Molly Jernick with her husband and their three children: Wyatt (10), Austin (9) and Ellie (5). (Courtesy photo Molly Jernick)
This month’s Mom Club pick, Molly Jernick, surprised me in the best possible way. With two of her three children the same ages as my children, she’s become a familiar face at drop-offs and pickups for extracurricular activities and through her dedicated role on our elementary school’s PTA—always warm and personable. But I learned something about Molly from her Mom Club responses, and it made me admire her far beyond her warmth and omnipresence on the North Fork. I learned that Molly is a fellow mother to a neurodiverse child and spends much of her time fiercely advocating for support and inclusion. Being new to this journey myself, with my own child recently diagnosed with autism, I’ve already experienced just how difficult advocating can be and how much it requires of you, leaving me wholeheartedly impressed by moms like Molly who make advocating their mission. And for the record, Molly, you are absolutely doing enough, and then some, and giving us all someone to look up to.
Read on as Molly shares about mothering on the North Fork in our monthly Mom Club—a Q&A with local North Fork moms.
Mom Club is made possible by Peconic Community School—an innovative option for hands-on, real-world learning on the North Fork.
Q: Describe your parenting style in three words:
Molly: Devoted, unwavering, overstimulated.
Q: What is your favorite thing about motherhood?
Molly: My favorite thing about motherhood is supporting my children. I love watching them grow into their own unique people, discovering who they are, celebrating their victories, and knowing that I am their biggest supporter, their safe place, and their fiercest advocate through it all.
Q: What’s your least favorite thing about motherhood?
Molly: The hardest part of parenting for me is the mental load—worrying that no matter how much I do, I'm never doing enough. For me, it's the constant need to advocate for my child. As a parent, it's heartbreaking to watch your child work so hard for things that come so naturally to other children their age.
Q: Would you change anything about motherhood? Tell us.
Molly: If I could change one thing about motherhood, it would be to take away some of the challenges my children face. I wish I could make the world a little kinder, more understanding, and more inclusive, so that every child feels seen, accepted, and valued for exactly who they are. More than anything, I want my children to grow up in a world where differences are embraced, kindness comes naturally, and everyone feels like they truly belong. With that being said, I would also change how quickly other parents can be to judge children who may act, learn, or socialize differently. I wish there were more understanding that every child is unique and that we don't always know the challenges another child or family may face.
Q: In your opinion, what makes raising children on the North Fork unique?
Molly: Raising children on the North Fork is so special. We can walk out the door and be at the beach in two minutes, or head in the opposite direction to find ourselves at a local farm. I love that my kids get to grow up surrounded by all these beautiful places, where a simple afternoon can turn into an adventure.
Q: What role does nature play in raising your children?
Molly: Nature plays such a big role in how I raise my children. One of the things I love most about living on the North Fork is that the outdoors is such a natural part of their childhood. Whether it's spending long summer days at the beach, exploring the farms, watching sunsets, or just going outside with no real plans, I love giving them the freedom to explore. I think nature teaches them so much without even realizing it. Some of our favorite memories are made outdoors, doing the simplest things. I hope that the love and appreciation for nature stays with them as they grow.
Q: What's your favorite recent thing that you've done with your children on the North Fork?
Molly: One of my favorite things we've started doing as a family on the North Fork is having a weekly beach night. It's become our little tradition where we can slow down, enjoy dinner together, unwind, and relax. This summer we made it to the beach almost every week, and those evenings quickly became something I looked forward to most.
Q: What's your children's favorite thing you've recently done together on the North Fork?
Molly: One of my kids' favorite things we've done recently was apple picking at Breeze Hill Farm. What I loved most was how peaceful and relaxed it was. There was no rush, no big crowds—just the kids running around, picking apples, exploring, and enjoying being kids.
Q: What is one thing every child should experience on the North Fork?
Molly: I think every child growing up on the North Fork should experience the Strawberry Festival. It's such a special North Fork tradition that brings the community together. Whether it's attending Morgan's Memories, which gives children who need a quieter, less overwhelming environment the opportunity to enjoy the festival, or attending hulling night with the family, there is something for everyone. I especially love that it's a tradition that makes an effort to include all children and families. It's one of those experiences that makes growing up on the North Fork so special.
Q: Mothering lasts long after we're gone. It becomes the values that live within our children for their whole lives, too. What are some things that you hope your children carry with them forever?
Molly: I hope my legacy as a mother is that my children always remember how deeply they were loved. I hope that they grow up knowing I was always in their corner, cheering them on, advocating for them, and loving them through every challenge. I hope they remember the little things, like our family beach nights, the adventures we took, and the time we spent together. More than anything, I hope they carry that love into their own lives, always lead with kindness, stand up for others, and make people around them feel loved and accepted. If there's one thing I want to leave behind, it's knowing that I raised kind, compassionate people who never question how much their mom loved them.