Arielle Corrigan is a labor and delivery nurse, devoted wife to her husband, Andrew, and mother to Brooks (6) and Wren (4). She and her family have made their home in Yardley, Pennsylvania, a town she treasures for its warmth, charm and close-knit community. With a third baby on the way, she is also pursuing graduate school to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, further expanding her ability to care for women and families. Like many busy, working parents of today, Arielle is a firm believer in the phrase, “It takes a village.”
As a registered nurse in labor and delivery and a mom of two (soon three!), how do you balance the demands of such an intense job with the needs of your growing family?
My husband, family and babysitters help me juggle the kids’ schedules and maintain a work-life balance. Although it can be challenging to trust others with our children, I believe it is essential to utilize your support system to give yourself personal time and maintain balance. I also think it’s important for a child’s social development to spend time with multiple caregivers, learning to trust and love not only parents but our entire village.
With another baby due in November, how are you preparing your family — both practically and emotionally — for the transition from two kids to three?
We are so busy with our 4- and 6-year-olds that time is flying, and we can’t believe it ourselves that Baby No. 3 will be here in a few short weeks! However, we do speak often about the baby, saying things like “When the baby’s here, you can push the stroller” or “You can help feed the baby.” Wren and Brooks are very excited for Baby’s arrival!
Nursing requires compassion, resilience and long hours. What do you hope your children learn by watching you in your career?
Nursing is a profession rooted in kindness and helping others. Being kind and helping others is a typical lesson in our household. Anytime our children help a friend or do something kind, we offer immense praise and reflect on how kind gestures make us feel.
Parents often put themselves last. How do you make space for your own well-being, and what role does your support system play?
My husband and I try our best to hire a babysitter once a month for a date night. It’s not always easy to fit in, but it’s essential to maintain a strong relationship. The kids get undivided playtime and attention from a babysitter, and we get time to ourselves, which always seems to be a win-win. In addition to date nights, I often schedule playdates with friends who have kids of similar ages. It’s much easier parenting together than alone!
Beyond academics, what values or life lessons do you most want to pass on to your kids?
We always try to teach empathy and [to] view situations from different perspectives. Before school each day, we tell our kids to work hard and be kind. My son is always very proud to tell me about a kind moment he had at school, whether it’s helping a kid up after a fall or sharing his school supplies.
When your kids are older and look back, what do you hope they remember most about you as their mom during these busy, early years?
With busy schedules, work, graduate school and the ongoing distraction of social media, I hope they remember the moments of being fully present and having my undivided attention, which is something I try hard to achieve each day. Putting the phone down and putting work and school aside when we’re all together is a top priority for me.
FAMILY FAVORITES
Weekend Activity: Anything outdoors! Going to a park, riding bikes, going for a walk, visiting a new playground
Family Movie: “Matilda”
Family Restaurant: King George in Bristol, Pennsylvania. Our kids love watching the boats go by on the river!
Date Night Spot: Jules @ Market in Bristol
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.
