Kids are born innovators.
The company was founded by Sandra Oh Lin, a mother of three in California.
We asked her how she parents.
Did life happen mostly as planned or were there surprises?
I found myself working at a couple of startups in a variety of roles.
Going from a huge company to set of teeny ones was quite a change.
My husband then switched gears and decided to pursue a role in finance on the east coast.
So I tagged along and fortunately got into graduate school in the same city.
I had not expected to become so efficient at moving.
After that, it was my turn to figure out where to go next.
During that time, we had our first two children, who are now 9 and 11 years old.
When they were younger, I created hands-on projects for them to exercise their creativity.
That led to the founding of KiwiCo.
A couple of years ago, we had our third child.
These days, my husband is a co-founder and CEO of a biotech startup.
So were a dual-startup family.
Between that and three very active kids, life can be a bit hectic, but were embracing it.
Take us through your morning routine.
What are your best tricks for getting out the door?
Our 2-year-old is our alarm.
We get up with him.
He gets warm milk and a book before slipping out of his sleepsack and hitting the ground running.
Then, we focus on getting breakfast and lunches together for the oldest two kids.
Id love to say that the lunches are fully prepped the night before.
Though we have great intentions, that doesnt always happen.
He now knows that he has to get out the door to walk with them.
That ensures that my husband and I can get out the door by then, if not earlier.
How much outside help do you get as a parent?
Who or what cant you live without?
Im very fortunate to have a lot of help.
We have a fantastic nanny who focuses her time on the youngest.
What are the gadgets, apps, charts or tools you rely on?
Besides calendar, text, and the basic apps, I useTeamSnapa lot.
Its an app that includes all of the information about my kids sports teams.
For very busy days, we detail the schedule of events on a chalkboard on our pantry door.
It keeps us on track and ensures we get out the door on time(ish).
Has becoming a parent changed the way you work?
The work that I do now was completely inspired by my kids.
Also, Ive become much more efficient with my time.
What does your evening routine look like?
My 2-year-old goes to bed about an hour before his siblings.
For him, the bedtime routine is more involved.
Lots of books, milk, a couple of songs.
My two oldest kids get ready for bed independently and fairly quicklythank goodness!
Once theyre off to bed, Im back online to work for a couple of hours.
How do you decompress?
Although Im now more of a soccer mom than a soccer player, I love playing when I can.
Ive played for years, and it always makes me happy to be on the field with a ball.
Its my zen place.
Whats been your proudest moment as a parent?
Seeing my kids become confident, caring, creative individuals.
What moment are you least proud of?
I take a stab at make things right by giving hugs and saying, Sorry, Mommy isnt perfect.
What do you want your kids to learn from your example?
Hopefully the partnership that I have with my husband.
Also, that women and mommies can be in leadership positions.
What are your favorite funny/weird/special family rituals?
Its like our secret handshake and agreement to have an impromptu dance party.
Its fun and gives us permission to just dance.
Also, on Thanksgiving Day, we have a family tradition of participating in the Turkey Games.
Imagine the Cranberries against the Wishbones in an intense game ofTurkey Bowling.
Has anyone ever given you a piece of parenting advice that has really stuck with you?
Not really advice, but I went to my graduate school reunion recently.
A classmate was giving a talk about understanding the science of a meaningful life.
Much of that meaning can be attributed to struggles and challenging situations.
Being a parent has certainly been a source of joyand meaning!
Whats the hardest part about being a parent?
There are times when I wish I could control my kids.
I wish that they were less messy, more responsive, consistently positive, etc.
But I cant control them.
Whats your favorite part of the day?
Any tips for getting kids excited about STEM?
Encourage kids to be curious about the world around them.
There is so much science, engineering and math in the everyday.
As a parent, you dont need to start with the terminology or definitions.
Thats pretty much it, and even that seems like a lot many days.
