Hello, mamas! My name is China Haley and I’m thrilled to be a new contributor for Detroit Mom. I feel so honored to be able to share my personal parenting experiences with you and connect with other women through this impactful platform.
As mothers, we often rely on each other for support and guidance as we navigate the ups and downs of raising children. During my time as a contributor, I’m hoping to be a vessel of support for other moms. I look forward to opening up about the many different aspects of parenthood, offering practical advice, and making meaningful connections.
Before we dive into my family life, I’d like to first take a moment to tell you a little bit about me and where I’m from.
A Metro Detroit Gal
I grew up in Chesterfield, which is located in Macomb County. I attended L’Anse Creuse Public Schools and participated in several extracurricular activities, including cheerleading and music programs. Growing up in this charming town gave me a sense of community at a very early age. While the city is more populated now, it had a small town feel back then. It may not be the most well-known place in the mitten, but it will always hold a special place in my heart.
I currently reside in Woodhaven, which also is a close-knit community. The area has captivated me with with its beautiful parks and recreational areas. I’m proud to call this city home.
Mom on a Mission
I am a multi-talented video professional, podcast producer, communications guru, and media maven. After graduating high school, I attended Specs Howard School of Media Arts. I continued my education at the University of Detroit Mercy where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications.
Over the years, I have worked as a broadcast journalist in the local news and automotive industries. I’ve spent time both in front of–and behind–the camera, and held roles ranging from Anchor, Reporter, and Producer to Videographer and Editor. I’m also the founder of Pedal to the Metal Media–-a multimedia consulting and content creation outlet.
Revive and Thrive
While it can be difficult to squeeze in time for myself amid the daily demands of life, I’ve been focusing on my physical and mental well-being more than ever these days.
From waking up early and working out to staying up late and enjoying uninterrupted TV time, this supermom cherishes her “me time.” Although I’m still mastering the art of self-care, I have learned the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing oneself. Being the best version of myself means that I’m a better mom, partner, friend, and confidant.
I enjoy yoga, meditation, watching documentaries, and singing and dancing (when no one is listening and watching!).
What Drives Me
I am incredibly passionate about people and I’m always striving to make a difference in the lives of others. Since becoming a mother, my desire to help those around me has only grown stronger. I’m now instilling those values in my children and encouraging them to practice gratitude, kindness, and empathy. This is so they can make a positive contribution to society while leading impactful lives with purpose.
Whether it’s volunteering, donating to charity, or simply being kind to others, I get great joy out of providing acts of service to those within the community.
Never a Dull Moment or Day Off
Navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood is a full-time job! But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am so blessed to be mom to Cali and Jack–ages six and three. They say it takes a village, and boy, were they right!
When it comes to raising our children, my husband and I have learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. In fact, the playbook that we had for Cali had to be completely tossed out for Jack. While they both have some similarities, they are without a doubt, two very different children with their own set of unique needs. But we appreciate and celebrate their individuality and little personalities.
However, I will admit that keeping up with them sometimes feels like a full blown workout. They, like most kids, can go from 0-60 mph faster than a sports car! With that being said, I’m learning how to be more patient as they grow and develop through their phases and stages. After all, they’re only this young once, and time flies fast!
I can definitely relate to working moms, single moms, and all the stay-at-home mamas out there.
Dining Out Delights
Eating out is always a fun adventure for the family. When we do get a chance to dine out, we enjoy chowing down at a variety of places around town. Here are some of our favorite spots:
Detroit Eats
- Bucharest Grill | Shawarma Heaven
- Buddy’s Pizza | A Detroit Staple
- Olin Bar + Kitchen | Food That Leaves a Lasting Impression
- Townhouse Detroit | Always Fresh!
Woodhaven Food Picks
- Beyond Juicery + Eatery | Smoothies and Salads on Deck
- Black Rock Bar + Grill | A Meat Eater’s Haven
- Maverick’s | The Pizza is Superb
- Shish Garden | Extra Garlic Sauce, Please!
Detroit Mom Content
As for my contribution to Detroit Mom, I plan to write and vlog about a number of topics in the following areas and more:
- Birthing Experiences (C-Section + VBAC)
- Breastfeeding Tips Every New Mom Should Know
- Cultivating Empathy in Children
- Dealing with Infant Hospitalization
- How to Care for a Child with Plagiocephaly
- How to Manage Sleep Deprivation as a Parent
- Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance While Juggling Family
- Navigating Children with Allergies
- Playtime + Craft Ideas
- Raising Kids in the Digital Age
- Raising Kids with Speech Delays
- Recipes and Meal Planning (With an emphasis on nut, dairy free)
