#realmothersdiversevoices : Lindsay Meyer-Harley
I am thrilled to be sharing a new interview series with you each and every week: #realmothersdiversevoices. In this series my intention is to reveal the endless ways our family values can inform our Daily Rhythm. The mothers I have interviewed lead diverse lives but they each have a huge sense of clarity about what their Family Values are (even if they change over time) and consciously and creatively strive to create a Daily Rhythm in alignment with those values.
It is my hope that through these stories more Mothers feel inspired to explore what their own family values are, to question them and bring them to life in their everyday experience. I know that seeing the world through another Mother’s lens will develop more empathy, understanding and compassion between us.
Today I am honoured to welcome Lindsay Meyer-Harley to Whole Family Rhythms community. Lindsay is the owner and manager of the gorgeous online children’s shop Darling Clementine. She shares her beautiful photos on IG and you can follow her amazing shop here.
Who are you? Can you introduce yourself, your work and your family?
I’m Lindsay Meyer-Harley, I own and run Darling Clementine, an online children’s shop that I opened in 2011 while I was living in Brooklyn, NY. I’ve since relocated to Portland, Oregon with my husband Kevin, 7 year old daughter Juliette and 3 year old son Jack.
What is one of the greatest joys you experience as a Mother?
Honestly, watching as Juliette (almost 8 years old) learned to read, to witness that happen felt magical, it was such a tangible bit of magic, it reminded me of watching her learn to walk!
What is one of the biggest challenges you face daily as a Mother?
Oh gosh, just one?! ha, I’d say right now it’s bedtime, trying to give our children a warm and love filled bedtime routine while they’re trying to stay up too late, come out of their room way too often and drive us crazy!
What does having “Rhythm in your Home” mean to you?
I believe we all thrive from the daily rhythms, whether it’s the same time you have your breakfast, or a weekly tradition like game night or homemade pizza. I think it helps keep us grounded and we look forward to those normalities.
Can you give an example of some of your most cherished ‘Family Values’?
It may seem simple, but it’s the simple acts that are the most important, kindness. That value runs through the thread of our entire family and each day. We try to apply kindness to each act, even when we argue with each other we try to keep it kind, no mean words, trying to listen to the others voice and desires. We live in a small space and are often on top of each other, and honestly in this season of our lives I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How do you hope to pass these values on to your children? Or in other words, how do you manifest these family values into your daily rhythm?
We spend a lot of time telling our kids to NOT do something don’t we? We try to spot the good and call them out on that as well, “Juliette, thank you for being so sweet with your brother” or “Jack that was amazing sharing!” We all like to be praised and noticed, I am hoping they seek praise more than loath being criticized.
Can you outline a typical ‘Weekday Rhythm’ for you and your children. Specifically when/where/how do you and your little ones eat, sleep/rest, play inside/outside, work/learn and make time for selfcare?
Jack usually is the first to rise in our house, around 6:45-7:15, he comes into our bedroom and climbs in bed with us for morning snuggles, we always hope he’ll fall back to sleep tucked in next to us but we know that’s a pipe dream and we soak up the snuggles regardless. Juliette wakes up and comes in by 7:45 then we all get up to get breakfast and coffee started. On a school day it’s a rush to get everyone out the door by 8:30 when I drop both kids off for the day. I come home and work until it’s the kids pick up time, unless it’s pouring (which happens a lot in Oregon) we stay at school and play after pick up, it’s a time to reconnect with friends and enjoy being outside. We head home for homework, bath and dinner and on Saturdays we let the kids watch a movie or special show with homemade stovetop popcorn.
When does your family rhythm get thrown off kilter?
When anyone is sick everything gets thrown out of whack, but that is a gentle reminder to slow down and let the chores wait, taking care of ourselves and each other is more important.
Do you consciously re-evaluate and change your family rhythm with the seasons and ages and stages of your kids?
One thing we’ve been adding to the routine is getting Juliette who’s almost 8 get involved in house chores and helping with dinner, she loves being part of the routines and it’s nice to see her finding her own in our household as a participant.
When you’re feeling stuck, tired, frustrated with your role as Mother, what do you need most to shift your energy and perception?
Realizing that all things shall pass.
If you could recommend one book to ALL Mothers out there what would it be?
Real Food for Mom and Baby by Nina Planck
Thank you so much Lindsay for your presence here and for so openly sharing your family values, rhythm and vision.
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