Thank you for the great read. This conversation beautifully captures what “intentional parenting” really looks like, not as a performance of perfection, but as a daily practice of presence. I was especially struck by how Mary Kate grounds big values like connection, trust, and resilience in small, consistent rituals—the dinner table, a quiet apology, a shared decision about screen time. It’s such a powerful reminder that values aren’t taught through lectures or rules; they’re absorbed through the emotional tone of everyday life.
The emphasis on repair and allowing children to see healthy conflict feels especially important. It models both humility and emotional safety—two things that truly prepare kids for real relationships later in life. I love how she frames resilience not as “pushing through,” but as moving through emotions with awareness.
There’s something quietly radical about this way of parenting: building strength through softness, structure through presence, and legacy through the ordinary.
You said it perfectly, Kunlun: "There’s something quietly radical about this way of parenting: building strength through softness, structure through presence, and legacy through the ordinary."
Loved every bit of this conversation with you, my dear friend! Your questions inspired such valuable reflection. ❤️ I appreciate you so much. Excited for next week! 🙂
The pleasure was all mine, and it's such an honor to call you my friend. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for sharing your wisdom and heart in such an honest way. The world is better because you're in it. Cannot wait for parts 2 and 3! ❤️
This was such a beautiful interview with so many great takeaways. I love the last thing she said- we should all aspire to be like the people we hope our kids gravitate towards.
I loved that insight, too. It's such a powerful—and totally practical—reminder. And it’s a piece of parenting we *actually* have control over. When that’s our aim, so many of the other pieces start to fall into place.
This is inspiring! My kids also come buldozing the boundaries, and I hope the message that will eventually settle in their minds and hearts is that they can trust my guidance.
I love this—and totally relate. And I think they often test *because* they trust and feel safe. But it isn't easy to see it (or feel it) as a positive in the moment or season.
Such a beautiful and insightful interview, Erin. I really enjoyed reading it. What touched me most was getting a glimpse into a couple’s life and the warmth of a close-knit family. As a single parent, it felt both tender and inspiring to read. Thank you, Erin and Mary Kate, for sharing this lovely piece.
Thanks, Wendy. She knocked it out of the park, didn’t she? That kind of devotion makes an impact that lasts for generations. I can only imagine the view from your vantage point. 🧡
Thanks, Saima. And I couldn't agree with you more. I've thought the same thing throughout my conversations with MK, and in getting to know both of them. Can't wait for you to read the next two 'parts'—it just gets better and better, if that's even possible. 🧡
Wow, REALLY great article. Your kids are lucky to have both of you.
I loved this conversation - so thoughtful, deep, heartfelt and real. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much, Sabrina! 🧡
Thank you for the great read. This conversation beautifully captures what “intentional parenting” really looks like, not as a performance of perfection, but as a daily practice of presence. I was especially struck by how Mary Kate grounds big values like connection, trust, and resilience in small, consistent rituals—the dinner table, a quiet apology, a shared decision about screen time. It’s such a powerful reminder that values aren’t taught through lectures or rules; they’re absorbed through the emotional tone of everyday life.
The emphasis on repair and allowing children to see healthy conflict feels especially important. It models both humility and emotional safety—two things that truly prepare kids for real relationships later in life. I love how she frames resilience not as “pushing through,” but as moving through emotions with awareness.
There’s something quietly radical about this way of parenting: building strength through softness, structure through presence, and legacy through the ordinary.
You said it perfectly, Kunlun: "There’s something quietly radical about this way of parenting: building strength through softness, structure through presence, and legacy through the ordinary."
Loved every bit of this conversation with you, my dear friend! Your questions inspired such valuable reflection. ❤️ I appreciate you so much. Excited for next week! 🙂
The pleasure was all mine, and it's such an honor to call you my friend. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for sharing your wisdom and heart in such an honest way. The world is better because you're in it. Cannot wait for parts 2 and 3! ❤️
Amazing interview. Thank you for this contribution. 🙏🙏
Thanks so much, James! Mary Kate brings such depth and thoughtfulness to every word—it's a gift to share her voice more widely.
This was such a beautiful interview with so many great takeaways. I love the last thing she said- we should all aspire to be like the people we hope our kids gravitate towards.
I loved that insight, too. It's such a powerful—and totally practical—reminder. And it’s a piece of parenting we *actually* have control over. When that’s our aim, so many of the other pieces start to fall into place.
This is inspiring! My kids also come buldozing the boundaries, and I hope the message that will eventually settle in their minds and hearts is that they can trust my guidance.
I love this—and totally relate. And I think they often test *because* they trust and feel safe. But it isn't easy to see it (or feel it) as a positive in the moment or season.
Such a beautiful and insightful interview, Erin. I really enjoyed reading it. What touched me most was getting a glimpse into a couple’s life and the warmth of a close-knit family. As a single parent, it felt both tender and inspiring to read. Thank you, Erin and Mary Kate, for sharing this lovely piece.
Beautiful interview. We are blessed with a daughter in law who is a devoted wife and mother and a true blessing for our family❤️
Thanks, Wendy. She knocked it out of the park, didn’t she? That kind of devotion makes an impact that lasts for generations. I can only imagine the view from your vantage point. 🧡
You both did a wonderful job on the article❤️
Thank you!! 🧡
Looking forward to read more!
Thanks, Saima. And I couldn't agree with you more. I've thought the same thing throughout my conversations with MK, and in getting to know both of them. Can't wait for you to read the next two 'parts'—it just gets better and better, if that's even possible. 🧡