10 Influential Moms on Navigating Motherhood During Quarantine
The current reality in these "unprecedented times" of acting as parent, professional, teacher, partner, playmate, chef, workout instructor, and maybe more has put many a mom in an unprecedented emotional, psychic, mental, and spiritual space. It’s not uncommon for parents to vacillate between gratitude—for this unexpected time to spend with their families—and despair and worry—for obvious reasons. It’s also not uncommon for all members of any given family to wear the same sweatpants for days on end. And in the midst of everything, Mother’s Day is a mere couple of weeks away. To honor the holiday and the women it champions, BAZAAR.com has asked some of the chicest moms we know to share how they’re navigating these troubled waters, what their current states of mind are, and how they're planning to celebrate a day dedicated to them—from home, of course.
KRISTEN NOEL CRAWLEY
Founder of KNC Beauty
Who are you currently home with?
My husband, two kids, and my mom.
What has sheltering in place taught you about how you parent/motherhood?
Patience, for sure. I no longer get that little break from them every day while they’re at school. I try to fill their days with activities and such, but it’s daunting at times trying to keep them busy. I’ve definitely learned to go more with the flow and that every day isn’t going to be perfect.
How would you describe your overall mental state throughout this time?
I have my ups and downs. There are days that I just want to lie in bed and days when I want to be productive. I go with how I feel and don’t try to push myself. I had a whole to-do list for when this whole thing started, but that seemed to cause me more anxiety, so I’m just taking it one day at a time.
What resources (books, films, Instas, or websites) have brought you the most ease?
I’ve definitely immersed myself in interior design. I’ve always loved it, and now I have the time to really do it. I’ve been watching documentaries, masterclasses, old movies, etc. for inspiration. Lots of blogs I’ve found, and, of course, there’s so many cool interior Instagram pages.
What’s the first thing you’ll do with your children once this time is over to celebrate Mother’s Day?
I just want to take them to go play. We’re blessed to have a nice backyard, but they miss going to the park and seeing their friends.
What’s one self-care gift on your list for Mother’s Day?
I’ve been doing a lot of home improvement/renovations, and my body is feeling it. I’d love to go get a massage, but obviously, I can’t. So I choose the Hypervolt Plus massager.
CARLY CUSHNIE
CEO and Creative Director of CUSHNIE
Who are you currently home with?
I’m currently at home with my husband, our two daughters (one-year-old and newborn), and my mother-in-law.
What has sheltering in place taught you about how you parent/motherhood?
It’s taught me that children really don’t need much other than your time and attention. So right now, it has been important for me to slow down and really value this extra time I’ve been given to be together with my family.
How would you describe your overall mental state throughout this time?
Although there are plenty of times when I feel anxious and worried, I’ve mostly felt grateful through this time. I’m at home with my family, in a safe place, with plenty of food and the essentials that we need. So many people do not have that, and just surviving the day-to-day let alone the virus is extremely difficult.
What resources (books, films, Instas, or websites) have brought you the most ease?
I was doing Melissa Wood Health online prenatal workouts leading up to the birth of my two-week-old, I’ve been listening to the Sakara Life podcast, and watching lots of Netflix.
What’s the first thing you’ll do with your girls once this time is over to celebrate Mother’s Day?
When this is all over, I can’t wait to go to the beach and play in the sea and sand with my girls.
What’s one self-care gift on your list for Mother’s Day?
With two young children now and even less time to go to the spa, I would love this Stacked Skincare microneedling tool to work on my fine lines and dark spots, and get that post-spa glow.
CHRISELLE LIM
Influencer and Founder of The Chriselle Factor
Who are you currently home with?
At home with my husband and two daughters. Chloe is five years old, and Colette is one and a half.
What has sheltering in place taught you about how you parent/motherhood?
During this time, working parents are expected to be a full-time stay-at-home parent along with working full time. And I’ve come to realize it just does NOT work. This is why there are stay-at-home parents, and there are working parents. It’s merely impossible to do both at the same time. Yet during this time of quarantine, we are expected to do both.
We are grateful to be safe at home, but I would be lying if I told you that it was easy. It’s actually really hard. I haven’t been fully present with my kids during this time, because I’m always trying to sneak in work. And I’m never able to fully dial into my work, because I’m always with my kids. It’s just our new reality at this point.
It has taught me to have an open and earnest conversation with my oldest daughter of what is going on. Having her be aware of the situation so she understands that this is not normal but we all need to help each other out during this time.
How would you describe your overall mental state throughout this time?
The first two weeks were tough. I had a few mental breakdowns, because I was simply frustrated by the fact that I couldn’t give my all to either or. Frustrated that I couldn’t fully focus on my kids and be present because I had to work during the day, but also really shitty that I couldn’t be productive and meet all the deadlines that I was used to. I realized after two weeks, my expectations for myself for work and being a parent have to be different now. I had to change my mindset in order for me to be in a better mental state. I’m doing much better now and feel like we are finally in a great flow of things and figured out our new “system” and schedule.
What resources (books, films, Instas, or websites) have brought you the most ease?
I binge-watched Tiger King, which was the most ridiculous thing I’ve seen in a long time. I think having a bit of a mental escape is healthy and to be able to laugh during this time! I also have been LOVING TikTok. It’s just brainless content that has humor. I have found myself on TikTok so much during this time.
What’s the first thing you’ll do with your girls once this time is over to celebrate Mother’s Day?
I would love to first get a really STRONG massage and get all these kinks out of my shoulder that have been building up tension during this time. But definitely the first place we want to go to once this is all over is our usual spot in Hawaii for the summer. We miss being by the water and the tropical heat.
AUBE JOLICOEUR
Model and Influencer
Who are you currently home with?
I’m at home with my son, Miles, and my boyfriend, Michael, who’s currently working from home.
What has sheltering in place taught you about how you parent/motherhood?
I wasn’t always the schedule type, but I’ve found that maintaining a schedule with Miles keeps the days running smoothly. Keeping a routine during this uncertain time has also helped me.
How would you describe your overall mental state throughout this time?
If I’m totally 100 percent honest, my mental state has been all over the place (up, down, and just plain frustrated at times), but overall it has been a reflective time. I’ve been oddly motivated by the whole experience. I’ve gotten in a habit of writing down my thoughts and inspirations, so I can possibly make something out of them in the future!
What resources (books, films, Instas, or websites) have brought you the most ease?
A lot of different Netflix shows have been helping me get through this. Mike and I have also enjoyed listening to audio books (many are available for free this month). And I can’t forget the Instagram influencer moms that have helped to keep me entertained and motivated.
What’s the first thing you’ll do with your baby once this time is over to celebrate Mother’s Day?
Part of my plan, which has been on pause due to the pandemic, is to take swimming lessons with my baby. I never had the opportunity to take lessons as a child, and I want to give my child the opportunity to learn early. So we will definitely be doing that as soon as the pools reopen.
What’s one self-care gift on your list for Mother’s Day?
A massage and soak at the thermal baths/spa. In New York City, AIRE Ancient Baths is one of my favorite places to go for a nice relaxing day and massage. My dream gift for Mother’s Day!
MARA HOFFMAN
Designer
Who are you currently home with?
My mom, husband, and son.
What has sheltering in place taught you about how you parent/motherhood?
If there was ever a time to practice the art of patience, the time is now.
How would you describe your overall mental state throughout this time?
Fluctuating. Some days I feel so clear and hopeful and in the flow, and other days I can feel the opposite. Ebbs and flows.
What resources (books, films, Instas, or websites) have brought you the most ease?
I love Ram Dass and have his book Grist for the Mill with me, which is a true lifesaver. I also love Pema Chödrön, who writes so eloquently about grief and discomfort. I love listening to music as well. I spend so much time on my computer for work that I prefer to be off the screen when I’m not working. Oh, I’ve also been drawing portraits of my best friends.
What’s the first thing you’ll do with your son once this time is over to celebrate Mother’s Day?
The same as I will do during this—play, hug, make funny dance videos together, be in love.
What’s one self-care gift on your list for Mother’s Day?
My products are starting to dwindle, so I would say a gift card to Shen Beauty, one of my favorite female-run businesses that carries many of my fave products like Vintner's Daughter and Joanna Vargas.
ANNE V
Model with The Lions Model Management
Who are you currently home with?
I’m home with my four-and-a-half-year-old daughter.
What has sheltering in place taught you about how you parent/motherhood?
Sheltering in place has taught me how to work together as a team with my daughter and really support one another. She is only four and a half, but she is really starting to understand that there are moments that we both need our own time and space sometimes. I also have really learned how to multitask. There’s not one day that goes by that I am not doing two things at the same time.
How would you describe your overall mental state throughout this time?
Honestly, I’ve been great. In the beginning, my workouts are really what kept me very happy, but then I pulled a muscle and I felt that I needed to find something else to keep my sanity. I started doing Kundalini every day, and it has been life changing for me and my happiness.
I feel so grateful that I am listening to my body when it needs a break, and I’m pretty aware of my emotions and my needs, so I act on any tough times quickly to change or adjust the outcome.
What resources (books, films, Instas, or websites) have brought you the most ease?
I haven’t had a chance to look at anything. What has kept me the most at ease is to be working and staying busy. I’m doing an Instagram Live series on fitness, mindfulness, interviews with people who inspire me and professionals who can give us knowledge at this time. It’s been so great to connect with people during this time, make new friendships online, and just support one another. I feel constant support from others, and now I'm trying to give the same back.
What’s the first thing you’ll do with your daughter once this time is over to celebrate Mother’s Day?
I wouldn’t want to celebrate any other way than be at home with my daughter.
What’s one self-care gift on your list for Mother’s Day?
I keep on hearing the Molekule is the best air purifier, and I’d love one for my house to keep it clean.
ANGELA FINK
Creative Director and Influencer
Who are you currently home with?
I’m at home with my husband, Kelly, and my three-year-old, Lola.
What has sheltering in place taught you about how you parent/motherhood?
That parenting from the heart is the plentiful path. Each child is so different; each child has their own mind. Finding how to connect to your child is vital. My husband took me aside the other day and kindly said, “You know, she is not listening to you when you get upset and get overwhelmed.” I immediately got defensive but knew there was truth to this. I have learned that Lola responds to a calm voice, firm but gentle. This time with her has shown me how to connect to this joyful little girl in ways I never thought possible.
How would you describe your overall mental state throughout this time?
Hopeful for the future. I have taken this time to reset, refocus on what is essential to my family and me. I am finding that what we need for our existence is not how we have been living. It’s been very eye-opening. My heart gets heavy with the weight of the world. Still, I hold space for myself in those moments, allow myself to feel all the feelings, and then take action by posting about ways to help, supporting small businesses, or donating money or time to something that genuinely inspires me.
What resources (books, films, Instas, or websites) have brought you the most ease?
I am currently reading these books—Ready, Set, Breathe: Practicing Mindfulness with Your Children, The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Program. I am reading Business of Fashion every day, listening to The Goop Podcast. At night, I take a Yale college course, The Science of Well-Being. It’s been very enlightening.
What’s the first thing you’ll do with your daughter once this time is over to celebrate Mother’s Day?
We will for sure take a much-needed road trip to the desert.
What’s one self-care gift on your list for Mother’s Day?
I’ve purchased multiple ice rollers for family and friends but never for myself. I use a jade roller and put in the fridge, but nothing is like the actual ice roller with two rollers that stay cold longer. I’ve added this to my wish list.
RAMYA GIANGOLA
Stylist and Influencer
Who are you currently home with?
I am at currently at home with my husband, daughter, and our dog.
What has sheltering in place taught you about how you parent/motherhood?
It’s really forced me to slow down as a parent, not to expect so much to be done in a single day, to appreciate even the small accomplishments and insights we can share together as a family. I realize we were all (myself, husband, and daughter) moving at such a fast pace with super-hectic, over-packed daily schedules of work, school, activities, social life, travel, etc. ... I feel maybe we weren’t able to have time and space to reflect. ... We just kept going. My goal is for us to try and keep this slower pace and focus more on connection and communication. Feeling more while actually doing less.
How would you describe your overall mental state throughout this time?
I have found myself flip-flopping between moments of gratitude for how blessed we are to have a safe and lovely home, our health, food on the table, and each other, and then feeling terrified of what’s to come when this is over and what kind of life is ahead for our society ... what will the new normal really be? Will our children’s generation just have a completely new reality (more than it was already?)? It’s hard to fathom what’s to come.
What resources (books, films, Instas, or websites) have brought you the most ease?
I recently started listening to Jessica Snow and her guided meditations around imagination, knowing, creativity, and more. She’s been a great resource. Also, I’ve been watching a lot of my favorite movies, introducing those that are age appropriate to Chiara—that’s been a fun way to share stories with her and my memories of when I saw them and how they inspired me.
We don’t watch the news at home, so I’ve been getting my news as I always do from The New York Times, Financial Times and LA Times ... I can only imagine how much more stressful things would be hearing the news on the TV; being able to read about it and not having it in our shared space at home has made a big difference I think.
What’s the first thing you’ll do with your daughter once this time is over to celebrate Mother’s Day?
I think the first thing we will do when it’s safe to do so is travel somewhere special to us. We may be celebrating more than just Mother’s Day by the time traveling is possible again! But that’s what we have been talking about a lot at the dinner table is where we will go when we can travel again someday.
What’s one self-care gift on your list for Mother’s Day?
I am dying for the Georgia Louise Hollywood Facial at Home kit. I truly miss seeing Georgia when she is in L.A., and her team for my monthly treatments. This will help me up my skin game for sure.
Marysia Reeves, designer and founder of Marysia
Who are you currently home with?
I'm home with my husband, daughters Elle and Antonia (ages 11 and 7) two dogs and a cat.
What has sheltering in place taught you about how you parent/motherhood?
I don’t think it has changed the way I parent but it has made me relax a little more. The girls are under our care and there is a lot less anxiety about taking them to school on time or getting everything planned out in advance. I’m also feeling more relaxed now that the initial shock has worn off.
How would you describe your overall mental state throughout this time?
It has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but I am enjoying having a bit of a break from working full time for the last 12 years while raising two children and moving several times. I have never even taken any maternity leave, so this feels pretty good as long as you don’t think about all of the other implications…but then something comes up and you start to feel depressed again.
What resources (books, films, instas or websites) have brought you the most ease?
I read a beautiful book by Bess Kalb “Nobody Will Tell Uou This But Me." It made me think about my grandmother and miss her very much. We recently watched “Little Women” with the family and it was a nice movie about sisterhood and life and it helped to put things into perspective a little. It also inspired my daughters to play dress up! Eric Christian’s Instagram piano has provided me with a feeling of calm….the classical music and his hands moving beautifully on the piano keys are lovely.
What’s the first thing you’ll do with your child/children once this time is over to celebrate Mother’s Day?
I think we’ll go to the beach…the Soho Beach Club in Malibu would be a lovely way to celebrate with some family, or I’d love to do a Mother’s Day dance class we planned with LA friends who are mothers.
What’s one self-care gift on your list for Mother’s Day?
I would love these shearling moroccan slippers to wear around the house from Jenni Kayne.
Andrea Leret, Designer and Founder Leret Leret
Who are you currently home with?
With my husband, who has been my biggest support throughout these uncertain times. From taking care of groceries or anything we need, to taking care of me.
What has sheltering in place taught you about how you want to parent/motherhood?
For starters, to be more patient. I try to always keep a positive mindset towards life, and this is certainly a test. I treasure every little moment I get to spend with my family, which is a virtue I grew up with and would like to pass down to the next generation.
How would you describe your overall mental state throughout this time?
Becoming a mother is something you experience on your own, even though I have a big family to support me in so many ways. A pandemic is not quite what I had in mind for my first pregnancy, so it can be scary sometimes. I have been experiencing a roller coaster of emotions. Some days have been better than others, but overall trying to stay calm and distracted.
What resources (books, films, instas or websites) have brought you the most ease?
Yoga and knitting have brought me the most ease these days. Working from home has also been my way to unburden and distract from all that is going on. Being able to contribute to God's Love We Deliver initiative through Leret Leret, has given me a purpose to work harder to help feed as many people as possible during this pandemic. I want to encourage people to try and help their communities however possible; every little contribution counts.
What’s one self-care gift on your list for Mother’s Day?
That’s an easy one, family time! Since we are all in different parts of the world, once this is over I want to go visit my mom and grandmom to spend quality time with them.
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