Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Terese Flores . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Terese, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Title: Lessons Learned: Things My Parents Did Right
Growing up, I was raised by parents who not only taught me valuable life lessons but also made learning them fun and engaging. Reflecting on my childhood, I can’t help but appreciate the little nuggets of wisdom they instilled in me. Here are some of the things my parents did right:
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day- Every night and every morning, without fail, my parents emphasized the importance of dental hygiene.
2. Always Say Thank You- Whether leaving a friend’s house or receiving a gift, my parents made sure I understood the power of gratitude.
3. Always Wear Your Seat Belt: Safety first was a mantra in our household, especially when it came to traveling in a car.
4. Always Write a Thank You Note: Handwritten thank you notes were a non-negotiable after birthdays, holidays, or acts of kindness. My parents believed in the personal touch of expressing gratitude, and this practice taught me the value of acknowledging others’ generosity.
5. It’s Okay to Get Messy- From finger painting to baking cookies, my parents encouraged creativity and exploration, even if it meant a little mess along the way.
6. Dream Big When I was just four years old, my dad planted the seed of ambition in me by comparing me to a college girl when I carried books around the house. Igniting a passion for learning and growth that continues to drive me forward.
7. It’s Okay to Play Barefoot Outside Feeling the earth beneath my feet was not only encouraged but celebrated in our family. Whether running through the grass or splashing in puddles, my parents taught me to connect with nature and revel in its simplicity.
8. Leave Sand Crabs at the Ocean-Every beach trip was accompanied by a gentle reminder: sand crabs belong in their natural habitat. My parents instilled in me a sense of respect for wildlife and the environment, teaching me to tread lightly and leave no trace.
9. Ice Cubes in Your Oatmeal Help it Cool Down Faster: A quirky tip that somehow made breakfast more enjoyable, my parents’ kitchen hacks were always met with curiosity and laughter.
10. “You can get a tattoo when you’re 15”: A surprising statement from my parents that initially intrigued me. Despite the early permission, I opted to wait, realizing the gravity of permanent body art.. I Finally got my first tattoo at 24 during a transformative trip to Thailand.
In hindsight, I realize how fortunate I am to have been raised by parents who not only taught me practical skills but also nurtured my spirit with love, encouragement, and a sprinkle of whimsy. Their lessons have shaped the person I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Terese, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Fika Newborn is here to lend a hand, giving you the evidence-based education and nourishing encouragement to tap into (and trust) your parental instincts. Now’s the time to consciously deepen your understanding of what’s to come, beyond birth plans and labor.
This is the place where you can feel reassured and well-informed to set out on a more peaceful – rather than perfect – parenting journey. With the Fika Newborn membership, you get exclusive access to an ever-growing library of on-demand newborn and infant care content. Because we weren’t meant to do it alone.
When preparing to enter such a transformative time as this, you need emotional and informational support to lean into. With it, you can make room for more mindfulness, compassion, and confidence in the fourth trimester – rather than isolation, stress, and self-doubt.
As a postpartum doula based in Orange County, California, Terese is deeply passionate about providing new and expecting parents with the empathy and wisdom they’re worthy of to navigate this path with ease. She brings with her a breadth of knowledge and lived experience to serve the whole family – entering the world of entrepreneurship after 12+ years caring for newborns and guiding families in a professional setting at UCLA.
Her services exist because she believes caring for new parents shouldn’t stop when they leave the hospital. That’s when they need the most nourishment – of the mind, body, and soul.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
“The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch is a poignant reflection on life, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, delivered through the lens of a terminally ill professor’s final lecture. Pausch’s words resonate deeply, particularly his poignant quote: ‘The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.’ This quote encapsulates the essence of my entrepreneurial spirit and determination. It reminds me that challenges and obstacles are not roadblocks but rather opportunities to prove my dedication and passion. Embracing these hurdles fuels my drive to overcome adversity and achieve my entrepreneurial goals, no matter the obstacles in my path.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In a pivotal moment of unexpected parenthood, my life took an unforeseen turn when we warmly welcomed two young souls into our family, aged 2 and 3. With hearts brimming with love and determination, we embarked on an extraordinary journey of parenthood, navigating uncharted waters with unwavering resilience. This unexpected pivot challenged us to redefine our priorities, adapt our lifestyles, and embrace the profound joys of nurturing these precious lives. Through the ups and downs, we discovered newfound strength, resilience, and boundless love,
Contact Info:
- Website: FikaNewborn.com
- Instagram: @FikaNewborn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terese-flores-b78b0320b
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fika_Newborn
Image Credits
Megan Watkins Photography https://www.meganwatkinsphotography.com/