Thursday, June 13, 2013

Interview with Tamara Passey, Arizona Young Mother of the Year 2013






Tamara Passey grew up in Massachusetts and as the youngest of seven children she has always had a strong love of family.  Writing has been her favorite hobby and family members have usually been her source of inspiration.  She won awards for poetry in high school and has had an article and poem accepted for publication in The Ensign magazine.

    While studying English at Brigham Young University she met, and later married Steven Passey.  They have lived in Arizona since 1997 and are the parents of three children.  They love to call Arizona home, and she says they’ve been married 20 happy years and counting.

    Tamara has spent time volunteering at the schools her children attend.  She has also mentored young women and served in an international organization that aids women.  She has volunteered for the Donor Network of Arizona and is a contributor of marriage and parenting articles for FamilyShare.com.

    A few of the many things she enjoys about being a mom include doing almost anything creative with her children, though she claims they are craftier than she.  Having a sit down breakfast when everyone is home is a favorite family activity.  She loves story time, family hugs, and seeing her children’s beautiful smiles.

 Here are a few questions I asked Tamara and her responses:

1. How are you teaching your children to become responsible?
 
I hope I'm teaching them by example. I let them know I love being their mother, even on hard days. I try to show them taking responsibility brings great benefits like feelings of self-worth and accomplishment. They take part in household chores and we (my husband and I) stress we are a family and we help each other with the work that needs to get done.



2. What do you do when you and your child disagree about a family decision?
 
I think we must work it out because I can't think of too many instances where this has been a problem. I credit my children with being rather easygoing in this regard. If it is truly a family decision, we make it together and take time to discuss everyone's thoughts and feelings. Now, don't ask me how we decide where to eat out together as a family! Between special diets, preferences and two children with severe (epi-pen required) peanut allergies --it can take a while!



3. What advice would you give young moms?
 
Learn your gifts and talents. Help your children discover theirs.
Don't be afraid or embarrassed to be a full-time mother. It is hard and happy work and oh, so important.
Reach out to other mothers of all ages for support, friendship and fun. 
Remember that you won't always be so sleep-deprived and your children will benefit from your love.
 


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