PARENT TO KNOW: Autumn Stone

If you happened to see Autumn Stone alone, which is rare, you’d never guess that the petite, smiling, seemingly relaxed woman was the familial engine of a household of six children. Here, the Ballantyne wife and mom talks family organization hacks, losing kids (who could fault her) and being the calm in the storm.

Tell us about your family. How many children do you have and what are their ages?

We have six children: 12, 10, 9, 7, 5, 3 (my little stepping stones). My husband, Matt, is a rockstar, my ride-or-die and we have been married for almost 15 years. We own 1 dog named Rocky.

Any big-family organization hacks that you could share?

I try to arrange items where the kids can be independent. I keep socks and an extra set of toothbrushes on the main floor so they don’t have to run upstairs last minute. We have our Saturday Chores and our After-Dinner-Chores listed on our magnet board so they know the drill. I have pull-out clothes baskets so kids can take their clean clothes to their room to put away.

Hardest part about being a mom?

TIME (finding quiet moments alone) and juggling after school activities all while making family time the priority.

Favorite part about being a mom?

The joy of motherhood comes in moments. There are hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction. Such moments include an unexpected hug or kiss, laughing and playing together, enjoying outside adventures and reading books together at night.

Biggest parenting fail to date?

Losing kids- have done it and will continue to do it I’m sure. Our family laughs about them now but it was quite scary each time. While crabbing at the beach, one child joined in with another group thinking it was us and walked down the beach with them at night. With much prayer and seeking, we found her. Another child was outside the house while I was bringing in groceries and then couldn’t find him anywhere. We searched up and down the street, behind homes. I had a thought to look in the van and sure enough he was there sitting in a seat and eating some kind of random, left-over snack without a care in the world.

Best parenting advice you ever received?

I love reading parenting books and find golden nuggets in each of them. One that has always stuck with me that I read years ago was from Linda Eyre. “Be the calm in the storm.” Days rarely go as planned, big feelings strike and can be easy to get swept into the craziness and escalate it. I’m continuing to learn that I can be the calm by talking in a soft manner, seeking to understand the situation and keeping my facial expressions uplifting.

Marriage advice for new parents?

You do not ‘find’ a marriage you hope to have, rather you create it. Communicate clearly and often and make time for dates (whether at home with a movie or away). Learn to forgive and serve each other and laugh a lot.

Parenting support you could not live without?

Since we don’t have any family nearby, I couldn’t live without my church family. They help in time of need and inspire me as a mother and wife. My children have a great support system there as well with great friends and leaders/adults who love and encourage them.

Phase you feared your child would never grow out of?

Waking up in the middle of the night. Those first few months are HARD with little sleep and thought I would always be a walking-zombie..

Favorite way to spend an unscheduled day with your kids in Charlotte?

We love spending time outdoors. Little hikes at Anne Springs or riding bikes around the area. We recently did the bike trails behind the Morrison Y and that was a huge hit.

Favorite Charlotte restaurant?

We don’t go out to eat often but my husband and I love Cava for a quick lunch. Thai and sushi are top on the list as well from Bahn Thai. We also love Tifa Chocolate & Gelato at the Ballatyne Village

What local amenity/retailer/service could you not live without?

I love working out and often will go to an early morning class at the YMCA. I get in the right headspace and have those feel-good endorphins that help me be my best version.