Local Mom Highlight – Laura Grazioli
Name: Laura Grazioli
Where did you grow up: I was born in Long Island, New York but moved to Parkland, Florida with my family when I was 10 years old.
Town you live in now: I live in East Boca.
Why you love living there: My husband and I moved to South Florida from New York after grad school, and we both wanted to be in a walkable neighborhood. We love East Boca for that; we’re walking distance to the beach, Mizner Park, restaurants, and parks. It’s such a great place to raise kids.
Tell me about your kids: I have 2 incredible kids- my son is 5 and my daughter is 3. And we have one on the way! We know it’s a boy but not sure what we’re naming him yet. My kids have shown me there’s a kind of love that I never even knew existed. I love seeing how far their imaginations can take them and how much their minds can absorb; it’s truly amazing. My son is sweet and kind, with a strong interest in learning how to build (cars, buildings, robots, etc.) and a love for food and cooking. My daughter is sweet, but also fiercely independent and outgoing. She doesn’t hold back and she has a way of keeping us all on our toes and constantly making us laugh.
Favorite things to do with the kids locally: My kids are happy with any day that includes a playground and good food. On the weekends, we usually spend our mornings at Seaview Park and head to Bricktop’s or Buccan sandwich shop after for lunch.
What’s your ‘day job’? How did you get started with it? I’m a Registered Dietitian specializing in prenatal/postpartum and pediatric nutrition. I mainly work with families to combat picky eating by applying simple, actionable steps to help bring a sense of calm to meal time and provide parents with the vital tools to raise inquisitive & intuitive eaters. I see clients one-on-one virtually or in my office in Boca, and teach ‘Tastebuds,’ a caregiver and me play-based cooking class for ZenHippo in Delray and Palm Beach.
What is your best parenting advice. Lay it on us. The dietitian in me has to give food related advice! Don’t be afraid to let your baby try new foods and explore different textures. The more you put in front of them, the more comfortable they become with food and the less likely they are to become picky eaters. Involve your kids in the kitchen- give them a task, let them get their hands dirty. Don’t forget to remind them that all good chefs taste the food they make 
What do you do for self-care? Does taking an uninterrupted shower count as self-care? Time to myself has been hard to come by lately, but when I do get free time, I pop into to Hive for an iced latte and browse around their home store. That place is heaven on Earth.
Karaoke – what are you singing? ‘September’ by Earth Wind and Fire. My kids absolutely love this song and some of my favorite moments include singing and dancing around the living room with them as this music video plays in the background. Thinking about it brings a smile to my face
Anything else you want to share? I love meeting local moms and hearing about their journey through pregnancy, postpartum, and navigating meal time with their littles! Come say hi! @prenatal_nutritionist
