If you’ve caught the Bravo scripted comedy Urban Mom Tales, you likely wish Jasmine Miller could be your mom bestie too. Not only does she star in the series, but she also created it, drawing from her own amusing experiences with the mothers in her Upper East Side neighborhood to craft relatable entertainment.
This week, her latest book, Sprinkle Glitter on My Grave: Observations, Rants, and Other Uplifting Thoughts About Life, just hit the shelves, so we chatted with her about parenting advice, the perks of being in your forties, and how to cleverly use your kids as an excuse to bow out of unwanted commitments.
Everyone could use a brutally honest friend to help spotlight their own parenting quirks for a moment.
Dementia, creaky joints, and dental woes aside, what’s good about being in your 40s?
Jasmine: You really start to care less about others’ opinions. You become acutely aware of your own mortality, making you cherish each day more. Plus, your self-awareness grows, allowing you to navigate life with a better gut instinct.
What wisdom would you share with someone expecting her third child?
Jasmine: Get ready and invest in some help! I always thought I could do it all on my own and would have lost it if I didn’t have assistance. Also, it gets even crazier, so be sure to carve out some alone time with your partner.
Work-life balance is often a myth. Got any tips for managing both?
Jasmine: Plan weekends away a couple of times a year as a couple to rekindle the spark from your pre-baby days (dinner out just doesn’t cut it!). Small gestures like leaving little notes or surprise gifts can also go a long way.
What was your last “oh no” parenting moment?
Jasmine: Just a few minutes ago! I lost it yelling at my kids to stop squabbling over the remote.
When was the last time you used your kid as an excuse to escape something?
Jasmine: Last night! One of the perks of being in my 40s is that I no longer attend events I dread. I just claim I’m home with the kids while I’m really out enjoying myself.
Have you ever been on the receiving end of a social snub?
Jasmine: Absolutely. There have been times when our outspoken views led to being uninvited from parties, which usually works out fine since I often grumble on the way home that attending was a mistake anyway.
What’s the least amount of sleep you can function on?
Jasmine: Eight hours, at minimum.
What’s the biggest downside to raising kids in NYC? And the upside?
The downside is the excess—kids who casually discuss private jets and multiple homes, flaunting their wealth. The upside is that if you treat NYC like a third parent and explore all five boroughs, exposing your kids to diverse cultures, art, and cuisines, they’ll grow up worldly and inspired.
Lice or stomach bug—which would you prefer to handle?
Jasmine: Lice—it’s annoying, but barf and diarrhea are far worse and way more painful.
How do you handle it when your kids say they hate you?
Jasmine: I tend to ignore it. Later, when they tell me they love me, I say, “Oh, I thought you said you hated me?” They usually apologize and give me a hug.
If you’re curious about Jasmine’s book or haven’t yet tuned into Urban Mom Tales, now’s the time!
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In summary, Jasmine Miller’s candid insights on motherhood, her forties, and raising kids in New York City reflect a relatable blend of humor and honest advice. Whether navigating parenting challenges or finding joy in the chaos, her experiences resonate with many.