Des Moines Parent Spotlight: Laura Lacina Local Des Moines Mom

Des Moines Parent Spotlight

by Erin Huiatt

Des Moines Parent Spotlight: Laura Lacina

I am so excited to introduce to you this local mama, Laura Lacina. I have known her for several years and she used to help with all things Des Moines Parent. She is a huge supporter and is always brainstorming some amazing ideas. He wears many hats and is passionate about everything she does, including being a wife and mom. Learn more about Laura, her business and some of her Des Moines favorites.

Give us a little background of your family and personal life! How many kids do you have? Have you lived in Des Moines all your life?

I was born and raised in Des Moines and, except for college at Northwest Missouri State University and a few years after in Kansas City and working for the AmeriCorps in Asheville, NC, I’ve lived in the Des Moines area. I’m now in Bondurant with my husband, Randy, and our kids, Silas and Greta.

What is your business, and what do you do?

I am a Brand Partner with Neora International- we provide some awesome anti-aging and wellness products that have made an enormous impact on my life. I love the products, of course, but I also love our work as national partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters and our Live Happy Movement.

Why did you become a small business owner?

My goals are twofold. First, the motto of the company I work for is “Making People Better.” The products we have do that on SO many levels and helping people become better in whatever way they see that is an inspiration to me every day. Secondly, I wanted my family to have options. I wanted the option to be home with my kids. My husband and I have some fun goals we want to hit financially and this is a way I can help make those happen.

Where is your favorite place to take your children to play indoors?

We love the Playground for Kids in Ankeny. I have little ones at home so this is a great place for them to run out of energy and for me to watch them and get some work done.

Where is your favorite place to take your children to play outdoors?

I love, love, love taking them to the Enabling Garden in Altoona. On top of being gorgeous, it’s a peaceful place to be with the kids without the extra stress of huge crowds. There is an awesome play area for kids to get dirty and explore, plus an area with fairy gardens. It’s such a magical little spot!

Parent’s day/night out. Describe your perfect parent only day/night out in Des Moines.

My husband and I are so low key and because we work opposite schedules, there was a long time where we didn’t go out or do anything ever, outside of long romantic trips to the grocery store. I don’t recommend this! Make time for each other. Because we have so much noise in our lives, we love going to get seafood somewhere (our favorite/big splurge place is Splash, but we love Waterfront in Ankeny, too!) and then catching a movie in a theater that has heated seats.

What are some tips on juggling parenthood, working, and personal life?

Make a plan! Even if you aren’t a planner, I promise even the slightest routine will help balance those aspects of life. I have a cleaning schedule at home so I don’t get buried in housework. I try to take the kids out and about at least once a week. And when you and your partner or girlfriends say you’ll do something, try to get it on the calendar ASAP, otherwise, you’ll always find excuses not to spend time together.

What is your number one parenting tip?

Get off your phone. Your kids react so much to you zoning out. I am TOTALLY guilty of this but when I’m on my phone or computer too much, the kids argue, act up and get in trouble more often. When I’m more present, they are getting the attention they need and it is SO cool to watch them learn and play. You can learn so much just by hanging out with your kids– don’t let it pass you by because you’re too busy.