I Am Actress Tia Mowry and I Am a Parent
Tia Mowry is an actress best known for her role as Tia Landry in the 1990s sitcom Sister Sister . She will star in the upcoming Netflix series Family Reunion , as well as the Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movie , Gingerbread Romance . Tia has also partnered with the Talking Peanut Allergy campaign to raise awareness of the challenges of living with peanut allergies.
Name: Tia Mowry. Place of residence: Los Angeles. Job: actress. Family: her husband Corey, their 7-year-old son Kree and 6-month-old daughter Cairo.
Tell us a little about your family and your career. Was life mostly according to plan, or were there any surprises?
Most people recognize me as Tia from Sister, Sister , and although it could have ended years ago, I have been doing something since then! I continued to work as an actress, but I also got married and started my own family.
My husband Corey and I are parents of two wonderful children, Cree and Cairo. I just welcomed my first daughter Cairo a few months ago, so there are never boring days in my house. However, many people do not know about me that my son, Cree, was diagnosed with a peanut allergy at the age of three.
How did you discover the allergy and how did the diagnosis affect your upbringing?
One evening after a snack, I noticed that Chris had hives, so we rushed him to the hospital, where they said it was an allergic reaction. After visiting our allergist, I was shocked to learn that he was diagnosed with a peanut allergy. The allergist told me that this is very serious and that we should avoid contact with Cree peanuts and have an adrenaline autoinjector with us. From that moment on, I knew that the dynamics of our family would change.
I had to change the meals and snacks we cook at home. My main point is that I don’t want my son to feel lonely or different. It is difficult to avoid this because many things are made from small amounts of peanuts.
What procedures do you follow to make sure Cree is peanut-free?
For children with peanut allergies and their families, allergies are never out of sight or out of sight. Especially when you are out of the house, such as at school, at parties or in a restaurant. It is important to know that we all play the role of “co-protectors”, being vigilant to prevent accidental exposure.
For example, we enrolled the Kree in a nut-free school, and we continually make sure to communicate with other protectors as needed. It is very important to be vigilant and prevent by telling yourself, your child, and the community about your child’s peanut allergy, including teachers, bus drivers, etc.
It all comes down to empowering yourself and, in turn, letting your child know what is safe for him to eat.
Has becoming a parent changed the way you work?
Yes! I feel that whatever opportunity I take should be worth it so that I can be away from my children. If my kids can watch it later in the future and have fun / learn / enjoy watching it, then this is definitely a job for me!
Do you involve your children in work?
Yes. At first I was a little hesitant if I wanted to defend them. But at the end of the day, this is who I am and this is my career, so I would feel like a hypocrite if I didn’t show them the good things about my work and play. Kree jumped up when he appeared in my Quick Fix series . He also comes to the filming of my new Netflix show and he just loves it!
How do you relax?
Yoga and a pleasant hot bubble bath with candles and music.
What do you want your children to learn from your example?
I want my children to learn to follow your dreams. You can do whatever you want! Follow your happiness and be yourself.
What’s the hardest part about being a parent?
While my family and I have found ways to manage Cree’s peanut allergy with vigilant avoidance, we never stop worrying about the possibility of accidental contact with peanuts.
The restaurant condemns us, and the school constantly raises questions. People need to know that parenting a child with a peanut allergy is serious and stressful. It can be very difficult to avoid because even small amounts of peanuts can cause a potentially serious, life-threatening reaction.
In addition, there were times when Kree felt differently or when children asked questions about why he could not have certain things. I would say that if you are a parent of a child with no peanut allergy, it is important to teach your child that he / she has a role to play in protecting their classmates from peanut allergy and make them understand that this is no laughing matter. on or to make fun of.
Has anyone ever given you parenting advice that you really liked?
This advice was given to me by a showrunner with whom I worked before I had children. I have always admired how she combines her career and motherhood, so I asked her how she does it? She told me, “How can a goose lay an egg if the goose doesn’t take care of itself?” It stuck in me for years. To be a good person, be it a spouse, parent, or friend, you must take care of yourself.
How do you share home / childcare responsibilities with your partner?
After being together for almost 20 years, in the end it’s a collaboration! If Corey is at home, he will put the Cree to bed, and if the dishes need to be washed, he will wash them. We take turns making sure everything is done.
What does your evening routine look like?
I start by combining all of my work letters for the day. Then I put the Kree to bed. I make sure he showered and tucked in some cute pajamas. Then I read him a book while he fell asleep. It’s the same with my daughter Cairo. I make sure she bathes, snuggles into her pajamas, and then rock her to get her to sleep. My day always seems to be over when I know that my children are sleeping and resting.