Mom Club with Kelly Koch
Kelly and her daughters Haley and Zoey. (Photo courtesy of Kelly Koch)
Meet Kelly Koch — North Forker since 2006 and mother to daughters Haley (6) and Zoey (4). But this momma’s titles don’t stop there. She is also an award-winning winemaker, cidermaker, and wine label owner. Talk about girl power. Read more as Kelly 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.
A: Interactive, loving, trusting.
Q: What is your favorite thing about motherhood?
A: I love seeing my kids find joy in the small things and being able to experience the beauty and wonder of life through their eyes! I am also very grateful for the way that motherhood has changed my view about life and made me reassess my priorities.
Q: What is your least favorite thing about motherhood?
A: The constant feeling of worry — especially when it is about things I have no control over!
Q: What would you change about motherhood?
A: I wish there was a way to eliminate mom guilt.
Q: Assuming you do, why do you think raising kids on the North Fork is so wonderful?
A: There are so many things we are blessed with on the North Fork —
Our beaches and waters.
Our farms and the ability for our kids to see how food is grown/raised.
Our small, supportive community.
Our local artists, musicians, teachers, athletes, and creatives who help teach our children new things.
Our beautiful parks and playgrounds, hiking trails, and open land.
Our proximity to one of the most important cities in the world.
The list goes on and on!
Q: What role does nature play in raising your kids?
A: Nature is truly the best playground and I think it’s important to foster a curiosity about and love for the outdoors. There aren’t many days that we don’t spend some time outside if we can.
Q: What's your favorite recent thing that you've done with your kids on the North Fork?
A: It’s fun to take them out exploring! We like to search for Geocaches or do a treasure hunt from the map vending machine.
Q: What's your kids' favorite thing you've recently done together on the North Fork?
A: Haley loves going to the roller skating rink in Greenport, and Zoey loves going on walks in the neighborhood or looking for arrowheads and fun shells on the beach. They both love going fishing with Dad.
Q: What is one thing every kid should experience on the North Fork?
A: My kids have always loved the carousel in Greenport!
Q: They say 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?
A: I hope my girls will always feel confident in themselves and have a strong sense of self-worth. I hope they are compassionate and remember the importance of helping others. I hope they always stay curious and adventurous about life and live it to the fullest.
Also in Mom Club: