Meet the Mom: Jennifer Tomko

Name: Jennifer Tomko

Where did you grow up: Maryland

Town you live in now: Jupiter

Why you love living there: Sunshine, beach, sidewalks, active people, growth mindset type people, weather, cleanliness, environmental awareness

Tell me about your kids: Two boys 17 and 12. I cannot believe that my 17 yo actually told my 12 yo. You are really annoying sometimes, but I have to admit…I do love you. WHAT?!?!?! I took a moment to catch my breath, then commit the moment to my memory. I have no idea if I will ever hear those words again, but I embraced it.

Favorite things to do with the kids locally: Bike riding while going Pokemon hunting, exploring different parks, mountain biking in Jonathan Dickenson, going to the dog park, beach, snorkeling, fishing.

What’s your ‘day job’? How did you get started with it? Clinical Psychotherapist/Owner at Clarity Health Solutions. I opened Clarity after years of wanting a private practice, so I could see if I was able to achieve my vision of making a difference in the world. My impact may be more local, but I am always impressed with my client’s growth. They completely rock!

What is your best parenting advise. Lay it on us. Kids benefit the most from a healthy discussion. Model to them how to listen, empathize, apologize, set boundaries and achieve goals. When they aren’t following through with a request, give them a choice, “do you want nice mom or mean mom?” Nice mom is here now, but mean mom is very close by. My kids would always knew that they wanted nice mom…this put the choice back on them for the consequences of poor choices. I don’t know what the parenting books would say on this one, but my kids certainly did NOT want mean mom to come out.

What do you do for self care? When I am relaxing at the beach, watching TV, reading or exercising, I make sure to focus on gratitude for that moment. I try to embrace the opportunity for down time, I notice that I recharge faster than when I am just wasting that same time. Relax with intention.

Anything else you want to share? I am passionate in all that I do. That passion is exhausting, so my relaxation has to be met with that same zeal.