Children's Trust

Ivette Villarreal

Ivette is the mother of a toddler and preschooler. She's a full-time parent and founder of TocKnock, which promotes bilingual literacy by exposing children to different languages at early ages. She's also an advocate of breastfeeding and media literacy, as well as a supporter of organic foods. She's also learning about life in the world of food allergies.

What's the best thing about being a parent?
Seeing the world through our children's eyes and being amazed with all the potential, curiosity, sensitivity and love for learning they have from the very start.
 
What three concepts best describe your parenting philosophy?
It’s a journey - love every minute and embrace it. Learn from your mistakes. Have a sense of humor.

What three words would your kids use to describe you?
“Fancy, pretty and in between” said my daughter after my husband asked her.  My son gave me a big smile a kiss and a hug.

What's the best parenting advice you ever received?
From the Poem “On Children” by Khalil Gibran and the book “Ethics for Amador” by Fernando Savater.  I was about 8 years old when I found the poem hanging in the wall of Mama Nena, a very sweet lady who was a grandmother to me. I read the book much later, and I found the advice valuable long before becoming a mother.
 
What's your biggest parenting challenge?
Raising my kids away from the loving and caring family, relatives and close friends I grew up with. What a fortunate child I was.
       
What are the biggest challenges parents today face?
It depends on the context. For some, bringing food to the table, for others offering emotional stability, for others  responding to the special needs of their kids. You name it. I would say that the common ground is knowing where to find help when we need it most.
 
What are the biggest challenges children today face?
Not being able to be kids. Childhood seems to be rushed.

What are your top three tips for new parents?

• No one knows your child better than you do. If something doesn’t seem right to you, ask for assistance right away.
• Be informed about childhood milestones and development
• Read to your kids every day. It's never too late or to early to start doing it.  Visit your local public library - it's also a great place to spend quality time.