5 Minutes with a Northwest Arkansas Mom: Amanda Davis -

Amanda Davis is the mama of 2 gorgeous kiddos. We asked if we could interview her after she made us laugh with a comment on one of our giveaways last month. She wrote: “I’m a single mom who NEVER gets a break! Save me please! Lol.”

Here’s a little chat with Amanda:

Kids names and ages:

Sidney – age 7, Sekai – age 3

How long have you lived in Northwest Arkansas?

I came to NWA in 1997 to attend the University of Arkansas. Nine years and three degrees later, I left for Indiana to teach at the University of Evansville. I returned to NWA in 2010 to teach at the UofA. So, I’ve been in this area for about half my life!

Where are your favorite places to play as a family here?

One of the many reasons we love NWA is because it is so family-friendly. My kids and I always have something to do! Some of our favorite places include: Amazeum, High Rise, Lokomotion, Botanical Gardens, walking the trails at Crystal Bridges and Lake Fayetteville, and several of the local parks.

Tell us about a day in your life:

During the school year, it’s pretty routine – wake at 6 am, get myself ready, wake the kids up at 6:30 am, and hope to get out of the door by 7:30 am! I am on campus until 2:30, at which time I must leave to pick up my kids from school in Springdale – Sidney at 3:00 pm and Sekai at 3:15 pm. Most days we head home and cook dinner, do homework, play, take baths, and I get the kids in bed by 8:30 pm. Tuesday nights Sidney has volleyball.

Occasionally on Thursdays we go out for dinner so I get one night off from cooking! Once the kids are in bed, I spend a few hours either preparing lessons or grading classwork. If I get six hours of sleep, I’m doing good.

What’s your best advice for single moms trying to juggle it “all”?

Choose your battles! For example, I used to argue with my daughter over simple things, like her picking clothes that don’t match. It was a battle that made each morning a nightmare. I finally decided that if it doesn’t bother her, it shouldn’t bother me. So, she gets to wear what she wants (NEVER matches), I cringe in my mind, the teachers at school get a good chuckle, but things are so much smoother now! She is becoming her own person – strong, independent, and confident!

Another word of advice would be to ask for help. I am the absolute worse at this! I try to do it all on my own, but single parents just can’t do it all. There are so many people out there willing to help if you just ask.

Who’s your role model?

I don’t know that I’ve had one particular person as a role model. Both of my parents were hardworking and caring people who sacrificed to make sure my brother and I had a good life. I’ve had K-12 teachers and college professors that influenced me academically and professionally. I had sports coaches who helped shape my character. I also think some of the most important lessons are learned during the storms we experience in life.

What’s something that’s surprised you about motherhood?

I never knew I could love something or someone so much! There is no love like the love you have for your children. It is pure, unconditional, and everlasting.

What’s the funniest thing that happened to you as a mom most recently?

I think most days are pretty comical in one way or another. Today was picture day at my son’s school. I was so focused on getting him to school clean, I forgot to dress him until we were running out the door. I’m yelling “Let’s go, we’re running late!” and my son is standing there in undies…

The scariest?

My daughter was one of those toddlers who liked to hide in stores. When she was 2, she disappeared in Kohl’s and the store went into “Code Adam” to find her. I’m sure many parents have had a similar experience, but losing a child is terrifying!

Scariest moment with my son also happened when he was 2. He was experiencing stomach cramps for several hours, so I eventually took him to the ER. After a whirlwind of events, he was diagnosed with an extremely rare condition called intussusception and was having emergency surgery around 1 am. I later learned that he could have died from it within a few days had it not been diagnosed correctly.

When it’s possible to have a little “me time”, what’s your favorite thing to do?

I typically get one weekend “off” a month. When I have a free weekend, I enjoy sleeping in! I may spend the whole day in bed if I can get away with it. I also enjoy an occasional girls night and going out to dinner.

If you could magically have a new skill, what would it be?

I wish I could multiple myself x 2. I am blessed with a job that has a flexible schedule, but I do still miss meetings and service opportunities because I am solely responsible for my kids. I couldn’t sign my son up for soccer this fall because it was going to conflict with my daughter’s volleyball.

When they are both actively involved in sports and other activities, life is going to be so much more challenging. I do not have the option to “divide and conquer” like dual-parent families. Eventually I will have to heed my own advice and ask for help!

What’s something unique about you that might surprise people?

I ride a motorcycle! Some called it a mid-life crisis, others said I was celebrating my divorce. The truth is I grew up riding on the back of my parents’ motorcycles and always wanted one of my own. At age 37, I finally decided to buy one and I absolutely love it!

What do you most want people to remember about you?

I would like to be remembered as a caring person. I consider myself a selfless person. My children are my priority, but I would do just about anything for my family and friends. My students also know that I am there for them, academically and personally. I like to see people succeed and do what I can to help them achieve that success.

One word to sum me up: Strong

Click here to read more 5 Minutes with a Northwest Arkansas Mom interviews. Our many thanks to First National Bank of NWA for sponsoring this feature, which celebrates all the unique moms here in Northwest Arkansas! CLICK HERE to visit the FNBNWA website or follow them here on Facebook. FNBNWA is a full-service bank and has multiple branches, including: