Michelle Hirt
Age: 34
Location: Emporia
Occupation: Mom and seventh-grade paraeducator
Family: son, Hayden Hirt, 6
The hardest thing about being a mom: Seeing my son hurt and not always being able to fix it.
The most fun thing about being a mom: Being able to see my son grow into his own person.
My favorite outdoor activity to do with my child: Play soccer. This is my son’s favorite thing to do — and somehow his team always manages to win!
The most important life lesson I want my child to learn: Is to respect himself and others.
My proudest moment as a parent: When my son told me I was the best mommy a boy could have.
The way I encourage green habits in my child: We recycle aluminum cans; it’s good for the environment and it teaches him the value of money.
My favorite book to read to my child: “What Do You Love.” It’s about a mommy and her son.
The kid’s snack I am most likely to be caught eating: Goldfish crackers, either the cheddar flavor or the pretzels.
When I have 30 minutes to myself: I like to walk and clear my head.
One way I fit fitness into my life is: I play the Wii Fit with my son. His favorite is the long distance running and he always beats me.
The future parenting moment I fear the most: When my son is old enough to start dating.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a parent is: Being a single parent.
The best thing money can’t buy is: Love and understanding.
The last time I said “I’m sorry” to my child was for: When he did not win a Clint Bowyer backpack filled with school supplies on the first day of school. He was devastated.
If I had an “I’d rather be...” bumper sticker on my car, it would say: I’d rather be on the beach. I would love to retire on a beach somewhere in the tropics.
The best thing about the beginning of the school year: I can get back into a routine. I am a very organized person and I like to have things planned out.