Stephanie Daniel
Mom to Abigail, age 13,
Camille, age 11, Lucy, age 9,
Sebastian, age 7, Jaxson, age 5,
Oliver, age 3 and Violet, age 1
Bristow, VA
Mother to seven and founder of her
own small business, Abby’s Lane,
INC, Stephanie makes motherhood
look like a breeze. Stephanie is an
advocate for postpartum awareness
and natural-parenting options, and
has created an online community for
mothers to turn to for support.

Occupation CEO of Abby’s Lane, INC
What advice would you give to new
or expectant moms?
So many books, social media
pages, friends and well-meaning family
members will give you an onslaught of
parenting advice. In a quiet moment,
see what direction feels right to you.

Research that, and leave the rest
behind. Even if this is a first baby, and
you are “new” to the parenting gig, you
will do an incredible job and be your
baby’s biggest ally in life. And on a
serious note, take at least five minutes
to read up on postpartum depression
mental health issues and awareness,
and ask your partner to do so as well.

If you never experience postpartum,
that is fantastic. But on the off chance
that it creeps into your life after you
have your baby, it’s good to be aware.

Who is your role model?
I would have to say Lucille Ball. She
remained free of controversy, free in an
interesting time in this country, a strong
16 May 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com
Juggling parenting and work
is about putting out fires, sometimes work
needs more attention, and sometimes
your family does.

businesswoman and felt happiness
and fulfillment in making others laugh.

What would you say your secret
is to balancing life/family/work/
motherhood? I think balance is a myth. Ha!
Balance implies that one side of
the seesaw is equal with the other.

Juggling parenting and work is about
putting out fires, sometimes work
needs more attention, and sometimes
your family does. The goal at the end
of the day is to feel both were attended
to, and if one was slighted, to have a
plan to make up the ground.

What goals do you have
for your children?
I want every single one of our
children to reach adulthood and
feel happy and content with where
they are. I’d like them to follow their
passions, regardless of money or
status, and do what they love.

What’s the best parenting
advice you’ve ever received?
Trust your instincts, and never
second guess your desire to fight
for your child.