Did life happen mostly as planned or were there surprises?
Does anything happen as planned?
I grew up thinking Id be a graphic designer or illustrator.
I wanted to be like Edward Gorey, writing and illustrating books but not necessarily for kids.
I even went to grad school for classical drawing.
I think it was a challenge to myself to talk more.
I married a guy who is also in radio and an introvert.
We have a kid whose greatest pleasure is playing drums.
Didnt see that one coming.
Has becoming a parent changed the way you work?
Ive always been a bit of a workaholic.
Its not always possible.
Tell us about the inspiration behind your new book,Weird Parenting Wins?
Weird Parenting Winscame out of my own frustration with parenting books.
When I had my daughter in 2010, I was reading a lot of how-to style books.
How to get the kid to sleep, how to soothe them, how to feed them.
And most of those books made me feel like I was failing.
I wrote ablog post at The Longest Shortest Time,asking if other people could relate.
I asked them to comment with their unusual parenting techniques.
Things you wouldnt hear from an expert.
What isyourweirdest parenting win?
I have an only child, so I dont have much experience in breaking up fights between kids.
One day, my daughter had a friend overanother only childand they were bickering.
Whats been your proudest moment as a parent?
Watching my daughter play drums in a Tom Petty cover band.
What moment are you least proud of?
There was a time when my family was taking a walk around the neighborhood.
My husband was pulling our daughter in a wagon.
My husband pulled us home, both of us wailing like crazy.
I prayed that no neighbors would see me.
Whats the hardest part about being a parent?
Figuring out how to take care of yourself, or even making time for that in the first place.
Do you involve your daughter in your work?
I try not to.
Every once in awhile Ill record her saying something funny and air it on The Longest Shortest Time.
Has anyone ever given you a piece of parenting advice that has really stuck with you?
Dont listen to advice from anyone.
Everyone will tell you how you should do things, and you dont have to do any of it.
it’s possible for you to do it your way.
And if youre a father, the most supportive thing you might do is to take your paternity leave.
