Mom Club with Amanda Giuliano
Amanda Giuliano with her husband Ralph, and son Ralphie (5). (Courtesy of Amanda Giuliano)
We love moms who keep it real, and this month’s pick for Mom Club does not disappoint! Principal kitchen and bath designer at Nicolette’s for the Home, co-owner of Party Animal North Fork, vocal North Fork community member, and momma to Ralphie, Amanda Giuliano does it all while keeping it honest and remaining true.
Read on as Amanda shares mothering on the North Fork in our monthly Mom Club: a Q&A with local North Fork moms.
Mom Club is made possible by The Stretch Garden — your place on the North Fork for recovery and rejuvenation, reimagined.
Q: Describe your parenting style in three words:
Amanda: Relentless, feral, and loving.
Q: What is your favorite thing about motherhood?
Amanda: Motherhood has taught me more about myself than anything I’ve ever experienced. It forces you to confront your fears, patterns, self-control, and sense of worth. It is humbling in a way nothing else is.
Q: What is your least favorite thing about motherhood?
Amanda: Parenting when I am sick.
Q: Would you change anything about motherhood? Tell us.
Amanda: I would not change my journey to motherhood because I earned it. What lingers is how much of my pregnancy and postpartum experience was shaped by COVID. I missed a lot. No baby shower, limited time with family, and some people never met my son because they did not survive that period, like my great aunts and great uncle.
At the same time, I never take for granted that I was able to carry and birth a healthy baby, especially after infertility. It was a hard way to begin, but I know how deeply blessed I am.
Q: In your opinion, what makes raising children on the North Fork unique?
Amanda: Many folks know me on the North Fork, and they definitely know my son. That being said, I have eyes and ears all over this town! My absolute favorite part of raising a child on the North Fork is the community. It is strong and deeply rooted, and I love that we know everyone. There is something really comforting about that.
Q: What role does nature play in raising your children?
Amanda: My husband is very active with our son outside, especially in the spring, summer, and fall months. It’s how they bond.
Q: What's your favorite recent thing that you've done with your children on the North Fork?
Amanda: As a new member of the Southold PTA with a child in Kindergarten, some of my favorite things I do for Ralphie are through the events the PTA creates. He is in school five days a week and spends most of his time in that elementary building. Being able to help create meaningful, happy memories for him and the other kids brings me so much joy.
Q: What's your children's favorite thing you've recently done together on the North Fork?
Amanda: Ralphie attended a cookie decorating class at Southold General for the holidays, and he catered to Santa and Mrs. Claus. It was really sweet to witness.
Q: What is one thing every child should experience on the North Fork?
Amanda: Hands down, any of our beaches.
Q: Mothering lasts long after we’re gone — what are some things that you hope your children carry with them forever?
Amanda: I hope Ralphie grows up knowing that his value comes from who he is, not what he produces or achieves. I want him to feel secure in himself while also learning how to stand on his own two feet, take care of himself, and contribute meaningfully to the world around him. I hope he carries a strong work ethic, but never at the expense of his sense of self.
Raising a boy has added a layer of awareness I was not prepared for. I am very intentional about the kind of man I want him to be. Someone who is respectful, understands the importance of consent, and treats everyone with kindness.