Over the last year, Detroit mom Chrissy Debose has created a supportive Instagram community of more than 11,000 moms built on discussing often overlooked topics like breastfeeding, Black motherhood and raising a child with special needs. We caught up with Chrissy for tips and advice about parenting in Detroit.
Q&A with Digital Storyteller Chrissy Debose
Best piece of mom advice?
Make “me time” a standing appointment in your calendar and add the cost of the item or appointment as a bill in your budget. I do monthly massages, kid-free time weekly, and sauna trips.
What advice would you give to a parent raising a child with special needs?
Don’t forget about yourself, and don’t lead with their diagnosis. They are very capable—be their advocate.
How do you balance a career and a family?
Understanding something will not have your full attention, but it will eventually get handled. And planning on Sunday nights.
What’s are your secrets to grocery shopping on a budget?
Planning meals and shopping for produce at farmer’s markets and meal prepping hearty meals that provide one day of leftovers.
How do you make time for one-on-one moments with your daughter?
We plan ahead of time. I booked our 2025 Christmas vacation in November of 2024. I paid for a summer camp in November when I saw they had a deal. I utilize memberships – the perks are amazing, and many are part of a reciprocal system and save you so much money at other museums, businesses, etc. because they’re connected – and my favorite city services (e.g. Detroit parks) and their events.
Fast Talk with Chrissy Debose
Your neighborhood
Downtown Detroit
Your to go coffee order
Dirty iced chai, daily
Your favorite place to eat out with your family?
Frita Detroit and Ann Arbor location; Good Cakes and Bakes for our sweets
Your secret obsession
Finding happy hours in Detroit with food and drinks for under $20
Your personal saying
What’s the worst they gonna say, NO!
If you could change anything about your life, what would it be?
I wish I had more trust in other people.
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