Each year, Mother’s Day is celebrated in a flurry of flowers and cards. The perfect opportunity to let mothers know how much they mean to us, the holiday passes in a warm, heartfelt haze. While cherished, it can be easy to disregard the amount of work that goes into being a mother. Why generalize motherhood when every mother is so unique?
Listen to Your Mother is a national series of live readings that give voice to motherhood in all of its complexity, diversity, and humor. The dynamic series is making an appearance in Northwest Indiana, just in time for Mother’s Day. Speakers from across the Region will be presenting their stories at the Hobart Art Theatre on Saturday, May 11. To get a taste of each speaker’s journey and prepare yourself for the rollercoaster of emotions underway, we invite you to meet the cast of Listen to Your Mother.
Carrie Miller Bedwell, Director of Listen to Your Mother Three words that describe me: adventurous, caring, and creative.
The best parenting advice I ever received was to parent a child according to his or her needs, not what you think they need.
Mike Martinez, Master of Ceremonies Three words that describe me: spontaneous, sarcastic, and do you really need any other qualities...
Best parenting advice: It’s more of a quote than anything else: “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born, and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain
Children will do that to you!
Patty Digrispino Cowser, Speaker Three words that describe me: caring, loyal, and loving.
The best parenting advice I ever received was disciplining your kids was to show them you love them! (Spare the rod, spoil the child).
Stephanie Swearington, Speaker
Three words that describe me: determined, passionate, caring.
The best parenting advice I ever received was this: Your kids will remember the quality time you spend with them. They aren't going to remember that you took one Saturday to do something for yourself. It is important to take care of yourself, too.
Rhonda Sulcer-Janowski, Speaker Three words that describe me: independent, adaptable, and passionate.
The best parenting advice I ever received was to put your baby to sleep the exact same way every night... that's how I ended up singing, "[The Sun Will Come Out] Tomorrow" every night for about nine years... but my daughter was, and still is, my best sleeper.
Rachel Myers, Speaker Three words that describe me: wanderlust, spirited, and accepting.
The best parenting advice I’ve gotten is to talk through conflict with your children. “Because I said so” isn’t easy for young minds to process, but an explanation of “why” can help forge an understanding and build a good relationship.
Jaime El-Talabani, Speaker Three words: determined, playful, and compassionate.
Best parenting advice: don't fight battles you don't actually care about winning. Pick what's really truly important to you (for us that’s bravery, kindness, independance, and humor.... and bedtime) and don't fight needlessly about the rest of it. Who cares if they wear christmas sweaters in June or jump on the couch.
Mary Lu, Speaker Three words that describe me: effervescent, creative, and adventuresome.
The best parenting advice I ever received was the example my parents showed me. I'm not the best listener, but I am good at copying.
Melissa Sickinger, Speaker Three words that describe me: passionate, outgoing, and a little dramatic.
The best parenting advice I ever received was to not listen to other parents. Seriously, everyone will tell you what you should and shouldn’t do, but nobody is raising your children but you.
Celeste Bowyer Chapko, Speaker Three words that describe me: passionate, empathetic, advocate.
The best parenting advice I ever received was that it is not my job to "save" my children from hurt and sorrow, but to teach them, love them, and walk alongside them, supporting them on their journey through life.
Paul Gallivan, Speaker Three words that describe me: mechanical, curious, and sarcastic.
The best parenting advice I ever received was sleep when they do.
Mizzbee Gallivan, Speaker Three words that describe me: Sarcastic, passionate, and opinionated.
The best parenting advice I ever received was be flexible. Don't be afraid to admit mistakes, but know they are mistakes.
Don’t skip out on this ideal opportunity to celebrate mothers and individuals right in our community. The event begins with cocktail hour at 6:00 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Hannah’s Hope. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.