Each month, In The Know by Yahoo gives everyday parents their time to shine, in our exclusive Parenting Spotlight.
This month, we’re featuring Gabby Farrington of Iowa, a content creator and social media manager.
Gabby, who calls herself “a coffee-dependent, Type-A personality,” is the mother of Vivienne, 7, Florence, 4, and Eleanor, 2.
“As a full-time working mom of three, I survive juggling motherhood and being an entrepreneur with a dash of humor, a sprinkle of caffeine, and a whole lotta help from Jesus,” she says.
What’s the parenting tip that everyone loves but that you think is overrated?
“Sleep when the kids sleep.” Honestly, is this a joke? Sometimes, as moms, the only time we get to ourselves is when the kids sleep — so forgive me for not dashing to bed as soon as they shut their little eyelids at night.
I’d rather lose a few hours of sleep and binge a true-crime podcast while I sweep up crumbs from the day, instead of sleeping when the kids sleep!
What’s your best parenting advice?
No one knows your child(ren) like you. Trust your mama intuition and never be afraid to advocate for what’s best for your family. A mother’s love and instinct are powerful, but in the toxic, mom-shaming culture we live in, that instinct can become easily diluted. Stay dialed into your children, and don’t ignore your gut when it comes to your babies!
What would be the title of your memoir?
Coffee Made Me Do It: A Collection of Nonsensical Tales of Motherhood, Written by a Tired Home School Mom
What’s the weirdest thing you plan on saving from your kids’ baby years or childhood?
I’m a weird mom, in the sense that I don’t get terribly tied to material things from my kids’ childhoods. I’ve never been one to collect locks of their hair from first haircuts, or save baby teeth. If I’m being honest, the saving of baby teeth sounds like the premise for a good horror movie 😳. I do save things with their handwriting or handmade gifts they’ve made me over the years. And when I think about it, I have also saved their “coming home from the hospital” outfits.
Which apps could you not live without?
The Hatch (sound machine) app, Scribd, TikTok (I know, I know, it’s my guilty pleasure), and my Ring app, because I’ve listened to too much true crime not to have it.
What’s one parenting product you wish you’d bought years ago?
A minivan. Me and my bank account are over trying to be a “cool” mom in my gas-guzzling SUV. I’m ready to commit to being a minivan mom — especially since I hear they come with built-in vacuums now 🤯.
What’s one life hack you wish you’d learned years ago?
I wish I’d learned not to spend too much money on toys. Nine times out of ten, my children would rather play with a cardboard box, or help me clean, or enjoy an outing together, instead of mindlessly playing with a light-up plastic toy that they’ll tire of in a week anyway.
Who are some of your favorite celebrity/influencer parents?
Angela Braniff of This Gathered Nest. I admire everything about her, but I am so inspired by her commitment to her family, home schooling and her hobby farm. She’s a quick-witted, stylish, hardworking, supermom, and I think anyone would be inspired by following her!
Are there any parenting terms you wish you could retire? (e.g., “momtrepreneur”)
“Mom-bod.” I’m guilty of having used this cringeworthy term after the birth of my oldest. Maybe even after having my second child too (but don’t tell anyone 🤫).
Now, as a 33-year-old mom of 3, I don’t feel like I owe anyone an explanation as to why my body looks the way it does. Using the term “mom-bod” is an open invitation for allowing critique and judgment of our bodies.
As women who have done the queen work of sustaining life inside our own bodies, commentary on our shapes and sizes simply should not be tolerated. The term “mom-bod” feels limiting, and I’m not interested in being limited.
What is one parenting “win” you’re super proud of?
I have proudly been home schooling my children for the last four years, and the deep joy and pride I feel when I watch my daughters grasp a concept that we’ve worked hard to learn is so rewarding. They adore being educated at home. I am proud to have fostered an environment and experience that makes them excited and eager to learn each day.
If your kids were emojis, what would they be?
Vivienne: 🤓
Florence: 🥷🏼
Eleanor: 🌻
(Editor’s Note: Responses have been edited for length and clarity.)
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If you enjoyed this story, check out our Parenting Spotlight for Native American artist Aly McKnight.
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