Jennifer Valdez
Atlanta Parent talked to Jennifer Valdez, Chief Meteorologist at CBS46, who is the mom to Annelise, 8, and Lucas, 7.
What’s your go-to craft or activity?
- Board games and playing outside. We all love Monopoly.
- We got a trampoline just as the pandemic was starting, and it’s the best purchase we ever made. The kids are jumping on that trampoline constantly.
- We’ve also done a lot of firepits to make s’mores.
What’s your go-to meal?
Frozen pizzas and spaghetti. Before this started, we didn’t eat out a lot. I like eating food at home—it’s healthier, better for you, and I like knowing what’s in the food you eat.
What do you do when your kids say, “I’m bored?”
Go outside.
I’m feeling less guilty about letting them play on the iPad or watch shows. We’re binge-watching a lot of shows as a family, which we hadn’t done before. We’re watching “American Idol” together for the first time and “LEGO Masters.”
Is there an educational app or activity they enjoy?
When this started, we started “World of Weather” at my station on Monday through Friday at 1:15 p.m., and it’s a science lesson for kids. The kids have been heavily involved. They’ve gone on with me, and kids are watching it, and teachers have told me the videos are part of their lesson plans now. It’s been fun, as I’ve never played that teacher role with my kids before, and they get to see the behind-the-scenes of what I do. It’s been an adventure, and there’s been a learning curve, but it’s been fun.
How are you connecting to other relatives and friends during this time?
I’ve done a lot of group Zooms or group FaceTimes with friends and old neighbors and connecting that way.
What other advice do you have for Moms at this time?
Breathe. We all have to focus on the positive. Instead of harping on everything we can’t do, focus on what we can do: spend more time with family, love on each other, be grateful that we’re all healthy. It’s the ultimate test, but we’re proving working moms can juggle everything, and we’re stronger than we thought.
