What's Her Secret?: 'Be kind ... and do not judge each other'
Name: Amy Horn
Husband: Randy
Town: Beaufort
Children: Robbie, 13; Mallory, 11; Carlie, 7
Occupation: Montessori teacher and director of Lowcountry Montessori School, a new charter school offering kindergarten through ninth-grade in the 2014-15 school year
Favorite mommy moment: When I get to spend time individually with each of my children. That is when I learn the most about them as people.
Most challenging moment: When my youngest wanted a floatable cooler at Marshalls and she proceeded to lie down kicking and screaming on the floor, and I am trying to walk out while she is attached to my leg, dragging behind me. Did I mention she was 6 at the time? You tell yourself that everyone has been there, and they have unless they do not have children.
Favorite book: "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life" was one of my favorite reads. I enjoy reading books that challenge the way I think and question our systems. I like that this book was relevant to my life as a mother trying to raise children that are conscious of the world around them and the impact their choices have on the world.
Go-to rainy day activity: All of my kids love to dance in the rain, so if it's not too cold and there is no thunder, they often will head out. I also like to sit on the porch and watch the storm. Sometimes the more thunder and lightning, the better.
Best family vacation: My children are very close with their cousins, and we try to go to the beach at least twice each year to spend time with the family and catch up.
Funniest thing your kids ever said? All of my children make me laugh for different reasons. My oldest is becoming a teenager and says some really unusual things that take me back in time but also make me feel the generational gap. My middle daughter is quick on her feet, and my youngest daughter is one of those that will start dancing in a room full of strangers.
How do you get your kids to do chores or help around the house? We have tried different things and sometimes feel as if we struggle in this department. My children are helpful, but I really want them to look around and do what needs to be done without having to be asked. I think I might be expecting too much. They do have chores, but they are typically put on a list of things to do by a certain time. They get an allowance -- $1 for each year they are old. If they save it in their bank account, we double it, but the bank account cannot be accessed until they are going to purchase something like a car or help pay for college.
I feel my best when: I have exercised and gotten enough sleep.
I want to pull out my hair when: There is not enough time for my family. It is difficult these days to make time for them, and I cherish each moment. Time goes way too fast.
Advice for other moms: Be kind to one another and do not judge each other. Everyone is doing the best they can, and if you see someone who is struggling, because it is one difficult job, reach out to them. It might be just the thing they needed.
Follow reporter Amy Coyne Bredeson at twitter.com/IPBG_Amy.
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- Lowcountry Montessori School
This story was originally published May 18, 2014 at 4:01 PM with the headline "What's Her Secret?: 'Be kind ... and do not judge each other'."