Frederick's Child Magazine
Tiffany Ellis is a labor and delivery registered nurse.
What’s the hardest part about juggling parenthood and your career?
For me, the hardest part is not always being able to attend every activity my children have going on in their lives. When I was a stay-at-home mom, I always had the availability to attend award ceremonies, lunch dates, holiday parties or anything they felt was important to them during their school day. I took them to dance class in the evening. I juggled watching a small portion of each of their dance classes during parent observation week. My iCloud is full with over 50,000 photos and videos of everything they’ve ever done. I’m still adjusting to not attending everything but they all know that I will do my best to make it if my schedule allows it.
What makes trying to balance both easier?
I am accustomed to creating and maintaining our routine so I’ve had to learn that it is OK to step back, ask for help and give some responsibilities to my husband and children so we can work as a team to keep things running smoothly. We are also blessed to have both sets of grandparents nearby when we need extra help.
What do you love about being a parent?
I love watching my children grow and develop into their own person. It is amazing how we have four daughters who belong to us with such different personalities. I embrace their strengths as well as their weaknesses and encourage them to be the best version of themselves.
What do you think is your biggest parenting fail?
My children have been fortunate to have what they need in addition to some things they want. I think we failed them by not consistently seeking out volunteer opportunities for them to help those that are less fortunate. We’ve always participated in food and clothing drives, and we pick names of children to shop for from the Christmas tree each year during the holiday season, but we’ve never actually had them volunteer to work hands-on in the community.
What’s the one thing you hope your children learn from you and your career?
I just recently started my nursing career this past summer. I started my journey over a decade ago with my biology degree, but once I became a mother, my children became my priority. I wanted to make sure that their foundation came from me. I knew that I would start my career when my youngest started kindergarten or soon after, and that is just what I did! I want them to know that they were my motivation to earn my degree. I want my girls to know that it is never too late to finish what you started. You only fail if you give up! It may not be easy, and it may not happen exactly on your timeline but with God, prayer, determination, dedication and support from your family, it will happen exactly when it should.
Does your family have any favorite Valentine’s Day traditions?
My second daughter was born on Valentine’s Day during a blizzard so that is a special holiday for our family. When she was younger, she didn’t understand why other people got gifts on her birthday and everyone else in the family had their birthday to themselves. I started a tradition where I would get up while she was sleeping and get heart-shaped doughnuts from Dunkin Donuts because that was her favorite treat at the time. I would light a birthday candle and we would sing happy birthday to her before heading off
to school.
Family Favorites
Favorite Family Meal: Salmon with sautéed vegetables and sweet potatoes
Favorite Dessert: We don’t keep many desserts in the house, but the kids love to go get blizzards from Dairy Queen.
Way to Spend a Weekend With Your Children: The girls have dance classes on Saturdays so that day is pretty busy. When we are free, we spend time with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. When the weather keeps us inside on a weekend, we play Phase 10, Pokeno or bring out Monopoly.
Vacation Spot: We are obsessed with Disney! Unfortunately, we have not been there for the past two years, but we are looking forward to getting back down there when the time is right.
