bridge this gap for other parents. I am lucky to have my sister alongside me helping me figure it out and allowing me the flexibility that I need to make it work. We’ve been able to build a nice extended familia through our business but we see how hard it is for some to cultivate that sense of community that is so needed when you are parenting.

I am a mother. I know the importance in providing my children with a stimulating environment that offers them what they need for their development. I am also a business owner and need to be able to dedicate time to my work, my plans and our future. We are excited to work towards putting together a program that bridges the gap and continues nurturing a community of like-minded parents that believe in the fact that it truly does take a village. More to come so stay tuned for what we have up our sleeve!

Sharing some pics of my girl squad and our little adventure last month as we traveled to Wynwood where we visited the Museum of Graffiti. If you know me you know that parenting is so much more fun when you’re exploring.