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Meet Kerine from New Jersey! 

See more of Kerine!
The Millennial Mommy Chronicles
Instagram

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How are you feeling today mama?

Pretty Chill

How many children do you have? 

I have 2 girls 21 months apart, my youngest just turned 2 and my eldest is 3.

How old were you when you had your first child?

 I was 27 when I had my first child.

Do you remember your initial reaction when you found out you were pregnant?

When I was first pregnant I was shocked, scared, excited, anxious. I was more so nervous not knowing what was to come. 

What first comes to mind when you think of mental health?

When I think of mental health I think of self-care for well being. It is something that has become a part of more public discussion in more recent years. I think growing up, such topics were taboo or not well spoken of. In a way, I am glad that in this time it is discussed more so that we are more understanding and compassionate around folks and their dispositions. Before, it was easy to hear that someone has “gone mad” or you stay away from them because they are a little off, but as people open up more we find that all of us in some way struggle to maintain mental wellness. ESPECIALLY in this society, where things are often non stop and there’s pressure to live picture “perfect” lives. 

Do you suffer from any mental illnesses yourself?

I think I also got to understand mental health a bit more as I went through my own experience with postpartum depression after my second child. I think trying to juggle two young children, going back to work, and feeling like things constantly felt upside down was difficult for me to adjust to. To be honest, sleep deprivation is a crazy thing, that changes you; like a werewolf on a full mon… but I digress. Parenthood definitaly exposed me to more and made me understand how important it is to pause. That there are things I have to push through and there are others that I don’t NEED to do. 

How was your mental health before you became a mama? How has motherhood changed or improved your mental health?

I think I wasn’t really that tuned in / aware of my mental health before I became a mom. Looking back when I would get stressed or overwhelmed, I either did some form of physical activity or slept/shut down. Upon becoming a parent that free time to have such luxuries are limited and I think I’ve become more aware of how I feel, whether that’s exhausted, stressed, truly energized, etc. With that being said it’s helped me to learn when to ask for help and take breaks. Pausing, when I normally would feel the need to push through. 

Do you self-care? 

I try to self-care. I definitely need to practice more, but self-care looks like a fun exercise class. I love to dance and do yoga, so when I get opportunities to go to such classes/ workshops I feel rejuvenated. Also, sleep, but the kind of sleep, where my body is not a small human’s bed/ footrest/ pinching cushion. That’s rare, but it feels so heavenly when I get those moments. And what is the least frequent for me (especially now with the Rona and all) is spa days.

Do you have any stories you’d like to share?

I have tons of stories to share so many different ones I don’t know where to start, but you can check out my mommy chronicles as I tend to note them over there @themillennialmommychronicles (sorry for the shameless plug)

Advice for other mamas…

My advice to other moms would be; don’t concern yourself with perfection, it will drive you mad. You are beautiful, strong and amazing; privileged enough to have one of the greatest roles of bringing up a (or multiple) small humans up in this world. You get to show them what unconditional love is, pass down your lessons, values, morals and build a foundation for them to go out into the world with. With all that said, you are amazing, BE KIND to YOURSELF. Make moments for yourself where you can.

Let’s get to know a little more!

What’s your drink of choice? 

Is it bad I have a couple? Depending on my mood it ranges from sweet red wine to a gin and ginger-ale…

What’s the cutest thing your kids have done?

My youngest just randomly put her hands to her face, made a bashful kind of look, and said “Mommy, I so happy”. I have no clue why, but she was just happy.

My eldest went around the table naming all of us, Mommy, Daddy, Nia, herself, etc. and told us were all family and needed to have a group hug. 

Do you have a favorite restaurant or snack?

Unfortunately, food is my friend… kind of kidding. I think my favorite snacks and meals also speak to the mood I’m in like my drinks… But I do love cheese/cheesy food. It would be truly difficult for me to be a true vegan. 

Tell us your go-to song at the moment!

Sweet Inspiration by Lila Ike

What’s one thing you want to do when this pandemic ends?

Be on a beach with clear water, soaking up the sun, drinking all the dranks, and eating food I don’t have to cook. 

Any pets!?

Not unless you count the stuffed animals.

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Interested in being interviewed for Mothers & Mental Health?

Your voice and your story matter. Send me an email at tianiangelax@gmail.com with the subject INTERVIEW and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

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As always, thanks so much for reading! Questions, comments, and feedback are always welcome. If you enjoyed this post, please comment, like and share! Make sure to check out my Instagram; @T_scorner and my latest video on Youtube💋