We are all looking ahead to 2023 hoping for the best, setting new goals but also looking for new ways of self-care, hacks, and parenting tips. After the past couple of years, we could all use some motivation!
Tanice Simmons is no stranger to busy mom life. With 2 kiddos at home, daughter Mia (age 6) and son Joey (age 1), and a successful health and wellness business(True Tea), we sat down with Tanice to pick her brain on parenting, intentions, and life. With her 2023 mantra, Winners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win, Tanice is excited for her best year yet.
The Modern Day Living Magazine: How do you juggle mom life as an entrepreneur?
Tanice Simmons: Well, I will first say that life as a working mom of two was definitely not what I expected. It’s actually better than I thought! While I am busy with school, studies, and ALL THE ACTIVITIES for our oldest as well as chasing a VERY busy toddler, it has been an amazing and consistent journey. For me, setting routines and schedules help keep everyone on track. It is so easy to lose track of time and responsibilities outside of your kids when that does take up so much time.
TMDL: What are your goals for 2023?
TS: This might sound like a cliche but I am just over a year post-partum so getting in shape this year is a definite priority. After pushing out two kiddos, I am excited to focus and get in shape to look and feel more confident than I ever have before! I deserve that s***!!
I am also launching a new product with my company True Te, an instant detox tea that has also helped contribute to some of my weight loss journey.
TMDL: What is your advice for new parents?
TS: To all the new parents in 2023 there is no rule book on parenting. Just continue to do your best and enjoy the moments because they all fly by way too fast.
TMDL: Do you have a MOM HACK that helps you juggle all the things?
TS: REST! Which, I know, is hard as a mother of young kids or any age kids for that matter! But for me, I try to start relaxing by 9 pm to wind down and be asleep by 10 pm. I have also incorporated my kids into our everyday life, meaning laundry, cooking, dishes, and more. I am getting things done on the daily but also the kids see we all have a part in the household and they are learning along the way.
We also encourage independence. We started young, with our 1-year-old, allowing him to lead the way on weaning and it has been the best decision ever! He was feeding himself by 6 months and allowed me to be able to do a few things during meal time and he was also able to really explore new foods, tastes, and textures. It encouraged him to NOT be a picky eater which is also amazing on so many levels including when we are at new places and trying new foods, we aren’t the parents only asking for chicken nuggets!
TMDL: How do you and JoJo maintain a happy and healthy relationship?
TS: We have been together for 13 years and married for 3. And you know, any relationship is work but JoJo and I always put in the work. Communicating and accountability are a huge part of our relationship. We are also very open about our goals as a family and individually with each other. We work on being on the same page as parents and individuals. We respect each other, our values, and our space, because trust me, personal space is needed in all relationships. And of course, we both make an effort to show our love to each other and make sure each of us feels noticed and appreciated. We do this for our marriage, our family, and for ourselves. Show up for your partner.
TMDL: What lessons are you taking into 2023 from past years to help with your journey?
TS: One lesson I am taking with me is that if you start today you’ll be one step closer, if you wait until tomorrow you’ll always be one day behind. It’s never too late to start over, this time you’re not starting from scratch you’re starting with experience. And last but not least, choose peace! If it doesn’t bring you peace then there is no purpose! Surrounding yourself with people you can learn from, that uplift and support you, is key.
TMDL: Tell us your MOM MUST-HAVES
TS: A few of my mom must-haves that I either use for both my kids or wish I had for my firstborn are:
- Frida Baby Nose Sucker; this product deserves a 10-star rating!
- Baby Brezza Pro Formula Dispenser made those late-night bottles a breeze absolutely a must-have in my book.
- The Doona stroller, any mom especially with multiples will thank me later for this stroller. Being able to take my son in and out of the car without actually having to remove him from the car seat is a mother’s dream, no need to store a stroller in my trunk which leaves me all the space to shop if you know what I mean!