Mommybites Chit-Chat: Conversations with luminaries, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the parenting world
Lisa Loeb is a singer-songwriter, producer, touring artist, author and philanthropist who started her career with the platinum-selling Number 1 hit song “Stay (I Missed You)” from the film Reality Bites. A trailblazing independent artist, Lisa was the first pop musician to have a Number 1 single while not signed to a recording contract.
What or who inspires you?
I’m inspired by my brain after I drink coffee, especially on a good night’s sleep. (You might want to check out my Lisa Loeb Wake Up Brew, available via Coffee Fool. Sales benefit Camp Lisa, which sends kids to summer camp.)
Watching my own kids, talking to the people in my audience, and everything around me inspires me. I wish I knew all the time what would inspire me so that I could surround myself with those things. It’s a magical moment when I’m inspired. Often, sitting down to write or play an instrument leads to inspiration.
What is your best piece of parenting advice?
Love your kids and also set limits Do your best and listen to your kids. They’re very interesting people.
What’s the worst piece of parenting advice you have heard?
Here are a few things: “You don’t have to be so stringent with all the [safety] rules: that hot dog is fine; you used to eat them when you were younger.”
“You don’t have to fasten the seat belt so tight all the time, they don’t have to be in a car seat – we’re only going a few blocks.”
“What’s wrong with a piece of carrot?” (for a really little toddler)
I really think we should learn from accidents and mistakes that have been made in the past instead of going back to the way certain things were safety-wise.
What’s the most common question you are asked by parents?
People want to know how old my kids are. Also, people always want to know what kind of music I play for my kids and if my kids are musical. Both kids listen to a huge variety of music, from the Beatles, to Daft Punk, Top 40 pop songs, blues and jazz. Both kids are incredibly interested in music and my son, especially, is interested in playing lots of instruments too – from drums to bass to piano and guitar.
What are some of your favorite T.V. shows? Books? Foods?
I love Nine Stories by Salinger, Kiss Kiss by Roald Dahl, and She’s Come Undone. Right now, I am enjoying episodes of “Transparent” and “Ozark.”
My favorite foods include pizza, popcorn, guacamole and chips and salsa, and tacos, and Reese’s peanut butter cups.
What parenting books do you most recommend to parents?
I like the classic books: What To Expect When You’re Expecting and What To Expect the First Year. I also love Charlotte Kasl’s pretty new book, If the Buddha Had Children.
What are some of your favorite parenting products?
I like unscented wipes, board games like Guess Who, old-school building playthings like Legos, and finding odds and ends around the house to set up play areas for cars and dolls. I like those sand timers for learning about how long time feels like. I also love books for kids. Reading with kids is a great way to be entertained (both parents and kids) and to spend a quiet time together.
I enjoy reading nursery rhymes with my kids. That’s one of the reasons I recorded Nursery Rhyme Parade! -check out the music videos on Amazon Video.
What’s up next for you professionally?
I’m out playing music and promoting my last record Lullaby Girl (catch the tour details at www.lisaloeb.com), which came out about a month ago, as well as the Amazon Originals animated series “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” where I collaborated on all the songs.
You may want to visit my YouTube channel to see some of the music videos from Lullaby Girl, and my album Feel What U Feel.
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