Name: Rebecca Minkoff
Occupation: Creative Director and Co-Founder
What’s your favorite child-friendly brunch spot in your neighborhood?
Almondine—super cute French bakery in Dumbo near the water. It’s a quiet, local place great for breakfast and grabbing something quick on the go. For more food options, Westville has picnic table outside seating which is so nice in the warmer months.
What are your favorite playgrounds in your area?
Brooklyn Bridge Park—it’s right in front of our apartment building so it's perfect! There is always something to do; the park is enormous. Plenty of playgrounds to play on, paths to ride bikes, and it sits right on the water so it’s great for a picnic.
What are your children's favorite activities?
They both love school and camp. Luca loves music, especially the guitar and drums. He also loves drawing. Bowie is hilarious! She’s got so much spunk and is very independent. Let’s just put it this way... her 2nd birthday was Hulk themed. She’s finding her individuality and I love it! She’s fierce, artistic and crazy.
What foods are your little ones obsessed with?
Dried mango and cheddar bunnies.
What three things do you always pack for your child when you go on vacation?
Healthy snacks and books/toys for the plane ride. I am really trying to cut down on screen time so now I bring an arsenal of Legos, markers, slime, and toy cars, and attempt to get them to do something other than watch a show. But in full honesty, that's hard and I give in. A lot.
What are you the most strict about when it comes to parenting?
When it comes to my kids, I try to do what my parents did which was to make me work and "earn" my toys and presents. I know firsthand that as a kid it can be brutal—you don’t understand why you’re denied things your friends get so easily. But it’s important for them to understand the value of things, that they must earn certain things, and they can’t just expect it.
Favorite quick child-friendly dinner recipe?
Banza pasta with meat sauce—it’s a good way to get protein into their diet.
Who’s your biggest mom crush?
Zanna Roberts Rassi, Daphne Oz, and the unrealistic goal... Gisele
What’s your favorite way to unwind?
I really enjoy spending time in my kitchen, it’s where I can de-stress. I like to just hang out, cook and drink good wine.
Best mom hack?
Using my RM pouches as a low-fi diaper bag; it can hold one diaper, a small wipes packet and my cell phone perfectly.
Favorite quote?
Stay true to yourself and follow your passion.
What does a day-in-the-life of you and your children look like?
We wake up and have breakfast together every morning. I pack up their lunches and then take them to school. It’s so important to be able to walk my kids to school every morning, so I set rules around that in regard to work meetings. I make sure I don’t have any meetings start until 9:45am.
My favorite rainy day activity is...
Snuggling and watching movies with my kids; just spending time together.
The funniest thing your child has said to you...
I told Luca I was going to Paris and I was so sad to leave him, and being the big Star Wars fan that he is, he said "Mom, it’s not like you’re going to another planet, jeez!"
My favorite part about being a parent is...
Watching my kids grow and develop their own personalities is absolutely incredible—it brings such joy to my life every day. You are part of a wonderful cyclone that is two small children and you get to enjoy the ride with them. I love snuggling, seeing them learn, and grow into each new stage. I love making them laugh, tickling them, and making fun moments together as a family.
One thing you miss about your pre-parenting life...
Being able to travel and get a good night sleep!
What do you do when your children go to bed?
I try to catch up on emails and any work I have left to finish from the day. But recently, I actually find myself falling asleep with them.
Favorite bedtime book is...
Goodnight Moon
How'd you come up with your children’s names?
When Luca was born it was between Luca and Nico, but when he arrived I knew right away Luca fit his personality. When I was pregnant with Bowie, Luca was obsessed with the David Bowie. For about a solid three weeks, all we listened to was David Bowie; the name just felt right.
One thing you'd tell your pre-parent self...
Nothing can prepare you!
Ways you keep your cool as a parent...
Relax and take a deep breath.
Best tantrum tactic is...
Distraction—getting them interested in something else.
Favorite parenting reads (books, blogs, sites)...
Sadly, I don’t have much time for reading. I wish I did.
How do you make mom friends?
I look for women with similar interests and goals in life, and whose kids get along with my kids! When that match happens, I feel like I’ve struck gold.
