Kristin Sampson: Mom of the Moment

Photo by Paige Sowards

Kristin Sampson Mom of the Moment

Occupation:Retail Manager/Entrepreneur

Age: 30

Husband: Ryan Sampson

Mother Of: Bodey (7) and Charlie (2)

Left: Bodey (7) Right: Charlie (2)

Photo by Paige Sowards

What is the hardest part about being a mother?

The constant game of catch up can be overwhelming. There is always another load of laundry or dishes needing to be started. Sweeping and vacuuming seem to consume my life some days. I get one mess cleaned up, only to turn around and see that Charlie got into the fridge again (think chocolate syrup all over the floor). All of this while trying to guide these young boys into future young men. Not to mention being a career focused female while trying to do all the things. Uffda, mommin' ain’t easy!

What is the best part about being a mother?

A love greater than myself blossoms the moment I find out I am expecting. Our oldest son struggles with school and to watch his confidence grow the last 3 months has been amazing. Being their cheerleader no matter what circumstance they face is my number one priority. When I see them succeed at something they have been working at, it brings me to tears.

Tell us your favorite story about one of your kids.

First, I would like to say my stories are way better in person when I can imitate their voices. I feel I tell stories all the time, as the life of a boy mom is never dull! Currently, my favorite happening is Charlie (2) yelling, “AWEXA PLAY BABY SHARK!” Then getting mad because she cannot understand him. Help a mom out, Amazon, and add a toddler Alexa to the mix.

What is your favorite time-saver?

I spend a good deal of time thinking about all the things that could save me time. In the end, I am running around every single day to get it all done as disorganized and as non-time saving as a person can get.

What is your favorite sanity-saver?

On the Border, happy hour once a month. Seriously. Making time for a mental break with friends or my spouse. It relieves stress and helps me stay positive while at home instead of bringing negative energy into our family life. Try it. Best happy hour around!

What is your philosophy on discipline?

I find that in today’s world the threat of the “spank” doesn’t hold the teeth it did when we were growing up. We certainly feel defeated at times when it seems we have done everything and a behavior continues despite our efforts. What has proven to work best in our situation is loss of privileges concerning screen time and other activities. Not only taking it away, but then setting a plan to earn it back.

What is your favorite parenting must-have?

Snacks. Always snacks everywhere. Never ever runout of snacks. Not sure if this is my favorite, but it'sdefinitely a game changer if not taken seriously.

If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently?

Being a parent can cause stress and distance in your marriage. We were all raised differently and you truly never know how your partner’s parenting beliefs will line up with yours until you are in the weeds. I strongly recommend pre-parent guidance counseling. It can mentally and emotionally prepare you for the journey of parenting together and save the disagreements that may arise later.

Photo by Paige Sowards

What advice do you have for new parents?

Do not let the highlight reel of social media be the standard to which you compare your parenting milestones. Every child is different. I can assure you every baby cries during the night, every toddler voices a timely swear word while you are braving the public, and you will exit Target one day with a screaming 7-year-old. Find the joy in your chaos and know that time accelerates once you have children in your life.

Photo by Paige Sowards

Name a time when you felt like a parenting genius.

Our two-year-old is constantly challenging us with ways to keep him out of every cupboard, pantry, fridge, you name it! I was able to take the strap off a Kavu purse and string it from the pantry handle through some cupboards, making it impossible for him to get in. Mom vs. Toddler. I can’t tell you the score, but I think he is winning.

I could have won the worst mother award when:

I was on the phone with my son’s principal two hours before I was notified of being selected for this article. He had punched another student for saying, “Batman is horrible.” I guess we take our comic book characters a tad bit too seriously. BHW

Dream home. Did you find yours? If you’re like most people, a home might be the single largest investment you’ll ever make. That’s why it’s so important to work with someone you trust—like a mortgage loan specialist from Great Western Bank. Contact Kristine today! NMLS#:1710827 located at 14 Saint Joseph St. Rapid City, 605-593-5232, Kristine.Bates@GreatWesternBank.com

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