Growing up as an amputee, Tamara Walker knew that she would often have to work harder than others in order to succeed. Determined not to be held back from an active childhood, she become a majorette, marched in parades, was interviewed on a national TV show and developed a lifelong desire for public speaking and sharing how her disability has shaped her life.
Currently, Tamara is a pediatric nurse, public speaker, social media manager and homeschooling mom. She also contributes to MetroFamily’s “Ask the Experts” column. In 2001, she launched a website to provide health resources, advice and support for parents. Her “Ask MomRN” call-in show began broadcasting locally in 2004 as a lunchtime talk show and moved online in 2008. Each week, Tamara interviews experts, authors and celebrities who share practical advice, information and encouragement about family, parenting, health and wellness issues. Here’s more about how his 42-year-old mother of two (daughter Kay is 20 and son Noah is 17) strives to help parents raise happy, healthy families.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people do not realize I have a prosthetic limb. My right leg was severely deformed at birth and was amputated below the knee when I was two months old to allow me to use a prosthesis.
What are you passionate about?
Helping other parents raise a healthy family and protecting children from child predators.
How has motherhood changed you?
My decisions are no longer based on what is best for me, but what is best for my family. I am determined to leave a legacy for my children and for future generations of our family.
What inspires you?
My husband inspires me by being an example of someone who is always striving to learn, grow and improve himself.
Along with your job as a mom, what do you do?
I run my website (www.momrn.com) and host an online radio show. I am a social media community manager for a major automotive company, and a certified CPR and First Aid instructor.
What do you like most about your job?
Interacting with my audience and guests. Interviewing celebrities is a fun perk, too!
What is on your wish list?
To continue to grow MomRN and the Ask MomRN Show, to do more public speaking, and to get a speaking role in a movie (I’ve had non-speaking roles in three movies so far!).
What are you most proud of?
My family. Through the good times and especially through the bad times, we’ve managed to stay close-knit.
What motivates you?
God motivates me. I strive to do the work He has called me to do.
How do you find balance in your life?
I’m pretty good at balancing on one leg, but balancing life is a lot more difficult! I try to keep in mind that you can’t do everything all at once—it helps to take baby steps towards goals, prioritize and take little time-outs.
Advice for other moms?
Spend some time being “in the moment” with your kids as often as possible. Enjoy the fun times that come with each age and endure the rough stages, knowing they won’t last forever.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Georgia but moved to Oklahoma when I was 9 days old. I’ve lived in several states but I’ve spent most of my life here and consider Oklahoma to be my true home state.
What’s the biggest challenge in your life?
Motherhood. It has been both my greatest blessing and the hardest job I’ve ever had.
What is your parenting style?
It has evolved and changed as my children have grown. My goal now that they are older is to be supportive, available and to help them gain more independence.
Favorite quote or advice about motherhood?
“The days are long, but the years are short.” ~ Gretchen Rubin, The Happiness Project.
Quick Facts About Tamara
- What are five words that describe you? Short, compassionate, loyal, friendly, adventurous.
- What is your favorite indulgence? Chocolate.
- What’s on your playlist? A very eclectic mix of music, including The Monkees, Coldplay, Kevin Max, Pink Floyd.
- What’s always in your handbag? Hand sanitizer
- What’s your guilty pleasure? Starbucks peppermint white chocolate mocha.
Editor’s Note: Catch Tamara’s “Ask MomRN” show live at www.momrn.com on Mondays from noon–1:00pm. Follow Tamara on Twitter at @MomRN or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AskMomRNShow.
Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.
