When it comes to parenting, there’s no topic too heavy for Emily Gaudreau. On her podcast, How To Raise a Maverick, she interviews experts and gets down to the nitty-gritty, talking about issues and topics that many parents avoid. In her eyes, it’s about setting kids up for success, raising them to be more independent, with stronger work ethics, grit, and empathy.
Emily’s Me Time: I am completely obsessed with all things that grow out of the dirt, so I start and end every day in my garden. I’m always barefoot and either carrying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. If you ever see me milling around the garden, no need to ask, “How’s it going?” The size and content of what I’m carrying will paint a clear picture for you.
How do you carve out Me Time?
One of my favorite tricks is to work remotely at the Botanic Gardens. I plug in at the cafe, drink way too much coffee, and spend the last hour walking around the gardens—free from the stroller, overpriced water bottles, healthy snacks (that no one eats), and my wonderful child, who either picks the flowers or stomps on them or just screams potty words the whole way.
Why is Me Time important to you?
If I don’t get Me Time, I turn into either a Mom-ster (my husband and kids know all about this) or that crazy mom at the park that stares with a blank look in her eyes droning on and on about sunscreen, healthy snacks, or what schools we hope our kids get into.
What is your mom “must have”?
A good pair of noise-canceling headphones. Keep them on a high shelf in the bathroom and put them on every time you lock the bathroom door. It’s my fountain of youth. Suddenly, I’m 20 and single with no kids. Painting my nails stupid colors while wearing mud masks, and if I’m really feeling my oatsI might shave my legs. No kidding, it really is that powerful!
What is the best parenting advice you”ve received? “Manage your own behavior and keep the kids alive,” and our one family rule is “Wash your butt and be nice.”
If you’re a parent who digs the idea of your kids being entrepreneurs, self-starters, or hard workers with good hearts, check out Emily’s podcast at howtoraiseamaverick.com.
