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Touching base with actress Wendy Moniz Grillo
Actress and alumna of the daytime soap opera Guiding Light, and most recently, star of Betrayal, Wendy Moniz Grillo, is a Downtown mom with three school-age boys and a real passion for the community in which she’s chosen to raise them. She is currently hard at work on the feature film, The Grief of Others, but found time to talk about her love of Lower Manhattan and share some of her favorite family spots in the area.
What do you like about living Downtown?
When my husband and I moved back from Venice Beach, I wanted to be where I still felt like I was in the City but where I could walk a couple of blocks and be on the water. So, we stumbled upon Battery Park and recently made the move to TriBeCa. I love living close to the water and the fact that it is easy to get from the west side to the east side and be on the water in a short amount of time.
What are your favorite things about being a City mom?
I love experiencing the change of the seasons. The pull of Downtown, for me, is the openness compared to other parts of the City. The amount of playgrounds and open spaces are great.
What are the challenges of being a working mom in the City?
When the kids were little and in a stroller, the subways were definitely a challenge. But that never phased me. I feel the experiences of raising kids in the City are unique, and I can’t imagine not living here.
What is your family’s favorite summer activity?
Governor’s Island! When I discovered it, I couldn’t believe it. You feel like you are somewhere else entirely. We look forward to going there each summer. The kids love it because we take the bikes, and I love it because I’m a nervous Nelly with the kids on the bikes, and since cars are not allowed, I feel safe while the kids ride their bikes.
What is the best parenting advice/phrase you were given or can share?
Keeping a schedule is HUGE! From babies through grade school, you need to regulate them in almost every way and keep them feeling secure and happy. I always strive for a plan for the day that my children can rely on. It’s always helped them and me! [Continues…]
By Denise Courter
Wendy Moniz Grillo is featured on DOWNTOWN’s Summer 2014 edition. If you would like to continue reading the entire interview, you can find our latest issue on newsstands now! Or you can subscribe to DOWNTOWN Magazine for home delivery by clicking here.