Mom Club with Ami Opisso
Ami Opisso with her husband, Matt, and daughters, Gabi (8) and Renny (10). (Photo courtesy of Ami Opisso)
She begs her kids to try “just one bite,” fends off FOMO while trying not to overschedule her family, and emphasizes effort, hard work, and kindness above all — native North Fork mom, Ami Opisso, is all of us.
Join us as Ami shares mothering on the North Fork in our monthly Mom Club, a Q&A with local North Fork moms.
We hope this series inspires you and helps to make motherhood less intimidating, more inclusive, and more connected.
Q: Describe your parenting style in three words.
Ami: Balanced, imperfect, punctual.
I try my best to balance all of the things. Follow routine and structure, but still have fun and be spontaneous. Teach them resilience and toughness, but let them feel their feelings. Protect them, but let them take risks and learn things for themselves. Focus on work, but be present when I’m home. Nuggets and pizza on the reg, but make them try ‘just a bite’ of new foods! To me, motherhood is a balancing act. Some days I think I get it right, some days I suck. On those days, I tell them that I love them and that I’m doing the best I can. I’m far from perfect.
Q: What is your favorite thing about motherhood?
Ami: When my girls wake up in the morning and they come to me all cute with their bed-head and pouty, sleepy faces. We get our best cuddles and chats in at this time. We talk about the day and what we’re looking forward to. I even like their morning breath – is that gross!?
Q: What is your least favorite thing about motherhood?
Ami: When we’re overbooked and running around all day with no time to relax, a day without downtime stresses me out. As such, I actively try not to overschedule us, even though that sometimes means saying ‘no’ to something that I know we’d enjoy. FOMO is real, but I must PROTECT OUR CHILL!
Q: Would you change anything about motherhood?
Ami: Screens. I’m constantly connected, they’re constantly connected. Phone and iPads are amazing modern conveniences, but I think about my North Fork childhood without one, and I wish my girls had that. I restrict their use and try my best to put my phone down during family time, but it’s hard.
Q: In your opinion, what makes raising children on the North Fork unique?
Ami: Oh, the North Fork. Where else do you find farms, vineyards, beaches, strollable villages, AND proximity to one of the best cities in the world? The slow pace, the down-to-earth people, the independent businesses – it checks all the boxes. It’s country, but it’s elevated country. It’s beautiful, safe, and close-knit. I can’t think of a better place to raise a family.
Q: What role does nature play in raising your children?
Ami: When the weather allows, we’re outside. In spring, planting flowers and vegetables and taking walks with our dog. In summer, hanging by the pool, playing sports in the backyard, walking to the beach, and grilling out. Summer is peak North Fork.
Q: What's your favorite recent thing that you've done with your children on the North Fork?
Ami: Not very recent, but apple picking with Mr. Wickam. Such a simple, wholesome, very North Fork activity. Mr. Wickam drove the tractor himself and took the time to patiently answer my daughter’s questions. He’s a North Fork legend in my book, and I remember him from my childhood. It warmed my heart and cemented my love for the North Fork to have him spend time with my girls and teach them a little about what it’s like to be a farmer.
Q: What's your children's favorite thing you've recently done together on the North Fork?
Ami: Strolling Greenport, stopping into Lydia’s Antiques to pet the shop's Golden Retriever, Thunder, and roller skating at the American Legion. Shopping, exploring, dogs, snacks, and a sporty activity – everyone was happy.
Q: What is one thing every kid should experience on the North Fork?
Ami: Running the neighborhood with their friends. Not very special, I know. But when I was a kid, I’d leave my house at 9 a.m. and come home only for lunch and dinner. My neighborhood friends and I would make forts in the woods, play kickball, and ride our bikes to 7-11 for candy. We had no plans, but we were never bored. My girls are just at the age where they can start to do this, and I can see the excitement in their eyes when they’re about to leave the house on their own. I want them to experience freedom, independence, and the simple joys of childhood. We’re lucky to live in a place where this is still possible. Oh, and a tractor. All North Fork kids should ride on a tractor.
It’s said that motherhood lasts long after we're gone — that it's 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?
Ami: The #1 value I try to instill in my kids is that it’s okay to fail. I don’t care about them winning the game or getting the perfect test score, I care that they try their best. I want the kid in the soccer game who maybe isn’t the most skilled player, but goes 110% the whole game. Effort and hard work make me so proud. Oh, and kindness. I won’t accept anything less than kindness.