I Am a Vlogger Kristina Kuzmich and I Am a Parent.
Here’s what Kristina Kuzmich knows: Perfection is boring. Fatherhood is a mess. We might as well embrace chaos. In her funny and compassionate videos, the vlogging star with over 2 million Facebook fans expresses her displeasure at the thought that moms and dads should love every minute of parenting. She becomes real by appealing to the familiar parental hangover ,unpredictability of teens, and her attitude thather kids are not her friends (“If you’re in your thirties or forties and your best friend is eight, that’s just weird”). Kuzmich gives us a glimpse of her daily life.
Name: Christina Kuzmich Location: Los Angeles, California Job: Content Creator Family: Husband, two sons (15 and 4 years old) and one daughter (13 years old).
Tell us a little about your family and your career. Was life mostly according to plan, or were there any surprises?
My life did not go as planned! I have experienced many failures that I did not expect – divorce, depression, poverty. And I did not expect many achievements either – to marry a wonderful man again and make a successful career that I love.
What’s your best trick to walk out the door in the morning?
Music! I hate morning. Despise them! So funny music helps children, and I wake up easier and do not leave the house grumpy.
How much outside help do you get as a parent? Who or what cannot you live without?
My mother-in-law lives less than a mile from my house and she is amazing! Always ready to help if I need it. I think that every parent needs to create some kind of support system. Raising people is difficult, and asking for help does not mean that we are inadequate, it means that we are normal.
How do you like your evening routine?
Sometimes I cook dinner very well in advance to keep the evenings calm and featherweight, but many days in my house the evenings are chaotic. Everyone is trying to finish their homework, or someone has forgotten they need to buy something for a school project, so we run to the store. It seems like something unexpected always pops up. For evenings like this, I prefer to have light and healthy lunch options in the fridge or freezer – either the frozen stew I cooked ahead of time (if you’re making anything that freezes well, double batch and freeze half for worry.night ) or vegetarian dogs. With parents, it’s always good to be ready for anything, because the calmest night can turn into chaos in a split second.
How do you unpack?
If I ever get a chance to take a nap, I’ll take it! I never feel completely rested, so getting regular sleep would be my last fantasy. I also enjoy relaxing with friends over a good meal and a glass of wine.
What are your most proud moments as a parent?
When I see my children try their best to be kind and considerate to others. For me, this is the most important thing that they have achieved in life.
Which moments are you least proud of?
When I lose patience or fight with my gloomy teenager. Upbringing, like childhood, is full of growing pains.
What do you want your children to learn from your example?
Appreciating everything they have, finding something good every day, and knowing that with a kind heart and energetic spirit, they can handle whatever hardships life throws at them.
What are your family rituals?
We celebrate half a birthday with half a cake and half a Happy Birthday song (we sing every second syllable).
Is there anything about the way you were raised that you would like to learn from?
By her example, my mother taught me to always help those in need. I try to come up with various family activities where we can volunteer or help those in need.
What’s the hardest part about being a parent?
Emotional exhaustion. We try not to worry all the time and try not to feel guilty about stupid things that we shouldn’t feel guilty about.
What’s your favorite part of the day?
After dinner, when the day is drawing to a close, I check all my children. I love to be alone, be it walking or just chatting.
Has anyone ever given you parenting advice that you really liked?
Pay attention! Hear what your children are telling you. Don’t discount them. Don’t talk to them – talk to them.