Being raised by a single mom, what did your childhood experience teach you about motherhood?
Tonquita: I learned that motherhood requires resilience, and as a single mother, my mother embodied resilience. She’s a nurse who has always worked hard to provide for her three girls. She instilled in us the value of hard work and perseverance. All her girls now have doctoral degrees and thriving families, and we also give back to our respective communities.
Wearing many hats, how do you balance motherhood, being a first lady, wife, and your career as a Physical Therapist?
Tonquita: I live by prayer, patience, and planning. I’m the first to wake up and often the last to bed. I ensure everyone prepares for the next day. I’m naturally introverted, so one of my biggest challenges as a pastor’s wife has been coming out of my shell. It has forced me to stretch, and my husband and I are blessed with the most loving congregants on fire for God, which makes it easy. I love the flexibility with my kids. I was recruited to Jackson Hospital eight years ago to start their ICU early mobility program, and it was there that I developed a love for Geriatrics.
How has being a part of Jack and Jill of America impacted your life as a mom?
Tonquita: Being surrounded by like-minded, professional women in the trenches with you who understand what you are going through has been a perfect match for my life. These women are pillars of support for me and my family. I hope I provide the same support for them. The organization fosters cultural awareness, civic engagement, health advocacy, educational development, and social programs.
How do you encourage your children at six and four to pursue their dreams?
TH: I’m blessed to offer them opportunities to explore their interests. My daughter is a competitive swimmer and will tell you she can do anything because she is a Girl Scout. My son says he is going to be a pastor like his dad. He is into all things Lebron James and loves his dirt bike. I also remind them they can do anything through Christ, who strengthens them. (Philippians 4:13)
How do you maintain a close relationship with your children?
Tonquita: One of our favorite daily things is listening to Forrest Frank (Good Day or God is Good). We listen to one of his songs on YouTube before leaving home or in a carpool. I also create moments for them to talk openly about anything. We often talk about trying their best, being kind, and helping others.
Do you live by a daily routine, and what does that look like for you and your family?
Tonquita: I start my day with prayer and a spin on my peloton. I get myself ready and then get the kids ready. They eat breakfast and do Kumon before school. Gracie Corner’s Good Morning song is also a car ride staple. It serves as a daily positive affirmation that gets the day started. I usually pick them up from school and daycare and then chauffeur them to an extracurricular activity.
How do you make time for your spouse and nurture your marriage as a busy mother?
Tonquita: We eat lunch frequently, have occasional date nights, or watch a Netflix series together. In addition to being a pastor, he is
an attorney and gets busy at times. Whenever I can help lighten his load, I try to do so.
What advice would you give to a new mother?
Tonquita: Motherhood is a journey, and no two moms are alike. Taking advice from other moms is fine, but do what works for you and your family. Give yourself grace and know that motherhood will teach you more about yourself than it ever will your kids.
Rapid Fire Questions:
Favorite scent that makes you feel calm? Eucalyptus
Favorite holiday that reminds you of childhood? Christmas
Summer or winter? Summer
Favorite indulging dessert? Pound Cake
Favorite indoor sport? Basketball
Tonquita Hampton is married to Leon Hampton, Jr. The couple has been married for nine years and have two children: Kori (6) and Leon II (4). They live in the city of Pike Road.
