MBP: Both you and your husband have full-time careers working with the public. How do you handle feeling overwhelmed or stressed as a mother?
Shellie: The biggest thing I’ve had to do to manage it is to explain to the kids ahead of time when we know things are going to be busy. They really like knowing mine and John’s schedule for the week so they know what to expect, so we print our Google calendar every Sunday night!
I also listen to A LOT of podcasts on how to deal with my own big feelings so I don’t take it out on others. It’s truly an ongoing process of growth, messing up, and picking yourself back up!
MBP: How do you balance being a mother and pursuing your personal goals?
Shellie: For a long time, I didn’t balance it well – at all. I work really hard at defining the “big things” versus the “small things” when I’m making decisions. A field trip may not seem like a big thing, but I know the days of field trips don’t last forever – so right now, they are a big thing.
I’m also working daily on making sure I block time better on my personal and work calendars, so I can stay on track with both work and personal goals for my family.
MBP: As a blended family, how do you handle difficult co-parenting situations?
Shellie: Co-parenting is something you have to continually work on. It isn’t always easy, but when you can get to a place of mutual respect and working together – and you start to see how positive that is for your child – it can be a beautiful thing.
MBP: How do you foster strong relationships with all four children?
Shellie: For a long time, we did all activities together. Now that everyone is a little older, we’ve been able to get more one-on-one time with each kid.
Something we started recently is a morning coffee date with each kid every few weeks. It’s a nice way to start the day and get that time in before the day gets hectic!
MBP: How do you stay connected with your partner while being a mother?
Shellie: Go on a date, even when you don’t feel like it! It’s hard to balance it all – what even is balance these days? But grabbing a quick lunch together, or even going shopping together on a lunch break can make a big difference in getting to connect away from little hands and voices!
MBP: What resources do you use to support your parenting journey?
Shellie: LOTS of podcasts, following experts on Instagram, therapy, and trusted friends! I like following Raising Good Humans, Brene Brown, and Big Little Feelings.
I have trusted friends with whom I can share information – without judgment. And it’s so important to have those people you can call on to say, “Wow, you are going through that too?!” Being able to share openly really keeps you from feeling like you are all alone in this.
MBP: What is the most important lesson you have learned as a mother?
Shellie: Everything I’ve learned has truly been through therapy and learning who I am and why I do the things I do. It can be best summed up by reading or listening to The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting by Brene Brown – if you haven’t read it, do it ASAP! It changed everything about how I parent and who I am.
MBP: What advice would you give to other mothers who are struggling with their parenting journey?
Shellie: Go to therapy. Reach out to others. I promise, we have been through some highs but we’ve been through some of the lowest lows as parents, and in our family. I was surprised when I shared with others, that we weren’t alone. If you don’t have a network or trusted people in your life, you can find help through therapy to get you through whatever it is you are struggling with! And if you haven’t read The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting by Brene Brown, do it ASAP!
Rapid Fire Questions:
- Vacation or Staycation? Vacation
- High heels or Flats? Flats
- Read books or watch movies? Watch movies
- Arrive early or Fashionably late? Early, always
- One word to describe yourself? Outspoken
Shellie Teague is the “Social Butterfly” at Proxi Public Relations, managing social media and general public relations needs for clients across various industries. She is active in the community as a past president of the Junior League of Mobile. She has been married to her husband John for 11 years. He is a family law attorney working at Pilgrim & Pilgrim in Mobile. The Teagues are a blended family and have four children: Josie (20), Carson (15), Knox (10), and Sadie Byrd (7). They also have four rescued animals – two dogs and two cats. As a family they love to go on walks in their neighborhood, play and watch sports, swim at the pool and attend various community events in Mobile.
