Movement, resilience, and rediscovery.
From dance and jiu jitsu to bedtime routines and bath time, Maria and Abdul are learning how to hold onto what fuels them—while embracing all the change that comes with raising two kids (without nearby family). For them, movement is connection, community, and self-care—and parenting has only deepened that meaning.
Q. Who's in your family?
Maria, Abdul, Zora (4), and Manuel (2 months)
Q. What are your hobbies?
Maria: Dance, Pilates
Abdul: Jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, judo
Q. Did becoming a parent change your identity?
Maria: YES. Everything changed. I was someone that derived so much of my identity from friends, socializing, and dance. I experienced grief over the loss of my previous life and freedom, and felt sure I would never dance again.
Q. How has parenting shifted your relationship to your hobbies?
Maria: We now have two kids and no family nearby to help us with childcare, so any time we have to exercise or practice our hobbies is precious and I find myself feeling incredibly grateful for every minute.
Q. Do your little ones share your interests?
Maria: I grew up dancing and my mom also danced. I never wanted to pressure my daughter to live out my own passions, but she gravitated towards dance and ballet when she was super tiny. I work to support her efforts and joy—we’ll follow her lead and help her to learn to enjoy moving her body.
Q. What advice would you give to new parents?
Maria: Don't panic! Everything changes. It's ok to grieve your old life, but try not to get stuck in the grief.
Abdul: Go slow. It's not worth it to push your body before it's ready to try to do what you did before.
Q. What are your favorite Lalo products?
Both: We love the table and chair set. It's so much more cohesive in a living space than other kids' furniture. We also love all of the bath products that help our bedtime routine flow a little easier.
Click here to view the full campaign video and see this family in action.
