Mom Club with Rachel Goodale
Rachel Goodale with her children Reagan and Reece. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Goodale)
Maybe you’ve met Rachel Goodale before. Perhaps she’s metaphorically kicked your butt at one of her Stroller Strong Mamas fitness classes, sweat it out alongside you, or held your baby while cheering you on as you held it for just 10 more seconds. But if you haven’t had the pleasure of knowing Rachel, we can tell you this with certainty… Founder of Stroller Strong Mamas and mother to Reece (8) and Reagan (6), Rachel is an encouraging and empowering North Forker who has built a community of fitness, wellness, and solace for like-minded parents. Now, learn about Rachel in a different light as she shares mothering on the North Fork with us in our monthly Mom Club, a Q&A with local North Fork moms.
We hope this series inspires you and helps to make motherhood less intimidating and more inclusive. And the best part is, there’s no dress code or any other code, for that matter. All are welcome to join Mom Club just as you are.
Q: Describe your parenting style in three words.
Rachel: Lead by example
Q: What is your favorite thing about motherhood?
Rachel: I love seeing the world and experiencing everything through their eyes, with their innocence and their view on the simplicity of things. Feeling the playful joy in being present and just having fun. When I can be in the moment with my kids, all else fades away.
Q: What is your least favorite thing about motherhood?
Rachel: My least favorite thing about motherhood has to be sick kids. It just breaks my heart when they are sick and I just want to take it from them.
Q: What would you change anything about motherhood?
Rachel: I wish the mental and physical burden of carrying the heavy load of scheduling, meal planning, appointments, holidays, activities, playdates, sports, school events, etc. didn’t land on us moms so much. It quickly takes us away from the joys of motherhood and it’s what creates the mom burnout for me.
Q: Assuming you do, why do you think raising kids on the North Fork is unique?
Rachel: We are so lucky to have everything the North Fork has to offer; the most beautiful beaches, farms, preserves, and nature trails. No matter the season, we explore it all and have so much to see and do at our fingertips. “Normal” drives to school for my kids include passing tractors, cows, farm stands, etc. I’m not sure many people can say that and it makes this NoFo home of ours so incredibly unique.
Q: What role does nature play in raising your kids?
Rachel: My kids have academic experiences in nature that so many kids are not fortunate to have. Being able to enroll them in school programs like Farm Hands and summer camps like Little Red Barn, is creating a childhood immersed in nature. So many of our Stroller Strong Mamas classes are outdoors where the kids are moving with the moms, working out in the fresh air. We spend every summer on the beach soaking in the best season. I hope to instill this love of nature now so it follows as they get older.
Q: What's your favorite recent thing that you've done with your kids on the North Fork?
Rachel: We recently visited Waterdrinker Farm in Riverhead. The kids had a blast! It was a few weeks ago during the tulip festival and it was really beautiful walking through the tulip fields.
Q: What's your kids' favorite thing you've recently done together on the North Fork?
Rachel: When I asked them, they said, “Going to the creek to catch fish.” We love visiting this little creek by the sound in Baiting Hollow where they net bait fish and crabs. I took them on one of the beautiful days after school last week. They went right in the cold waters, fully clothed and I couldn’t get them out! Those are the simple afternoons I want to bottle up in memories.
Q: What is one thing every kid should experience on the North Fork?
Rachel: An endless beach day that ends with a bonfire, barbecue, s’mores, and a sunset.
Q: It’s said that motherhood lasts long after we're gone — that it's the values that live within our kids for their whole lives, too. What are some things that you hope your kids carry with you forever?
Rachel: Follow your heart and live in love with what you do in your life. Focus on the small things, they are actually the big things. Surround yourself with people who want to lift you up, not drain you.
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