I was 10 years old when my teacher asked us to draw a picture of what I wanted to be when I grew up. Many of my classmates wanted to be astronauts, doctors, firefighters and maybe there was a dinosaur here or there, as I had a lot of quirky kids in my class. But I remember hanging my picture in between a veterinarian and a chef. And in the center, my picture read, “I want to be a Mommy.” Big aspirations…I know! But looking back, I don’t think I was far off. In fact, I always found myself drawn to children. In the way they would think and how creative they could be. I couldn’t help myself but interact with children any chance I got. At first it was babysitting, then summer camp and as I approached college, I knew I had to follow my heart and work with children.

In 2014, I graduated from Boston College as a Social Worker with a concentration in child development. From there, I landed my first job at an Early Intervention Center for 3 years working with children, ages 0-3 years old, with development delays. I would work with families in their homes to help their child reach developmental milestones through play. Soon after, I became a Mom, and my whole world changed. Stepping into this new phase of my life was the most beautiful, challenging and shocking experience of my life. No matter how much knowledge of children I had acquired in my past, there was no preparation for when my spirited daughter entered my life. It wasn’t until then that I recognized the real struggles moms go through.

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2 Comments

  1. Beth Botelho February 13, 2018 at 4:27 am

    Love this Nina!!! Hope you now also realize just how important you were (still are), but especially when you enter the lives of the kids and families you help. I remember I said to you…you won’t get just how much you mean to us – when you have a child – I hoped then you would know. ❤️ If anyone else reads this comment – Nina not only helped my little boy, but also my husband and I with everything we could do to help our sweet guy. Nina even provided great care, tips, and resources on other things going on in my life. This girl is amazing…can’t wait to read more Nina!!! xoBeth

    Reply
    1. Nina Mclaughlin February 13, 2018 at 1:41 pm

      So happy for all that you have overcome and have successfully accomplishment in your family, Beth! It was such a pleasure working with you and your lovely family. Now, I truly understand how the extra support and guidance really makes such a great difference in the life of a mom. Wishing you all the best!

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