With the Christmas holidays quickly approaching, what is a Christmas tradition for you and your family?
We are members of St. Jude Catholic Church, and we enjoy attending Midnight Mass at the church. The kids usually participate in the Children’s Christmas Program. Luckily, the service starts a bit early, so the kids can get in bed at a reasonable hour to get ready for Santa.
During the Christmas season of planning, day-to-day tasks can seem a bit daunting at times. Do you find balance through a structured routine?
We have somewhat of a routine. We try to take holiday photos during the first or second weekend in November so that Christmas cards are mailed by the end of November. We try to put up holiday decorations during the week of Thanksgiving. During their vacation, I also ensure the kids take a mid-day nap and keep their standard bedtimes.
Becoming a doctor has been your passion. You always knew that you wanted to help people. What inspired you to establish your dermatology practice to serve Montgomery and the surrounding areas?
My husband and I are natives of Montgomery, so we wanted our children to grow up around family. Additionally, the River Region has a shortage of dermatologists, so I felt Montgomery would be the best place to start a practice.
Being a mom is exhausting. If you could delegate one thing, what would it be and why?
I like a clean home, so I would delegate that to someone who finds joy in cleaning.
How would you describe your parenting style?
JC and I are most likely authoritative parents—parenting similarly to how we were parented as children. Even though our children are very young, we are firm and hold high expectations. However, we do try to reward our children when they meet those expectations. Also, we try to explain the reasons for our rules and expectations. And by doing so, help them understand what we ask of them.
What do you hope to instill in your children that will carry on with them for years to come? And perhaps, carry through generations?
I hope to instill in my children that they are intelligent, beautiful, and strong individuals. I want them to be courageous and believe in themselves. I also want them to be respectful of others. And treat others the way they would like to be treated.
How do you feel about parenting your children as they get older in a world filled with innovative/advancing technology and impressionable trends?
Technology continues to change, and we encourage our children to learn how to use it. We often play computer games or watch some television shows or movies with them. However, we do set limits on screen time at home. We set limits on technology and encourage the importance of reading, writing, and playtime.
Any advice or words of wisdom for new moms?
I always laugh at this question. Because as a mom of three young children, I still consider myself a new mom. There are, however, a few things I have learned over the years. Allow others to help you when they offer you help. Take some time to take care of yourself — whether it is exercise, spa time, or simply prayer or meditation. Take lots of pictures of your kids. You will find yourself cherishing them as they get older. Lastly, try to find a community of moms with which you feel comfortable sharing different experiences.
Porcia Love is the founder of River Region Dermatology & Laser in Montgomery, AL. Porcia has been married to JC Love, III for ten years and they have three children: Caroline (6), Catherine (4), and James (3).
