We excited to share a new limited-time series with you on motherhood leading up to Mother's Day next month! We'll be sharing Q&A's with some of the most inspirational mothers in our community (although let's be honest...all mothers are an inspiration). 

First up: mother of four, Greta Eskridge - you can follow along with her family's adventures at @maandpamodern.

Tell us a little about yourself! 
I am a homeschooling mom to 4, a speaker and a writer. My first book comes out this summer! I’m married to an artist and our 4 kids are all artists too. Our life is filled with color and many, many stacks of  drawings. We also love spending time in nature, and adventuring together.

How were you introduced to Parker Clay? And what is your favorite bag to carry when you are with your kids?
I was gifted a Parker Clay bag and loved it immediately. But it was when I learned more about their mission, that I really felt they were so much more than just a company with great bags. 

I love using my Miramar bag when I'm out and about with my kiddos. I love having my hands free. I love how sturdy the backpack is, yet it’s also sleek and elegant. It's such a great bag. 

As you know, this series is all about Motherhood! Tell us what motherhood looks like for you right now. 

Well, like most moms, I find motherhood to be very busy. I’m juggling teaching my kids, taking business calls and doing podcast interviews, watching my daughter at skateboard lessons, and dropping my son off at his painting class. It’s a full, rich, wild and wonderful life. My favorite part of every week is the day we have set aside to get out in nature and hike together. In the midst of our busy life, it is a sacred, peaceful time to connect with one another. I love that time with my kids so much.

Has there been someone in your life that has stepped in to “Filled the Gap” for a season and mentored you - or have you had the opportunity to do that for someone else?

When I was in middle school, I had a Sunday school teacher who stepped into the role of mentor. She invested in me in so many different ways, teaching me how to garden and taking me on weekend trips to Mexico where we helped do construction work on an orphanage. When she had her first baby, I was her babysitter, and our roles reversed a bit as I helped her recover from a difficult pregnancy and childbirth. Over the years her investment in my life didn’t fade. Just a few months ago, she came to one of my speaking engagements and it was so comforting to see her smile out in the crowd, knowing she was still there, supporting and loving me.  

What has been one of the most valuable lessons or experiences as a mentor/mentee?
Because of the way my mentor invested in me, I was inspired to invest in others. In my late  teens, I began mentoring middle school girls. Having experienced first hand the positive impact of mentorship, I knew I needed to give back to others in the same way.

What advice do you have for a  woman who is about to become a mother for the first time?

Dive deep into motherhood!  I don’t mean read all the books from all the experts.  I mean just soak up being with your baby. Hold her, and get to know her so well. Read to her and sing to her and talk to her all day long, telling her about how beautiful the world is and how beautiful she is. Take her on long walks and car rides and teach her from the very start the joy of adventure and experiencing the world. Pouring yourself into motherhood is not a waste. It is the most worthwhile investment I have ever made.

This is a strange time in our world to say the least - how are you balancing it all? Any tips to share on how you can survive and thrive through it?
Well, I’m using my Miramar Backpack every time I have to go to the grocery store! I’m saying that with a smile on my face, but really, it’s  helpful to not have to put my bag in the shopping cart. It’s tough. We’re all learning how to do everything in a new way. 

So i’d say the way I’m surviving and thriving, is to give heaps of grace to myself, my family, and even to strangers as we navigate these uncertain times. I’m trying to let unimportant things go, and making an effort to do small things with great love.

Like making a point to say hello to people at the grocery store, since they can’t see my smile behind my mask. Or making my family’s favorite meals because that simple effort brings them joy. I’m telling my family when I need time alone, and reading in bed  with the door closed. These small things add up to make difficult days a little sweeter. And right now, that is what we all need.