They printed an excerpt, but here is the (yes, tape-recorded) transcript in its entirety:
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“Can I interview you?”
That was the question my 8-year-old daughter, Isabella, asked me the other day.
Hmm, I thought. Sure, why not? After all, even though my kids and I are together practically 24/7, how well do they really know me? And if you have ever met my daughter, you know that each day for her is a new opportunity to ask questions and seek out answers.
So we sat down together and with a recorder in hand, she began her carefully crafted questions (with a few thrown in from 4-year-old Zander, sitting nearby).
Isabella: What are your favorite parts about being a mom?
Susan: [laughing] I have lots of favorite parts! I get free belly laughs, lots of love, tons of kisses and big bear hugs every day from the two best people in the world.
Isabella: Do you like raising children?
Susan: I love raising children. It’s the hardest job I have ever had, but it is by far the most rewarding. Seeing you and Zander change and grow every day is a wonderful thing to watch. I love teaching you new things and sharing life experiences with you.
Isabella: What is your favorite book series?
Susan: I have rediscovered my love for the Harry Potter series, since you and I have been reading them together.
Isabella: I love them, too. When can we start reading the 4th book?
Susan: Let’s watch the movie from the 3rd book first, then we’ll wait a bit to start reading the 4th.
Isabella: [frowning] OK. Do you enjoy being a dietitian?
Susan: Being a dietitian is awesome. I get to help people live better lives by teaching them to eat healthier. Plus it’s something I can share with my family. It’s hugely satisfying for me and it’s something I want to do for a very long time. I hope you and Zander will be lucky enough to follow your passion one day.
Isabella: I love art and animals. Maybe I’ll be an artist or vet, or a dietitian! What did you like doing when you were 8 years old?
Susan: I was in the third grade and had a best friend who lived two houses up. We explored the neighborhood on our bikes, climbed trees, played hopscotch, jumped rope and spent all of our time outside. I also loved visiting our family farm. Lots of space to run wild.
Isabella: What is your favorite food?
Susan: Chocolate cupcakes, of course! And any kind of fresh berry.
Zander: [walking up] What is your favorite color?
Susan: Green. Orange, purple and yellow are close seconds.
Zander: Do you like hugs and kisses?
Susan: [laughing] I love hugs and kisses, especially from you two.
Zander: [yelling] No, just from me! I like Star Wars. Who are your favorite Star Wars characters?
Susan: Hmmm. Princess Leia – she’s brave and holds her own among the men. And Han Solo is swashbuckling and funny.
Isabella: Thank you, Zander. Mom, what’s your favorite holiday?
Susan: Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Zander: [incredulous] Why do you like Thanksgiving? There aren’t any presents.
Susan: Well, Thanksgiving centers around food – which I love! And I get to make your favorite sweet potato casserole with the marshmallows on top. Plus, there aren’t any presents you have to deal with – you’re focused on just spending time with family and friends.
Isabella: What has being a mother taught you?
Susan: Wow, lots of things I actually never expected. Unconditional love. Patience. The enormous amount of pride I feel for you. To be in the moment. To be a good role model. To prioritize what’s really important. And how to accept the fact that nothing really ever stays the same.
Isabella: Those are all of my questions. Thank you for letting me interview you. I love you.
Susan: [hugs Isabella] I love you, too. And thank you for interviewing me – I enjoyed it!
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