Moms.com recently had the opportunity to speak with Monique Samuels of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Potomac about the current season of RHOP, motherhood and her podcast Not For Lazy Moms. Samuels spoke candidly about the importance of self-care, the best parenting advice that she’s ever received and the importance of remaining authentic to your true identity despite having success. While Monique Samuels is the proud wife of former Washington Redskins’ Chris Samuels, it is clear that she is a force in her own right. Check out our interview to get insight from this dynamic mother and business woman.

The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 4 currently airs Sundays at 8 on Bravo, and it appears that you are taking a more laid back approach to your interactions with the cast members this season. What are some of the lessons that you have learned in the previous season that you applied going into this current season?

I'm a very private person. My husband and I are just very drama and stress free. We do not like dealing with drama. When I first started the show it was a little difficult for me, because I wasn't used to that much friction all the time.

I basically developed this mindset of whatever happens when it pertains to the show or the friendships on the show, I just have to remember who I am and just be me. After Season 3, when situations became somewhat messy, I was like you know what? I need to change this, because that's not who I am. I decided to take a step back. I'm just going to keep being who I am, because who I am works for me, my husband and my family.

This season, you'll definitely see a much calmer, more peaceful Monique. I'm pregnant at most events, and I realize now that the peace that I had on the show was partly, because I was carrying a very happy baby. Baby Chase is the happiest baby ever. He's amazing. He just smiles at everybody. He wakes up with a smile on his face. I say all the time, I now understand exactly why I was so peaceful and calm during my whole pregnancy. It was because of the type of baby that I was carrying.

Your life on the show seems the most authentic and balanced of all the ‘Housewives’. What do you attribute the balance in your parenting, marriage and success to?

I definitely contribute the balance to my faith in God. I know that any situation that I'm placed in is because God paved that way for me. I'm always trying to live up to what that purpose is and I just want to make my family proud. I want to make my kids proud of who I am, and that they have an example of something good to look up to. And my husband definitely keeps me in check as well. That's what keeps me grounded.

The ‘Housewives’ franchise is very popular amongst women, despite at times perpetuating negative stereotypes. How deliberate are you about not perpetuating negative stereotypes as a wife and mother when navigating the “Housewives’ brand?

I always try my best on my different platforms and social media, and even through my business. While you may only see us each for a few minutes every episode, I always try to paint an authentic picture of who Monique Samuels is. However, you'll never get the full picture of any one of us by watching the show, because at the end of the day the show is meant to be entertaining. I say that about every last woman. There's six dynamic personalities and that's exactly what it is. All of us are fierce. Do we bump heads? Yes. Do we like each other? We don't have to like each other. Some of us have made true friendships and some of us, we just tolerate each other. It’s a matter of constantly checking yourself.

You are the mom of 3 beautiful, young children. What has been one of the best pieces of parenting advice that you have ever received on parenting?

The best advice that I have ever received was from my mom. When I first had my son, I just wanted to cuddle him and be with the baby all the time. I remember the one thing that she said to me was to make sure that you maintain balance between the attention that you give your husband and your new baby. She reminded me not to neglect my husband after having the baby. My mother told me to find a balance to make sure that me and my husband maintain a good relationship, and to make sure that he never feels like it's a competition between him and the baby. You have to find a balance. If you go on a date night, talk about the baby for a few minutes, but then focus on your relationship.

Monique’s Podcast, Not For Lazy Moms will be back for Season 2 June 5th with new weekly episodes every Wednesday)

Speaking of parenting, marriage and maintaining balance, you have a website and podcast entitled Not For Lazy Moms and the title alone sounds inspirational. What was the inspiration behind your podcast and what sets it apart from other podcasts on parenting and motherhood?

I needed to make an audible version of what you get from the website for people who are on the go. I wanted to create content that was easier for them to listen to, versus reading it.

And it's not just a podcast for moms, but also for dads. I love that my husband is a co-host, because he gives that male perspective. This podcast is really for everyone. It actually prepares you to become a parent, but it also talks about relationships and single parenthood.

There are a few topics coming up where I'm stepping outside of the box of my own experience and I'm bringing other people on as guests. I'm getting them to open up and share so that we can have podcasts that touch everyone. It’s a great platform and podcast.

While motherhood is very rewarding, it can also be one of the most challenging assignment in life. What words of encouragement would you offer new parents, especially mothers who may be struggling with their new life as a parent?

I always say to new moms to just try to really live in the moment. Also, don't be afraid to take care of yourself. Don't be afraid to let someone help you if you need help with the baby so that you can have some time to just get a breath of fresh air. Even if it's just two hours where you can just sit and do nothing. Don't be afraid to ask for help, because it only makes you a better mom. Don’t feel guilty for wanting to take care of yourself.

The Real Housewives of Potomac airs Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo.

Monique’s Podcast, Not For Lazy Moms will be back for Season 2 June 5th (new episodes every Wednesday) To find out more about Monique Samuels’ website Not For Lazy Moms click here.

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