Parenting is a not-so-serious business for Kelli DeLarue. As a full-time mom, she dedicates her time to raising her two young boys in a Montessori-style household. She also conducts early childhood research with Pennington Biomedical Research Center and is launching her own business, Learn to Play. Kelli describes stay-at-home motherhood as “the hardest job in the world,” but she still makes sure to have fun with it while raising her boys as independent and confident little humans. When you’re having fun, so will your children, and Kelli’s household full of fun and silliness can confirm that.

Occupation: Full-time mom, CEO of Learn to Play, consultant with Pennington Biomedical Research Center on early childhood research

Husband: Carson DeLarue

Children: Henry, (2.5); Teddy (6 months)

Hobbies: pilates, going to the Knock Knock Children’s Museum, and on family walks

WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

For me, a normal day is waking up at 5 a.m., going to pilates, then coming home to do laundry and dishes before waking up the kiddos and doing breakfast together. I bring the boys to Mother’s Day Out, come home, and do content for Learn to Play. I also do work for Pennington such as answering emails, doing some reading and research, putting together presentations, and handling meetings. Then I pick up the boys, get them home for a nap, and then we spend the evening outside. Henry actually helps me cook dinner!

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF RAISING YOUR CHILDREN?

One joy is being their constant, knowing I get to be there for every high and low and every bo-bo. At the same time, being their constant is a challenge. I’m so blessed to stay at home with them, but it’s hard to meet all their needs. Coming from someone who has worked before, this is the hardest job in the world, but would I trade it? Absolutely not.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A MOM?

I’m a cool mom! Just kidding! I am very laid back, though, and I take a Montessori-style approach to parenting. We treat Henry like the human he is, not like the little kid he is. So, we allow him to make big decisions and do big things; he carries weight around the house with his voice and actions. I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to parenting, but I find it works so well for us because when you give kiddos that voice, it gives them confidence knowing their voice matters at home and in the outside world as well. I hope I am raising kind and independent gentlemen. 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY?

We love to spend time outside as a family. We try all the sports with Henry, so we have every single Little Tikes sports set there is. We like to jump on the trampoline together, and we like to cook together. Cooking brings us all joy and helps us spend time together, even though it’s technically a chore. It’s more fun when I involve Henry because it’s like bonding. It’s become one of my favorite parts of the day. I didn’t think I would enjoy cooking so much!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A MOM?

Every second! My favorite thing is watching my kids do life and seeing the world through their eyes and the joy they get out of everything. It brings such a fresh perspective into life. Henry’s day is made by a pancake. Like, shouldn’t we all be thrilled by the little things like that? Children really make you appreciate the little things in life. 

WHAT HAS PARENTHOOD TAUGHT YOU?

It’s not patience, it’s understanding. I feel like, as a former teacher, and even as a mom, people are telling me, “you have such wonderful patience!” But I think it’s more about understanding where the children come from and what they’re capable of. Patience doesn’t matter; it’s just understanding what your kid needs and giving them grace. Every child has needs, and it’s not always going to be a great day. Give your children a safe space to ask for what they need, and give yourself grace, too.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU HOPE TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN?

I hope to teach them to constantly try new things and go after what they want. Their voice matters and has value, and it’s okay to try something, fail, and try something else. That starts at the very beginning; I’m teaching Henry to try new things and not get upset with him–and help him not get upset with himself–when he makes a mistake. So many people live life in their comfort zone, and I want my boys to be able to leave their comfort zones and push themselves.

HOW DO YOU TACKLE ANY CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A MOM?

With prayer! A Hail Mary gets me through the day. Anytime I feel overwhelmed or like I don’t have the right answer, I stop and say a Hail Mary and ask to be a mom like Mary. The second resource would be our pediatrician; any question I have, he will answer for me. He has my complete trust.

WHAT IS A PARENTING MYTH YOU WANT TO DEBUNK?

I try not to listen to people, honestly. It’s all about your perspective. If you think the Terrible Twos exist, then they’re going to exist. But, if you think of it as you have a two-year-old with big feelings, then you’re going into parenthood with the right mindset, and you’ll love every second of it.

WHAT PERSONALITY TRAIT OF YOURS DO YOUR CHILDREN ALSO HAVE?

They are very, very silly. Even my 6-month old is such a clown! Everybody likes to have fun here. I always say we have a household full of clowns.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS?

Don’t take it too seriously! Your kids look to you for your reactions, and they mirror everything they see. The more lighthearted and fun you are about mistakes you make, new things you try, or tough situations you handle, the better prepared they are for life. Just have fun, and remember these little humans look up to you for everything. Keep doing your best!

Quick Q&A

My favorite TV show is…Little Einsteins

My favorite food is…literally all foods 

My guilty pleasure is…hitting the snooze button

I’m always laughing at…my husband and kids

My dream travel spot is…Alaska