Parents Need Love: Dr. Jennifer’s Prescription for Flexibility

Written By: Dani Canada

Jennifer Canada McKnight has always been determined, so when she learned that she was pregnant with her first child, that resolve was heightened by her innate motherly instincts. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Jennifer grow from being a high-achieving student to a high-achieving mom whose kids mirror some of her best qualities. Her son and daughter are just as beautiful as she is, they are just as smart, if not smarter than she was at their age, and they are bubbly and full of life. As a pediatric dentist, Jenn has the unique responsibility of caring for children daily, both in and out of the office, but luckily she has a strong support tribe. This allows her downtime to unwind and it has become so essential that the doctor, 37, is prioritizing it this year. Below, this mom, wife, sister, and daughter details balancing her physician work with her motherhood work and all the peaks and valleys that come with it.

Tell us about how your motherhood journey started.

My husband and I had our firstborn son almost 2 years after being married. We had our second child, a daughter, 2.5 yrs later. It was a big adjustment because we’ve been together since college at Morehouse and Spelman College, and we were used to having free time and being by ourselves. We’re blessed, however, to have two beautiful and bright children who bring so much joy to our lives.

As a mom, what has parenting looked like for you? Is it different than what you expected?

Motherhood is the best and most difficult journey I’ve ever been on; it’s definitely different than what I expected, especially when it comes to time. As a full-time practicing pediatric dentist, I have a demanding career that can be quite stressful. Trying to balance my career and being fully present for my kids when I’m exhausted after a full workload can be challenging. I love my career, but I love my children even more, so I have reduced my workweek to 4 days so I can be with them more. That’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

How is it parenting two children under six?

It is hard but a lot of fun. They are 2 yrs apart in age, and they are each other’s best friends. They are so smart, have so much personality, and often want to be independent, which can prove to be a challenge when it comes to discipline. The toddler years are difficult, but I realize it’s just a season so I’m fully embracing it.

Do you or have you ever practiced self-care? If so, what do you do?

Before kids, I used to get monthly massages and facials which were very relaxing. I used to exercise routinely too. I have gotten out of those routines, and my goal this year in 2024 is to prioritize my health and wellness. I have started reading daily which is my outlet when I can’t get out of the house; that’s my self-care since my schedule is so busy, but I plan to expound on it even more. I’m even getting back to spending time with my girlfriends, something I didn’t realize I truly missed.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about parenting?

I think the biggest lesson is that parenting is all about flexibility and being able to not take things personally when people insert their opinions about what you decide for your family. I do not compare myself to social media gurus and others who seemingly look like they are put together because everyone is different. This is a long-haul journey that I take day by day.

Can you give me any examples of what parenting looks like in your household? Who helps you? Do you have a schedule?

My husband and I are blessed because my mom can watch our kids during the day. Having a family member that we trust to care for our children gives me ultimate peace of mind. Since moving back to GA we now have extended family here, including my MIL who loves the kids and helps out when needed. In terms of schedule, the kids are both in Pre-K and day school a few days out of the week.

Is your parenting similar to the parenting style you grew up with?

In some ways, yes. We do not spank or hit our kids; that’s how I was raised by my mother and father who followed an authoritarian parenting style with very firm limits and very high expectations. I’m still learning my style of discipline, but I do know that it is not as firm as my parents. I do think how I parent will change accordingly as my children grow and mature in life, and I know what I do now in their younger years will likely be different as they age.

What is the most rewarding thing about parenting?

Seeing the growth in my kids and their ability to love and be happy makes everything worth it. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.