TMG Mums Spotlight

For this post, we have chosen to interview our own Jocelyn Saito!  Jocelyn has been living in Japan for 3 years. She is originally from Seattle, USA but lived in San Francisco for most of her adult life. She runs an active blog, www.mymotherhoodtokyo.com, where she posts on a range of topics surrounding motherhood in Japan. She's also on YouTube and Instagram as My Motherhood Tokyo!

1. In one sentence, how would your closest friends describe you?

While completing my Master's in Education in San Francisco, I had a university professor tell me I am like a willow tree. A place where all my students could come to find shelter and protection from life's difficulties. I think my closest friends would agree with that statement. But, I think they would also say that willow tree has a lot of strong opinions so be make sure you are prepared for some honest advice when taking shelter under it's branches!

2. What is your family weekend ritual?

One word...pancakes. The weekend isn't complete without pancakes.

3. Whats your no.1 top trick for getting through a hard Mum day?

Complaining to anyone who will listen! I know this sounds like dwelling on the negative to some, but as soon as I have a nice long chat/rant to someone (usually my mom!) I feel released from all that was bothering me. If my mom or one of my mom friends isn't available, then journaling does the trick nicely too.

4. What gets you up each day?

My 15 month old son of course! But, also the opportunity each new day has. As a stay at home mom of just one young child, I have the freedom right to go adventuring around Tokyo with little one in tow. I know the time constrictions of school pick up, club activities etc. are coming so I'm trying to enjoy this stage!

5. What keeps you up at night?

My son's uncanny knack for waking up JUST as I am about to close my eyes. Anyone else??

6. How has TMG helped you?

Where do I begin? TMG (and TPG!) are truly my most used resources as a mother in Tokyo. This is where I met most of my mom friends and also where I find recommendations for all sorts of things, from crib sheets to pediatricians. As a coordinator for both of these groups, it's also helped given me a sense of purpose that can sometimes be difficult to find as a stay at home mom.

7. What challenges or benefits do you face being a parent in Tokyo?

I'm not sure I ever thought I would be a stay at home mom, and yet here I am living in Japan and doing just that. The longer I do it, the more I realize how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to be there for my son every day. Living in Japan (versus the US, where I am from) has allowed me to be more comfortable in this role than I might be elsewhere. Scroll through my YouTube uploads and you will find a couple of videos on the challenges and benefits of living in Tokyo as well!

8. Anything else you'd like to share...

Thank you Stephanie for all that you do! None of this would be possible without your hard work and dedication to this community!