Meet Lisa Andersen. She and I met in our local high intensity workout class, Train Insane. Once we connected on social media, I saw just how passionate and wonderful of a momma she is! Lisa has a blog focused on parenting and has something on Mondays called Moms Helping Moms. This is a way for moms to anonymously share what they’re going through or what they need advice on. I love this column because it reminds me that I’m not alone in my struggle. Plus, it’s always nice to see what other moms have to say! Each week, Lisa picks a submission to share with her audience. Once she posts, several moms will chime in with helpful advice and words of encouragement for the anonymous mom having a difficult time or looking for ways she could have parented better in a certain situation. If you’re a mom or soon-to-be mom, make sure you check out Lisa’s page!
Fun fact: Lisa has started her own parenting course! It’s going to be a 12-week long course, with one lesson every week starting May 7. The first week is FREE to sign up! Trust me when I say what Lisa has to say is super valuable. This gal is a well of wisdom and I am grateful to call her friend!
Get to know Lisa below, and make sure to enter for your chance to win $50 off one of my Motherhood Mini Sessions (valued at $175!) AND a $50 Nordstrom giftcard by signing up for my newsletter here, liking my Facebook page here and following me on Instagram here!
PS- Click here to grab your free copy of my Family Sessions: What to Wear guide!
Where did you grow up?
Did you go to school for what you do now?
I got my degree in elementary education. So, I would say that yes, I did! Teaching is a passion of mine, as is parenting; so I put the two together and am now a Parent Educator!
How did you discover your passion for what you do?
Not long after I had my first son and began interacting with different moms, I realized that not everyone enjoyed motherhood. Even though they loved their kids, it was hard for them. That lit a fire in me to try to help other mothers find more joy in motherhood.
Did you have any jobs before becoming a mom/entrepreneur?
I was an elementary school teacher! I taught in 5th grade for two years and then moved to NYC where I taught kindergarten ( not for me!) and third grade.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Now that I have school age kids, my day revolves around getting kids to things! I like to wake up before my kids and get a workout in and do some personal study. Then I get the kids out the door and spend the rest of the day juggling my two at home and doing typical mom stuff. Twice a week I have 2.5 hours when all my kids are in school! It is life changing, but I swear those hours go so much faster. I use that time to work on sharing parenting tip on Instagram and preparing curriculum for my live and online classes!
What is the most satisfying thing about your job + being a mom?
Being a mom is my number one job. It fills my soul right up to be needed and adored by my kids; and I adore them right back. As they are getting older, I am blown away by who they are becoming. As hard as it is to see them grow up, it is so satisfying to see some of the results of my “ job” as their mom. Although, my kids mostly came as amazing little humans. I just have to keep them alive! The most satisfying part of being a parent educator is to make connections with people. A lot of what I do is sharing things into the abyss of the internet, but when I get messages from people, letting me know that something I shared helped them when they needed it, man that makes everything worth it. I really just want to let people know that they are not alone and that the work they are doing as a mother is valuable!
If you couldn’t do what you do now, what do you think you would do?
Well, if we are talking “ wildest dreams” I would want to be a star on Broadway! But because I can’t dance or act and can just moderately sing, I can safely assume that is not in my future!
What is your favorite “mom” moment?
How can I even pick a favorite! Every week my kids do something to melt my heart. But if i had to pick one, it would be when I was really having a hard time after my third child was born. I was in my room feeling bad about not being able to give everyone what I thought they needed me to give. My oldest son walked in with a picture for me. He told me it was a “gold medal for being the best mom in the world”. I couldn’t believe my little four year old son knew just what I needed at the moment. I still think about that moment all the time. Kids are amazing.
How did you develop your niche?
It took me a while to figure out just what my niche was. I always knew I wanted to be an advocate for parenting. I started out just teaching skills. But then I quickly learned that good parents are made from the inside out. So many parenting struggles come from what we think about ourselves, our circumstances or our kids. I started learning about life coaching and the powerful effect thoughts have on our feelings. That was the missing link for me. I now consider myself a hybrid educator-coach. I focus on helping parents learn how to manage their behavior so they can better manage their kids behavior!
How long have you been doing this?
If you count all the time spent dreaming about it, than 8 years! But actually taking massive action toward my goals about 3 years. My first shot in the dark was just starting an instagram page with the HOPE of teaching classes someday. That hope became a reality this past year and it has been amazing! Now my hope it that I can continue to grow and teach more!
How do you come up with content?
I have a curriculum that I developed that I draw from. About half of what I share is based on that. The other half is based on things happening in my own parenting, books I am reading or topics that just I feel need to be shared!
Who is your favorite person keep up with related to your field?
Can I pick three? First, Jody Moore was my first introduction to life coaching and thought work. It has changed my life for the better! I connected with Ralphie Jacobs a few years ago. She has been a great virtual friend and mentor. I respect her so much and love the attention she has brought to positive parenting. Lastly, Georgia Anderson from @knowhowmomtips. She has done the whole parenting thing and has so much wisdom. All three of these women are stellar educators and I admire them all!
What is a challenge you have faced in your experience as mom + entrepreneur?
Time has been my greatest challenge. For me, being a stay at home mom is my top priority. It means a lot to me that I have the ability to be the one to take care of my kids during the day. But as a result, the time I have to dedicate to my work is very limited. I have had to be patient with myself and the growth of what I am doing. It has been slow, but I have been able to maintain my family as my top priority.
What is the best “mom” advice you have ever received?
What comes to my mind wasn’t really directly mom advice, but it has shaped my experience as a mother. My dad used to tell me everyday on my way out the door, “ make it a great day!” That has stuck with me all these years and when I became a mother I decided to “ make it a great experience”. It taught me that I am responsible for my own happiness. That has helped me really enjoy my experience, even amid fatigue and chaos!
What’s your best “mom hack”?
Make a plan! I plan my days hour by hour and it has been life saving. Even when my kids were little and we had no schedule, I would make one for myself! It helps me be more deliberate about my parenting, helps ensure I get time for myself and helps me have realistic expectations for myself
If you had the chance t o sit down over coffee with a new mom, what would you tell her?
You are a good mom. You are capable and know best what your kids need… and make a plan everyday 🙂
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about yourself?
Throughout the years of being a mom and the most recent years I have spent pursuing a dream, I have learned that I still have so much to learn. Every new stage I experience with my kids or every new challenge I take on in growing a teaching platform, pushes me out of my comfort zone. I am learning to feel comfortable being uncomfortable because I know that is what will help me be a better person and mother!
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
You just can’t quit. There have been so many times when I have felt discouraged and wanted to stop. But I realized that no one has ever accomplished anything by stopping.
How have you + your family been impacted by your job?
It has been a hard adjustment for me to have my thoughts and energy divided. I love thinking about what to share and teach next so I have to work harder to stay focused when I am with my kids. I put my phone away one the weekends so I can be fully present Friday-Sunday and it does wonders. My family has been so supportive. I try to keep my work limited to night time or when my kids are in school, but they have all pitched in to set up for my conferences and workshops. I think my kids enjoy being a part of it.
