Meaghan Eisenhart is an energetic mom of two girls, Maggie (8) and Julia (6). Along with her husband, Andrew, they enjoy living in the tight-knight community of Oreland, Pennsylvania, with their two daughters and their newest addition, the beloved family dog, Teddy. Eisenhart shares how she keeps a busy household running and why traveling is an essential part of their family life.
You and your husband both grew up in the Philadelphia area and now have your own family nearby. How has having family close by shaped your daughters’ childhood?
Growing up in the Philadelphia area and now raising our own family here has been a gift. Our daughters have grown up with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all within just a few miles, which has allowed them to build close relationships with our entire family. We’re able to celebrate birthdays and holidays together, cheer each other on at school events and sporting activities and spend quality time together throughout the year. Our parents have stepped in countless times to help with childcare and have created such special, lasting bonds with our girls. We feel incredibly fortunate that our daughters are growing up surrounded by so much love and support.
Your family prioritizes a weekly dinner out together. Why is that tradition important to you?
With both Andrew and me working full-time, life can get hectic between work, school events, sports and our daughters’ extracurricular activities. Our weekly family dinner out is something we all look forward to because it gives us dedicated time to slow down, reconnect and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Reading together before bed is part of your nightly routine. What role do books play in your family, and are there any recent favorites that Maggie and Julia have loved?
Julia, who just entered first grade, is learning to read and has fallen in love with the Piggie & Gerald book series. Every night before bed, she loves acting out the stories with her dad. Julia plays Piggie, while Andrew is always Gerald. It’s become one of their favorite bedtime traditions. Maggie, on the other hand, is our true bookworm. You’ll often find her reading long after bedtime with her nightlight on, devouring everything from “Little House on the Prairie” to the Junie B. Jones series. Her love of reading has also sparked a passion for writing. She enjoys journaling and creating her own stories, and it’s so much fun for all of us to read them together and watch her imagination come to life.
People who know you know that you love travel. What inspired your family’s recent trip to Ireland, and what was it like experiencing that adventure through the eyes of your daughters?
Andrew and I both have Irish heritage, so sharing that connection with our daughters made the trip even more meaningful. Seeing Ireland through their eyes was magical. They were amazed by the castles, the rolling green countryside dotted with sheep, the breathtaking cliffs and the enchanting Fairy Trail at Bunratty Castle. They especially loved exploring Killarney, experiencing the energy of Dublin and listening to live traditional Irish music in Galway. Of course, no day was complete without a stop for Murphy’s Ice Cream.
Your family welcomed Teddy last fall. How has adding a dog changed the dynamic in your household, and what have your daughters learned from being pet owners?
Bringing home our puppy, Teddy, last fall has been one of the best decisions we’ve made as a family. He quickly became part of our daily routine, and honestly, it’s hard to remember what life was like before him. There’s a lot more laughter, playtime and excitement around the house, and he has a way of bringing everyone together, whether it’s family walks, playing in the backyard or simply cuddling on the couch at the end of the day.
As a mom of two girls entering first and third grade, what are some of the life lessons you’re focused on teaching them right now?
I hope they carry on our love of travel and continue exploring new places. At the same time, I hope they remember that some of the best memories come from the simple traditions — our summer trips to the Jersey Shore, girls’ days out at the nail salon, family movie nights and the little moments in between that bring us all together. More than anything, I hope they grow up knowing that family is their foundation, kindness is a strength and that with hard work, resilience and compassion, they can do anything they set their minds to.
Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a proud Pittsburgh mama of two. A Temple University graduate, she has a deep love for Philadelphia and is excited to highlight the stories of Philly-area parents who are making a difference in their communities.
Family Favorites
Weekend Activity: Weekends in Ocean City, New Jersey, in the summer and trips to Jack Frost in the Poconos in the winter. We also enjoy walks in Chestnut Hill on quieter weekends to grab lunch and shop the avenue or a trip into Philly to visit the girls’ Uncle John.
Family Movie: “The Sandlot”
Family Restaurant: MaGerk’s Pub & Grill (Fort Washington, PA)
Date Night Spot: Saloon Restaurant (South Philly)
