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By Mandy Haggerson

For the Clemmons Courier

Audrey Thompson’s childhood was filled with lots of time outside, parents that were very invested in her, and never a dull moment as the only girl with three brothers, two of whom were older than she was. Now raising two daughters in a world filled with technology, Thompson really appreciates the effort her parents put into making sure they had such an active childhood.

“I always felt support with trying new things. When my dad would come home at the end of the day, he always had enough energy for us kids to go outside and play whatever it was. He was a very even-keeled parent who would discipline with his calmness and make you want to be better or do better. In many ways as a parent now, I feel like my parenting style is a lot like his,” said Thompson. 

Thompson’s mom had endless amounts of energy to get Thompson to and from her activities.

“I have fortunately gotten my mom’s enthusiasm and volume,” said Thompson. “Our personalities are very similar, and I appreciate the dedication she had with making sure everything us kids were interested in we were able to develop.”

One of those activities for Thompson was cheerleading and dancing. It helped with making friends even throughout high school, where she attended R.J. Reynolds High School. Having attended Catholic school for the majority of her life, Thompson appreciated the change. Her sophomore year she serendipitously met her future husband, John Mark in geometry class.

“We had a lot of mutual friends in common, and he was really fun to be around. And of course, I thought he was really cute,” said Thompson. 

When Audrey and John Mark graduated and headed off to college, they stayed close. Before graduation, Thompson decided to hone her entrepreneurial skills and interest in taking care of children.

“I opened Busy Kids which allowed parents to have an alternative if their babysitter canceled or weren’t ready to enroll their child in preschool yet. I realized during my college years how much I enjoyed children and were inspired by them,” said Thompson. 

Learning from the kids she worked with led Thompson to writing and publishing a book, “Bug in my Brain” which was geared towards children between 3 and 5 years of age.

“I really enjoyed the process and bringing some of the creativity the kids’ inspired in my day-to-day life to print,” said Thompson. 

When she and John Mark had their first daughter, Evy (13), Thompson decided to sell her business and nanny for just one child that was the same age as her daughter.

“It was our pediatrician’s daughter, and she and Evy were the best of friends. They even ended up going to preschool together. It was a really special bond,” said Thompson. 

Knowing that she and John Mark wanted to expand their family eventually, they were excited to learn that they were having another baby girl, Anna Kate (11).

“With my pregnancy with Anna Kate, much like the one with Evy, I had morning sickness. It just became too hard to keep up with helping as a nanny and taking care of Evy and myself, especially since they had another baby too. They understood, and I appreciated that since they had become like family to me,” said Thompson. 

Both of Thompson’s daughters always knew what it was like to be surrounded by family and love. Aside from Anna Kate and Evy being so close in age, they also had an endless number of cousins.

“All I can say about cousins is they are so much fun. It’s a built-in entertainment system for the kids. And they all love each other so much. It’s also fun to see them support each other too,” said Thompson. 

With family always being the foundation for Thompson, it was devastating when her father passed away after a series of strokes and the diagnosis of pancreas cancer.

“I always admired how he treated people. It didn’t matter who you were, how much money you had, or if he would never see you again, he always rolled out the red carpet for everyone he met. He always thought about someone else over himself. I miss him every single day,” said Thompson.

Honoring her father’s memory, Thompson doesn’t take for granted time spent with her family.

“I still get to work with children at Knollwood Preschool, but I do that when my girls are in school. I started there about two years ago after working for Parkway preschool and have loved the flexibility. I get to love on those toddlers who experience so much growth in just one year, and then take my kids to school and pick them up. I appreciate that I get to have the best of both worlds,” said Thompson. 

Realizing that the most rewarding moments in life are found with the ones she loves, Thompson said she often gives advice to newer moms who come into the preschool.

“I tell moms that ask about what it is like when kids get older that it is easier, but it’s definitely busier. Most weekends are spent at some sporting event or activity with our girls, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” said Thompson. “I know these times are fleeting, and I treasure them all.”