I said so

In this issue of Society Life’s Mom’s column, we asked local Stitch Fix stylist Gina Mitzel to answer 20 questions about her experiences both in becoming and being a mom. Gina has two children: Sadie is 11 years old and Brayden is 8. Gina lives with her husband, Brock and their kids in Trophy Club. Here’s what she had to say…

SOCIETY LIFE: What’s one of your earliest memories you have of your Mom? GINA MITZEL: When my mom and my aunt took me to my first concert, The Beach Boys!

SL: What is something you thought about Motherhood that was totally wrong? GM: We raise our kids to be who they are and not try to change them. But I remember thinking when they were little that we weren’t going to be the “sport” parents whose lives revolve around sports! Boy was I wrong! But I’m glad I was wrong. They’re doing what they love, getting exercise, learning new skills, and learning how to be part of a team. And most importantly, having fun!

SL: What’s something you wanted to do but didn’t... and why didn’t you? GM: I want to volunteer. It’s taken years to get to the point in my life that I have my own time while the kids are at school. While I workpart time, my schedule is flexible, so I make time for things important to me. I also think volunteering will be great for my mental health as it feels so good to do something for someone else.

SL: Was there something you swore you’d never do as a parent? GM: I will never try to change them. I want them to be confident and happy with who they are.

SL: What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up? GM: I always said I wanted to be a lawyer because I argued so much with my brother and considered myself quite successful doing so!

SL: How have your notions of what it means to be a Mom changed over your lifetime? GM: When they were babies, my goal was to keep them healthy. When they were toddlers—learn how to be sociable, play with others, and know right from wrong. As they grow in elementary school, you teach them respect, how to be a good listener, and how to be a good friend and overall human. We’re at the point with Sadie, as she’ll be entering middle school, in which more serious conversations about life are naturally emerging. We’re very open and honest with the kids and these conversations have become an important part of our lives.

SL: What’s the best family vacation you’ve ever taken? GM: I grew up travel- ing to Florida throughout my childhood and am so happy that we’ve been able to do the same for our kids. Sanibel Island is our favorite spot in Florida. We have been fortunate to travel with grandma/grandpa and my brother and his family. My brother lives in Chicago so the kids have very little opportunity to spend much time with their cousins. Last summer the whole family met there and vacationing with their cousins was the best vacation.

SL: Is there a moment or event that radically changed the way you saw Motherhood? GM: We are grateful to not have any major tragic life events that I would think of when answering this question. However, my role as a parent changed when Sadie was diagnosed with dyslexia and Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD). While we had incredible resources and support at her school, I had to step in and become her advocate by not hesitating to ask questions and by keeping the communication line open with staff. We are our children’s greatest advocate and it is important to take responsibility for that.

SL: When did you know you were ready to have kids? GM: We always knew we wanted kids. We were married for a couple of years and settled in our first home in Keller and it just felt like it was time. We had always said we wanted two kids and were thrilled to have both a girl and a boy!

SL: What’s your favorite photo of your family or kids? GM: Our kids are so photogenic that we have so many amazing photos that it’s too hard to just pick one! But my very favorite photos are the candid photos we take with our photographer. She always says something funny to make us laugh and they just radiate happiness.

SL: What was the first year of motherhood like for you? GM: Sadie was a happy, easy baby so that significantly helped with the transition. I went back to work when she was two months old, so I had to learn how to balance home and work life. Brock and I had to coordinate carpooling for day care, I learned how to use a crock pot, and had to prioritize the little time we had together in the evenings.

SL: What do you want or wish most for your kids? GM: I want them to be happy, healthy, and successful in whatever direction life takes them.