MetroMom Roxanne Hotchkiss
Baton Rouge native, now Dallas mom with a BS in Psychology and  Science in Education, and a Masters of Science in Social Work; with a focus on direct practice with children and families

MB - What was it like dealing with children as a social worker, and then having a child of your own? 

Working with children hasn’t always been easy, but has always been fulfilling. I tend to get very attached to the children I work with and I have spent many nights crying over children I wish I could do more for. Most of the children I have worked with had some sort of special need such as autism and I truly enjoy helping a family that feels helpless find its way out of “the dark place.” I love teaching new skills to adults and children, and seeing them flourish as a family. As a mom, my job so far has been much easier. My son Griffin is such a good-natured, fun little guy. Every moment with him is so rewarding and I cannot get enough of him. I am not sure when I will go back to work full-time, but right now I am so happy staying home with Griffin.

MB - What is your most memorable moment of becoming a mom?

I am sure most moms would say the birth of their child was the most memorable moment, and I feel like that as well. We gave birth at the Birth and Women’s Center (all-natural), and it was a wonderful experience. A close second would be a couple of months later when I actually looked into Griffin’s eyes and realized, “I am his mommy.” I get tears in my eyes just thinking of that moment. It was then that I was born again; my husband and I will never be the people we were before we became Griffin’s mom and dad. I love the new me!!

MB - Has your perspective on social work/how you practice changed since becoming a mom? If so, how? 

One way my practice has changed is I am able to really understand what it means to be a “parent.” I am able to empathize with my clients, who are parents, on a deeper level. An example would be discipline. You don’t know how hard it is to say “no” until you have to say it to your own little one. I also had no idea the devotion and commitment it takes to be a dedicated parent. When they say your life changes they really mean it, every aspect of it.  

MB - What are your favorite DFW places to take Griffin?

Griffin and I love to frequent the Dallas World Aquarium, the Dallas Arboretum, the Dallas Museum of Art (with other MetroMoms of course), Baby Yoga, Barnes and Nobles, the Science Place and NorthPark Mall. Thank God for memberships. Griffin is very active and very social, so we love having playdates too.

MB - What is the best advice you received about being a mom or raising a child? 

A mommy friend of mine introduced me to a homeopathic MD in Dallas (Dr. Alex Bekker). Griffin has seen him for colic, teething and colds. He has never had to have antibiotics! It has really been wonderful to be able to treat his illnesses with natural remedies and the remedies are a big help with teething symptoms. We continue to see our pediatrician for regular check-ups.

MB - If you could give another mom or expectant mom one piece of advice, what would it be?

In the beginning before you have confidence in your ability to parent, you need supportive mommy friends. It helps to find other moms who think like you do. I found it helpful to be around moms who were breastfeeding, co-sleeping etc. When I was around moms who were doing things differently or around family members who tend to give a lot of unsolicited advice (haha), I began to feel inadequate as a parent even though I felt like I was doing what was right for my family. Once I connected with moms who had a similar parenting style, I found the support I needed. Now that Griffin is 14 months, it is much easier to hang with all sorts of moms and fun to learn new things. I guess once you find your place as a parent it gets easier.

MB - Do you have a motto you would like to share with other moms?

“Push through, this to shall pass.” That is what my husband and I always say to one another and ourselves. In the middle of the night when you have already been up five times-PUSH THROUGH. When colic or teething just won’t quit-PUSH THROUGH.

MB - What are your favorite "Mom Essentials" and why?

I can’t live without: Sony wireless headphones (to watch our favorite movies), baby mum mums from Central Market, Braun Thermo scan Thermometer, New Native Baby Carrier, throw away place mats for eating out, Tip Toey Joey shoes, my camera (it goes everywhere), oldnavy.com; they have the best PJ’s!

MB - What is your favorite MetroMoms event to date and why?

I enjoyed the Stroll Through History event at the Dallas Heritage Museum. I had never been there and Griffin loves to be outside. It was a nice place to stroll around at your own pace. That’s where he saw his first donkey!