Hey moms! Find all sorts of useful tips and parenting hacks from other moms just like you. The Mom Life: Real Moms Interview Series is a place to get support and advice from people who have been there… or are there. Today we’re hearing about Caitlin G’s Mom Life.
Caitlin is a Disney mom of four. She has one kiddo with Autism and is his biggest advocate. She has a lot to share about parenting with special needs, family time, and family travel!
I love hearing advice from other moms. Learning tips from moms who are rocking motherhood is so inspiring to me! Moms who have tips for easy weeknight meals, creating family moments, cleaning hacks, money saving, family travel, and just Mom Life in general.
Today we’re hearing about Caitlin G’s Mom Life!
Caitlin Goodwin is a Disney mom after my own heart! She blogs at Typically Twitterpated, and you can also find her on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Caitlin G’s Mom Life
Tell us about your family
I am a mother to four sweet children spanning the ages of 1 to 9 years old.
I have a son with autism and attempted to be a better person and advocate for him. After his diagnosis, I felt like I stepped into a whole new world. There were new terms, educational tools, and therapies that I had never heard of before. (And I’m a healthcare professional!)
Since autism diagnoses occur in 1 in 59 students, I know that we’re not alone. However, it feels that way sometimes. Connecting with other families has been essential to warding off feelings of isolation. I started my blog to help other parents travel. We don’t have significant medical needs, but routine changes and social situations are difficult.
As a mom, what is the best part of your day?
The absolute best moment of my day is when my children run in the door after school. They are so excited to see me, those smiles warm my heart, and I am so grateful to hear about their day.
3 Words that describe your parenting style?
Support, Advocacy, Love
What is a parenting rule you never break?
We don’t go to bed angry- ever. Even when tiny little feet stomp to their bedroom, we always talk about it and exchange hugs before bedtime. Life is just too short.
What is a parenting rule you always break?
As a mom, the rule I always “break” is emptying school folders. My oldest child is 9-years-old, so it is not my first rodeo- but I always forget. I usually remember when I’m in bed and claim that I’ll do it in the morning. Spoiler alert- I don’t do it in the morning.
Also Read: The Mental Exhaustion of Motherhood
How do you prioritize family time and me-time?
Family time is so easy for me to prioritize. If I’m not working, I am spending every waking moment with my sweet kiddos. I feel guilty about going to work each day.
Finding room for “me” time is tough. Occasionally my loving husband will draw me a bath, or I’ll skip out to the library. My usually “me time” involves a weekly visit to my therapist and chiropractor.
What is your go-to, easy weeknight meal?
We’ve adapted to a gluten-free diet as we feel like it helps our son’s behaviors. Gluten-free pasta and a pack of Velveeta sauce is a lifesaver for our son, while salsa chicken with beans is an easy and healthy go-to.
Also Read: Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole
What is your favorite family activity?
I’m snuggling in a pile of children while we watch Disney movies or plan our next vacation via YouTube.
What is your best Mom money-saving tip?
We became very frugal in the last few years, so this is my favorite question! We shop at Walmart pick-up because I’m an impulse shopper- this keeps me from adding things to the cart. I also can “shop around” and make sure it’s a good deal.
I’m not too fond of clutter- while we donate a lot, I frequently sell everything on eBay, Mercari, or Facebook marketplace.
We DIY a lot- I am always pinning cheap sensory tools and crafts.
Family Travel: What is your favorite spot or family travel memory?
Walt Disney World! They take such good care of anyone with special needs or diets. We have an entire section of our website dedicated to the amazing experiences we’ve repeatedly had over the years.
Also Read: Walt Disney World Money Saving Tips we use each trip
What advice would you give new moms?
You are absolutely enough. If someone had told me that I was going to have a child with special needs, I would have panicked. But you know what? I am precisely the type of mother that my son needs.
Also Read: New Mom Advice from 23 Moms
Thank you so much Caitlin G for sharing your Mom Life with us!
Remember, you can find Caitlin at Typically Twitterpated, and on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
If you enjoyed reading about Caitlin G’s Mom Life, check out all of our Mom Life Interviews.
I always love these Mom Life Interviews, and I loved reading about Caitlin G’s Mom Life. Meet more moms and read their advice and experiences every Saturday! You can also find more Mom Life tips on our Mom Life Pinterest Board.
If you’d like to join in on the fun, leave a comment below or send an email to exploringdomesticity(at)gmail(dot)com with subject “Mom Life Interview Series.”
