How do you balance motherhood and your career as an Accountant for Alabama Charter Schools?
Adrienne: It is easy because I’m blessed to be able to work remotely. New Schools for Alabama is a flexible work/life balance. I can get my kids ready for school, fit in a quick workout at the gym, then sit down and get my work done. I travel for work, but my husband, Kris, jumps right in, and we don’t miss a beat. Having a great husband who supports me in every area is a blessing. We are a team, and where I may fall short, he is right there filling in the gaps.
Describe what it’s like being a boy mom to a 13-year-old and 10-year-old.
Adrienne: I love being a boy mom! I especially love the ages they are now and seeing their personalities come through. My teenager is at the stage where he is growing taller than me and coming into manhood. He will joke around with his dad and me. He even likes to hang out with us from time to time. I know this won’t last forever. My 10-year-old is at the age where he will hang out with me all day long. He will go everywhere with me if I let him. He still loves hugs and cuddles.
Being the treasurer for the soccer booster club at PRJH and a board member of the YMCA soccer division, how rewarding is giving back to you as a mom?
Adrienne: Volunteering as a parent lets me be there for my kids but also shows a different level of support. I may not know all the ins and outs of their interests, but I will help in any way I can. It provides an opportunity to see how hard people work in the background. Not only is it for my kids, but it is also for the kids and the community.
How and why did you become a cup collector?
Adrienne: I blame my mother. She has always loved collecting pretty dishes and knick-knacks. Cups just so happen to be my favorite. Initially, it started with an insulated coffee cup that kept my coffee hot for hours.
You mentioned that your parenting looks different from how you were parented. How so?
Adrienne: Seeing myself in my kids made me realize I handle situations differently. My parents guided me to what was right during that period. They did a great job, but the world is so different now. I have had to shift and know that everything is so fast and digital now versus when I was growing up. I may not always get it right, but my kids are great and don’t hold it against me.
When you had kids, you felt like you lost yourself. How did you navigate finding yourself again?
Adrienne: I was going through the motions to get everything done and keep everyone happy. Navigating that was very hard. While going through the motions, I listened to “being a mom” and “self-help” podcasts. Driving, cooking dinner, and even while doing my night routine, I would listen. Listening helped me feel like I was part of a conversation with other moms. It helped me realize I am not alone.
How does “breakfast day” with your girlfriends and an “annual couples trip” help you with motherhood?
Adrienne: These allow me time to check in with my friends and discuss the rigorous but fulfilling schedule of motherhood. The trips work as a “team meeting” to reset and reflect.
Your sons’ personalities are relaxed for Noah and type A for Kristian. How do you handle conflicts between them?
Adrienne: Most arguments are because someone did or didn’t do something the way the other would have done it on the chore list. I must let them explain their version of the circumstance that caused the conflict separately, then talk with them both together. Otherwise, it gets worse. That usually works, but I do make them leave each other alone for a bit to reset their emotions.
Rapid Fire Questions
- Favorite thing to do for self-care? Listening to an audiobook while doing my nails.
- Favorite drama TV series? Grey’s Anatomy and Law and Order.
- A day in the gym or a nature walk? Nature walk.
- Favorite dish? Salmon, Brussels sprouts, and a side of rice.
- How often do you and your husband go on date nights? At least two to three times a month.
Adrienne Stallworth has been married to Chris Stallworth for 16 years. They have two sons: Christian (13) and Noah (10). They live in Pike Road, AL.
