Mom Club with Jacqui Goodale
Jacqui Goodale with her husband Greg and their children Scarlett (5), Luca (2), and Harrison (7). (Photo courtesy of Jacqui Goodale)
Whether she’s mothering her three children, two fur-children, or her family-owned vineyard, Terra Vite in Jamesport, Jacqui Goodale is no stranger to a life of nurturing.
Join us as Jacqui shares mothering on the North Fork 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.
Jacqui: Affectionate, supportive, protective.
Q: What is your favorite thing about motherhood?
Jacqui: I love napping with my kids. It’s such a special time for us to cuddle — what my son calls 'huggling' — and share some quality moments together. Usually, I can manage a nap with one or two of them at a time, but when all three are around me, it feels like spotting a magical unicorn. Napping with them is medicine for my soul.
Q: What is your least favorite thing about motherhood?
Jacqui: Cleaning up small toys every day is my arch-nemesis. If a genie could grant me one wish, it would be to have my very own Wall-E robot to follow the kids around, picking up Legos, crayons, Matchbox cars, Magna-Tiles, etc. — so I wouldn’t step on them in the middle of the night and cry. A real dream!
Q: What would you change anything about motherhood?
Jacqui: When I became a mom for the first time with Harry, I let unsolicited advice and opinions get to me. I remember struggling to enjoy those early months because I was so caught up in worrying if I was doing everything 'right,' often feeling like a failure. It took time to silence those external voices and build the confidence to say, 'I’ve got this.' By the time I had my second and third babies, I realized that 'right' needed to align with my own standards — not anyone else’s. If I could go back 7.5 years, I’d tell myself to trust my instincts and not let others' opinions overshadow my journey.
Q: Assuming you do, why do you think raising kids on the North Fork is unique?
Jacqui: There’s truly no place like the North Fork. The sprawling acres of farmland, the rustic charm, the breathtaking golden hour, and the serenity of the Sound and Bay all create a slower, more authentic way of life. The hardworking people here make it even more special. It’s a gorgeous place to live, and I love knowing my kids will grow up with endless space to play, run, and explore, as well as beautiful waters to swim in just around every corner. I can’t imagine raising them anywhere else.
Q: What role does nature play in raising your kids?
Jacqui: Running a family-owned vineyard has taught our kids how working with nature can create something beautiful that brings joy to our family and those around us. I hope our vineyard continues to teach them lifelong lessons, like the importance of teamwork and dedication.
Q: What's your favorite recent thing that you've done with your kids on the North Fork?
Jacqui: Harvesting our grapes with our children. It’s so special to watch them get excited about picking, whether they are using little shears to cut the clusters, carrying our yellow lugs up and down the rows, or jumping in our gator to help their Pop Pop bring the crop back to the winery for processing. It’s a very special experience and something we could never have dreamed of.
Q: What's your kids' favorite thing you've recently done together on the North Fork?
Jacqui: Our kids LOVE to run around at the Long Island Aquarium. Pair that with breakfast at Papa Nick’s, and that right there is their perfect day.
Q: What is one thing every kid should experience on the North Fork?
Jacqui: The corn.
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?
Jacqui:
My Support. I want my children to know that no matter who they grow to be or whom they choose to love, they will always have my unwavering love and support. My greatest hope is that they remain kind and embrace self-love. Whatever brings them joy will bring me joy, even long after I’m gone.
Family is #1. For me, the most important part of life is sticking together as a family and loving one another unconditionally. I want my children to make it a habit to say “I love you” every day — to each other and to their future family members — and to always remember that family should come first, no matter what.
The Importance of Travel. A deep sense of adventure and independence is something I want to instill in my kids, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones, explore new horizons, and approach life with curiosity and excitement. Traveling and experiencing the world has profoundly shaped my own life, and it’s a passion I hope to pass on to my little ones.
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