the little things BY AMANDA HAYWARD
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CHALLENGE YOURSELF. BE YOURSELF. We are Country Day. We are dedicated to inspiring students, 18 months to 18 years, to bring out the best in themselves and each other. To learn more, call us. #WEARECOUNTRYDAY
513-979-0220 | CountryDay.NET
want to begin by introducing myself: I am a mom of two beautiful, curious, energetic children, William and Evelyn. I am also a Cincinnati-an, a military wife and if you don’t see me cooking up healthy vegetarian recipes in my kitchen, you might see me training for a marathon while running around beautiful local trails like Loveland Bike Trail, Voice of America Park or across the Purple People Bridge connecting Cincinnati and Newport. Actually, you might just find me running around my neighborhood, because finding the time to run anywhere far away from home has ALMOST been impossible with two kiddos. That being said, I know that some of us are in the same boat: juggling life, children, work, hobbies, free time, you name it. That is one reason why I am more than excited to be a part of such a fantastic publication that reaches out to local families. We are all in it together. Life is hard, but it also has its rewards. And from a mommy’s standpoint — children are truly our greatest distraction. Kids fill our days with questions like, “Why do zebras have stripes?” or, “Where do babies come from?” or, “How far away is the moon?” They keep us thinking and guessing all day long. When times get tough and we feel like we are not doing a good job, we have to remember that we are doing the best we can, and that’s what counts. It’s easy to miss a major milestone (I can be with my kids all day long, but the one time I’m not there, the first step is taken — go figure), or order pizza three days in a row because there’s no time to cook. None of this makes us bad parents. We are each only one person. We are not perfect, but our children think we are. We can listen to our children’s ideas, guide them, hug them, and be there with them every step life gives us. My little boy asked me once if he could someday go to the moon. And what did I say? YES! Of course you can! No one said this parenting thing would be easy, but I’m pretty sure they said it would be a fun ride. September is here and so is a new school year, which means we have to help our children with their back-to-school jitters while handling our own, and we need to help them prepare the best we can. We need to take the time to listen to what they’re learning at school, meet with their teachers, sign them up for their favorite after-school activity and set aside that special family time. We need to encourage their reading, going for walks and making a point to sit at the dinner table together. Moving forward, I’m thrilled to learn and connect with all of you Cincinnati and Kentucky families out there. We all have so many questions; I am here with you on this wonderful, tough and neverending journey to help you find answers and to share my stories ... and your stories, too!
6905 Given Road | Cincinnati OH 45243
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September 2018
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
“Where Every Family Matters.”