Fairy Spotlight: Kate Leidy

Massive magic doesn’t mean moving mountains. Sometimes all it takes is a quiet moment with your kids — a conversation before bed or a new lesson learned. It’s in the making of a memory, taking the time to make a note of that flower you saw on a walk or to gaze at the stars in the sky. That little moment is what creates the mountain of magic. All you have to do is look around you and let the magic be revealed.

MEET KATE

An inspiring mother of three wonderful kiddos, Kate is an embodiment of leading by how you live. Whether it’s through reducing recidivism with her organization Strively to creating marvelous moments in her children’s lives, her actions go to show that there is magic in kindness and being of service to others — but also, in a nice family walk outside!  

Kate, tell us how many kiddos you have and what are their ages?

My kiddos are 9, 10, and 23!

What does your current morning routine look like?

I wake up early to make coffee and do my morning meditation and prayer. Then, I wake the kids up for distance learning from home. We have breakfast and then set up desks for school.

What is one of the best tips you have for making your kids better humans?

I teach my kids empathy. I lead, and they learn, by example. I go out of my way to be of service to people around me, whether I know them or not.

If you could turn back the time and have a newborn moment back what would it be?

The day I brought them home from the hospital. I would relive that whole feeling you have when you feel like your family is complete and everything is perfect in the world.

What makes you feel inspired or like your best self?

Working in a job that feels like I’m making a difference in the world and those days when you know you’ve done the parenting thing right. It’s those days when your kids say or do something that makes you know you’re doing a good job as a parent. It’s an incredible feeling! 

What is one piece of advice you'd give a new mom out there?

Whatever you’re feeling is normal and to ask for help when you need it.

How do you create magical moments for your family?

As a single mom, sometimes it’s hard to do all the things you want to do for them, but what I’ve come to realize is that kids don’t need a lot to feel magic or have something feel special. Sometimes just laying down in bed with them at night before bed and talking about the world or the mysteries of the universe is magical enough to make beautiful memories.

What is the hardest part about brushing your kid's teeth?

Reminding them 400 times a day, twice daily to complete the activity of brushing.

What is your favorite children’s story right now?

We’re reading Women Who Run With Wolves. It’s non traditional but kids are capable of understanding a lot if you let them try.