We asked one of our amazing Abassadors Carolina some questions on parenting, having a community and our ambassador program.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m Carolina, cool mom: you can find me at the playground in shiny black leather pants. I’ve moved from São Paulo/Brazil to Berlin while very round and pregnant with Otto, who is now 2 years old. I’m a single mom and I co-parent Otto and our two cats with his dad.
2. What motivated you to become a Mello ambassador?
I wanted to make friends! Might sound silly, but loneliness in motherhood is real. Though I was ready to face the challenge of motherhood far from home, there’s nothing that can really prepare you for this job… and I began to feel very isolated at some point. Pandemic and divorcing didn’t help either.
3. What does “community” mean to you and why do you think it’s important to have a supportive one around you as a parent?
When we bring “community” and “parenting” together it’s usual to think about support quite literally (like helping hands, babysitting and having our practical life questions answered). But what I treasure the most about being in a community is to see and be seen: to be seen is to belong. Motherhood can make you feel misplaced, even from your own body and mind, and it’s vital to be able to recognize yourself again through this new journey. Being in a community makes me feel grounded.
4. What do you enjoy the most about the Mello App?
The focus! We’re all parents! Everybody I’ve been in touch with through the app has been anything but kind and comprehensive. Feels like a gentle and safe environment.
5. If you could give one piece of advice to new parents, what would that be?
Don’t forget you’re only human! I can’t stress this enough though I think it makes no sense until you’ve been there. You, just as your children, have needs that go beyond eating, showering and sleeping: take care of those. Your children will only be as happy as you can be, you’ll only blossom together. Parenting is a team effort even when is just you and your little one.
We would like to thank Carolina for the interview and her contribution to our ambassador program!
If you , like us, think that Carolina is an amazing woman that is worth getting to know, then don’t hesitate and reach out to her. You can find and connect with her on Mello – Carolina Stary 🙂
More articles from Mello:
→ Mini Guide: Starting With Cloth Diapers
→ 5 easy steps to get to know other parents during the pandemic
→ 10 family friendly stroller routes, shops and playgrounds in Berlin Neukölln
→ Developing a sense of belonging in a diverse community
