Meet Megan, the Newport Beach mom of three who can gently guide you through sleep training, potty training and now, with her new book Dear Mr. Covid, talking about the coronavirus with your kids.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Northern California, the Bay Area.
How long have you lived in Newport Beach? How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
After college at USC I moved to Newport Beach with a friend and have never left. My husband is originally from Irvine, and his entire family is close to us. We have three daughters, ages 12, 10, and 5. Elle, Saylor and Scottie.
What are your favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
We love to go to the beach and go for family hikes. We also enjoy going to Lake Arrowhead to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Name 3 things in town you can’t live without.
I love HoSum Bistro’s combo salad and Din Tai Fung. I also love going to Crystal Cove. Also, the Fast 5 car wash on 17th Street.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family date? A night out with friends? Why?
For a family date, we like to go get take out from Bear Flag and eat on the beach. With my husband, sushi dates are my favorite. I could eat sushi or Mexican every night of the week. With my friends, we have fun at CdM or Olea.
What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe?
My girls always want me to put some type of fun coating on chicken: corn flakes, parmesan, or breading. I also make a mean turkey meatloaf where I can hide lots of veggies.
What is your local go-to store for children’s clothes? Yourself? Furniture?
For kids, I like the Red Balloon for special occasions. For everyday wear, I head to Old Navy as my kids wear out clothing fast! I love Rococo, Shop Common Thread, or Nordstrom. I am in need of some new furniture. I love to follow lots of furniture sites and designers on Instagram and dream of building the perfect house.
What are your favorite events in Newport Beach?
Restaurant Week in Newport Beach has always been a fave for my husband and me, and our friends. We love to try new places and this is a great way to sample different restaurants.
Do you have a favorite destination for family trips? Why?
Sun Valley, Idaho is a special place. Our kids love the freedom of riding bikes, fishing, and being with cousins.
Name a favorite book or podcast? What’s it about/brief description?
Reality Life with Kate Casey… She is a crack up and I love to listen to her podcast as I walk our dog. She interviews reality stars as well as producers of documentaries. My husband and I listen to audio books in the car. Our last was Where the Crawdads Sing. I highly recommend it!
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date? What helped you overcome the challenges at that time?
Definitely the toddler years and now preteen years. I am glad I have an educational background and lots of mom friends to bounce ideas off. My friends and I still call each other often to vent, seek advice and talk about kid life. Finding a group of friends who are non-judgemental is so important for moms.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? What was the best advice your mom gave you?
I love to support moms. Being a mom is very difficult and I don’t want any mom to feel alone. We are all in this together and I believe that every mom is a Super Hero. I always say, as a mom you will laugh or cry every day… choose laughter! My mom is the absolute BEST. I talk to her daily and she has always been supportive and loving. My mom has always let me be me…except when my friend pierced my ear in high school, haha! She has guided me and allowed me to find my footing as a mom.
What do you most value in your friends?
I have a very close relationship with my friends. I value them and they value me. As you get older, you realize that true friends don’t care about the outside and will support you and love you through it all, the ups and the downs. My friends and I have all gone through different battles over the years and we have been there for each other. I feel safe with my friends and love that I can tell them anything. Being a good friend is showing up!
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I love to listen to Lionel Richie and Celine Dion…I know, sort of funny. I listen to Lionel Richie as I am cooking and I sing away. I also hate to listen to people chewing food… it is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I love to cook but hate to bake. I think having to be so precise in baking turns me off.
How do you relax and unwind? To relax, I like to take walks with a glass of wine with my husband. I also love to share a glass of wine with my friends. When alone, getting a pedicure or massage makes me happy.
It’s almost Mother’s Day. What would you say about motherhood?
Being a mom makes me feel alive. My girls are all very close and watching them grow makes my heart happy.
Is there a local organization out there that is close to your heart?
My husband and I are founding members of the Heart Ambassadors at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Our middle daughter was born with a severe heart defect and has endured 5 open heart surgeries and has spent over 450 days in the hospital. Having a daughter born with a heart defect really changed our life. I say that the day Saylor was born my heart broke, but truly began to live.
What was your career before having children? Now?
Before children, I was a teacher for young children with Autism. I loved my job and love working with young children and children with special needs. I started High Tide Parenting in 2018 and have written a Toddler Sleep and Nap Guide. I also am the author of the Yes, You Can! Potty Training Manual. Most recently, I co-wrote the children’s book, Dear Mr. Covid, now available online at The Potty Shop.
That’s awesome. I know my children have had so many questions about the coronavirus and I’ve struggled with how to best share all the information. They loved the preview of the book you sent us! Thanks Megan!
You can follow along with Megan on Instagram @megan_toddlershop or visit The Potty Shop online for expert tips and tricks.