Parenting Spotlight: Vanessa Morales

Each month, In The Know by Yahoo is giving everyday parents their time to shine in our exclusive Parenting Spotlight.

This month, we’re featuring mom and SAG-AFTRA actress Vanessa Morales. As a busy working actor and momma based in NYC, Vanessa knows firsthand the superhero levels of strength required to juggle kids and careers.

But Vanessa, mom to 2-year-old Nyala Eliana, manages to do so with grace, grit, and a good sense of humor!

What’s the parenting tip that everyone loves, but you think is overrated?

“You should not go outside with your newborn baby.” I followed this advice, but I really needed to go outside and breathe in some fresh air for my mental health. That’s something that I will NOT do again.

What’s your best parenting advice?

Patience. For first-time parents with a baby on their hands, always remember that they’re just a baby. They’re learning everything from you so please be patient because they’re brand-new to this crazy world.
For mommas: self-care is SO important. I’m still learning this…

What would be the title of your memoir?

“Don’t Judge a Book Based on the Chapter You Walk in on”

What’s the weirdest thing you plan on saving from your kids’ baby- or childhood?

Her placenta. I got it encapsulated and I couldn’t take it. I think I developed some type of allergy; not sure. Still have it in a jar. With those capsules, I also received the cord dried up and in the shape of a heart. It sits in a nice satchel.

Which apps could you not live without?

I have a toddler, so Spotify and YouTube.

What’s one parenting product you wish you’d bought years ago?

Definitely a nightlight. They are so helpful when you wake up in the middle of the night to pee. Or when you have sex. It’s just enough light. Always. I guess some people get light dimmers that do the same thing, but you just tap my nightlight and it turns on and off. (Wish I could say the same about me…

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) Voila! So much easier.

What’s one life hack you wish you’d learned years ago?

Still trying to figure it out: how to fold clothes as I take it out of the dryer.

Who is your favorite celebrity/influencer mom?

My gut/instinct.

What is one parenting term you wish you could retire? (ex: “Momtrepreneur”)

I hate them all. Just call us SUPERHEROES, please and thank you.

What is one “mommy win” you’re super proud of?

Potty training my kid before she turned 2 years old. Read the Oh Crap book. Thank me later. Honestly, every kid is different. We just got lucky that Nyala Eliana picked it up quickly.

(Editor’s Note: Responses have been edited for length and clarity.)

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