Hi everyone! Today is Monday, and as we get ready for Mother’s Day this weekend, I’d like to share a few stories about being a mother. These stories will help us understand what it means to love a mother, be a mother, and honor the women in our lives who have raised us. If you love kids, whether they are your own, someone else’s, pets, or you’ve decided not to have kids, the role of motherhood with our own moms has a big impact on us, whether it’s through the pain of their death or the impact of their presence.
Today, I bring you my own mama. Many memories from my childhood are fuzzy, but one thing that stands out is that my mom loved being a mom, and we could feel it. Because it was easy for her, and even though we were little and thinking about things that little people think about, I can see now that my mom was loving that time in her life. Even though there were messes and stress, what I remember most about those early years is how caring my mom was. She loved pushing strollers, baking cupcakes, and planning the perfect hand-made Christmas gifts. As an adult, she once told me that every once in a while she dreams that we were kids again. And (warning: this next part will kill you) when she wakes up and realizes it was all a dream, she can’t breathe for a second because she knows how much she misses it. Even now, she still takes care of others and always brings a package full of handmade gifts to a birthday or Hallmark holiday.
One thing my mom taught me is to make the best of what you have. She does this in the kitchen all the time, magically turning my sloppy we need to go grocery shopping leftovers into fancy four-course meals (I’m sure she can make a homemade chicken pot pie out of rubber bands and scrap paper), and I’ve seen her do it in our home as well. As kids, we didn’t always have a lot of money, but you’d never know it from how cozy and inviting her rooms were—she turned old bed sheets into curtains, lit candles, and played classical music. She has dealt with sadness in her life by being so grateful for the good things in her life. That may be her greatest gift.
I’m honored to have my mama’s words in this space today. It made me love her even more reading her answers to the questions I asked her about raising kids. I’m also glad I get to do her favorite thing again: raise two girls and a boy like she did.
What has been the hardest period of motherhood for you and how did you deal with it?
The hardest thing for me was letting my kids go. When they were little, it looked like they would always live with me, be safe, and need my care. As they got older, they made friends and found hobbies outside of family life. Eventually, they became adults, moved out, and needed me less. My youngest daughter, Kelle, left me a message on my answering machine: “Mom, just letting you know I got the job as a teacher in Florida after a phone interview. I’ll be leaving in four days.” ” After a good cry, I gathered myself and began the process of letting go. For myself and my kids’ sake, I thought it would be best to let them “leave the nest.”
What is your favorite go-to mom recipe that’s easy for a busy mom with a big family?
I remember making a simple chocolate cake that people often called a “wacky” cake. I think it was popular during the Great Depression because it doesn’t need eggs or milk to be made. Here’s the recipe:
1 ½ c. all purpose flour 1 c. white sugar ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda ¼ c. unsweetened cocoa powder 6 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 Tbsp. white vinegar 1 c. water.
Mix all dry ingredients. Add oil, vinegar, and water and mix thoroughly. Pour into greased and floured 8 x 8 pan. (Recipe can be doubled for a 9 x x 13 pan). Bake 30 min. at 375.
Love more and worry less! There are so many things that need to be done when kids are little. Some of my favorite memories of them are when they were little. It is such a precious time, cherish every minute!.
We three kids agree that one of the best things about you as a mom is that you love everyone no matter what. You pour love without any expectation back. I know that some of us do things that you might not like, but you love us no matter what, so we never feel judged. Is that hard to do and do you want to elaborate on this at all?.
I think it boils down to what I mentioned earlier regarding letting them go. Children are more likely to listen to praise and encouragement than to hear your thoughts on what they should do. It’s not always easy. I believe it’s sometimes necessary to let your kids know what you expect of them, but always in a good way!
What was the most important thing in your house when we were little? It’s hard to be a parent and do other things at the same time. When my children were young, it was a busy household with frequent guests and entertaining. It was easy to miss my children’s needs in favor of meeting other’s needs. But the most important thing was meeting my family’s needs, tending to my children and nurturing them.
I guess it was being interrupted a lot and not having much time to myself, but it was worth it!
My favorite thing is looking forward to seeing my kids, especially after not seeing them for a while because I don’t live close to any of them anymore. Interacting with them as adults is just as special now as it was when they were little!.
When my kids were young, disagreements seemed easier to settle, and answers were always just around the corner. What is the hardest thing about having grown-up kids? But now that my kids are adults, it’s harder to work through disagreements and misunderstandings.
What would be your parenting mantra? Love and support your kids with everything you have!
Should you go back and change one thing about being a mother, what would it be? I would have listened more and given advice less.
How are you most proud of being a mother? I’m most proud of the people my kids have become. They are each so special and unique and it has been my highest honor to be their mother!.
I love my mama so much. Tomorrow, some of my favorite writers and online friends will share more stories about motherhood from their own unique perspectives. And if you haven’t seen it yet, this week on my Instagram stories, I’m sharing what readers said about what motherhood means to them. I’ve laughed and cried and had my heart expanded to so many beautiful interpretations of this journey. You can find all of them collected in the “Motherhood Is” button in my Instagram Highlights.
Starting a new job is always an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. This is especially true when interviewing with popular maternity clothing retailer Motherhood Maternity. As a leader in maternity fashion for over 40 years, Motherhood Maternity is a coveted place to work for those interested in helping mothers feel their best during pregnancy.
With over 900 store locations across North America, Motherhood Maternity has carved out a special place in the hearts and closets of millions of moms-to-be The company understands the needs of expectant mothers and provides stylish, comfortable clothing perfect for every stage of pregnancy
If you have an interview coming up with Motherhood Maternity, proper preparation will help you stand out. In this article, we will cover the top 20 most commonly asked Motherhood Maternity interview questions along with sample answers to help you impress your interviewers.
Overview of the Motherhood Maternity Interview Process
The Motherhood Maternity interview process typically follows these steps:
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Online application – All candidates complete an online application which asks for information about work history, availability, etc Stand out by providing details about strengths and achievements.
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Phone interview – Qualified applicants will be contacted for a 15-30 minute preliminary phone screening with the store manager. This is a chance to make a strong first impression.
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In-person interview – If the phone interview goes well, candidates will be invited to interview in-person at a local store. This 1-hour interview may include situational questions and a store tour.
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Follow up interview – For management roles, a 2nd round interview with a district manager may be required. Come prepared to discuss qualifications in greater depth.
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Background check – Final candidates will need to clear a criminal background check before being formally offered a position.
Going in with a readiness for what will be asked sets candidates up for success. Here are 20 of the top questions to expect and how to best answer them:
Top 20 Motherhood Maternity Interview Questions
1. Why do you want to work for our company?
This is a common interview opener aimed at gauging your interest in and knowledge of the company. Be specific by mentioning:
- Knowledge of their commitment to helping mothers during their pregnancies
- Appreciation for their trendy maternity clothing suitable for expectant mothers’ changing bodies
- Interest in growing with an established brand in the maternity retail space
Example response: I'm interested in Motherhood Maternity because of your longstanding commitment to providing stylish, comfortable clothing for expectant mothers. As someone passionate about helping mothers feel confident during such an exciting time, I would love to be part of a brand that shares those values. Your impressive growth over 40+ years also shows that you truly understand the needs of your customers.2. What do you know about our company and products?
This question allows you to demonstrate your passion for the brand. Share specifics like:
- Company history and milestones
- Signature products or collections
- Philanthropic initiatives like support for postpartum depression programs
Example response: I know Motherhood Maternity is an industry leader that has been helping women through their pregnancies for over 40 years. You offer a wide selection of clothing from office attire to loungewear all designed with the pregnant woman's comfort in mind. Some of your most popular items include the Secret Fit Belly skinny jeans, the foldover yoga pants, and the Ruched Empire Maxi dress. Giving back through partnerships with Postpartum Support International is another initiative that impresses me about Motherhood Maternity.3. Why do you want to work in maternity retail?
Focus your answer on your passion for the company’s mission of supporting pregnant women:
- Share any personal or professional experience with pregnant women or mothers and how it shaped your passion
- Convey your excitement to help women feel comfortable and stylish during their pregnancies
- Emphasize your commitment to providing excellent customer service to mothers with sensitivity
Example response: Having helped my own sister through her pregnancy journey, I understand the importance of having clothing that makes expectant mothers feel confident and at ease. The opportunity to use my retail skills to provide that same experience for other women genuinely excites me. I'm committed to delivering the thoughtful, sensitive service that pregnant customers deserve during such a meaningful time in their lives.4. How does your previous experience apply to a role with our company?
Use this opportunity to connect your skills to the role. Consider using:
- Specific retail skills like inventory management, merchandising, or sales
- Examples of success in previous positions
- Times you provided great customer service and developed client relationships
- How you would apply your strengths to this role
Example response: In my 3 years as an assistant manager at a high-end retail boutique, I honed skills in merchandising, inventory control, and achieving sales goals that I know would translate powerfully to a role with Motherhood Maternity. For example, I increased quarterly sales at my store by 10% through effective inventory management and display optimization. I'm excited to bring that same drive and ingenuity to fulfilling the needs of expectant mothers.5. How would you handle an unhappy customer?
With this question, interviewers want to see that you can handle complaints calmly and convert dissatisfied shoppers into happy customers. Describe your approach using these tactics:
- Actively listening without getting defensive
- Apologizing for their experience
- Share specific examples of how you resolved issues, recovered sales, and created brand advocates
Example response: When handling an unhappy customer, I first listen closely to understand the full context of their dissatisfaction. I empathize by apologizing for the experience and assure them I will find a resolution. If possible, I aim to resolve the issue immediately, such as locating a replacement product or providing a discount. For issues requiring more time, I make sure to follow up proactively via phone or email to let them know the status and make them feel valued. My goal is not just to resolve the complaint, but to convert them into a satisfied, loyal customer. 6. How would you encourage customers to open a credit account?
Retailers rely heavily on store credit accounts for repeat business. When answering, demonstrate your ability to connect customers with value:
- Share benefits like exclusive promotional discounts for account holders
- Give examples of overcoming customer objections and building trust in your past experience
- Convey your consultative approach focused on understanding customer needs
Example response: My approach with credit accounts is always to lead with value for the customer. I present exclusive perks like early access to sales and special promo codes as the main benefits, while assuring customers we will find options that fit their budget and needs. I strive for a consultative discussion focused on how our credit offerings can provide savings over time, rather than a hard sales push. My goal is for customers to leave excited about the account because they understand the value it will bring them.7. Tell me about a time you had a conflict with another employee. How did you handle it?
With this behavioral question, share a specific example that spotlights your professionalism and problem-solving skills:
- Set up the situation briefly
- Describe your actions to resolve the issue while maintaining a respectful attitude
- Share the positive outcome as a result of your conflict management
Example response: When a coworker and I had a misunderstanding over stock room organization, I made sure to discuss it privately with them first. I approached the conversation in a calm manner, focused on finding a solution. I apologized for my part and asked for their perspective. By having an open dialogue, we identified a system that worked for us both. This considerate approach led to us developing a cooperative working relationship and helped make the stock area more productive.8. How do you stay motivated in this industry?
Share what truly drives your passion for maternity retail:
- Helping pregnant customers and new mothers
- Ongoing learning, growth opportunities
- Collaborative team environment
- Creativity of merchandising, seasonal launches
Example response: What motivates me most in maternity retail is having the ability to support women during such an impactful time in their lives. I'm driven to provide the thoughtful customer service that expectant mothers deserve. I also love the fast-paced nature of this industry with new products launching each season and trends constantly evolving. Learning about the latest styles and figuring out how to best merchandise them is extremely rewarding for me.9. How do you handle pressure or stressful situations?
Your interviewers want to know you can keep your cool when things get busy. Share examples like:
- Times you successfully handled surges in customer traffic
- Multitasking during retail rushes – answering questions, ringing sales, stocking
- Staying focused on individual customer needs even when stressed
Example response: In my experience, the best way to handle pressure is to stay laser-focused on the customer in front of you. When we get busier than expected, I take a breath, put on a smile,7 Common Postpartum Nurse Interview Questions and Answers
FAQ
What questions are asked at a maternity interview?
