We all have our share of challenges in life, but Amy Hayes, a Collin County resident of 32 years, has had more than her share.  However, through the many challenges she has somehow managed to raise 8 – yes 8 – exemplary children who far exceeded anything she ever accomplished.

With no college or career background, Ms Hayes has had some difficult times financially, yet all of her children have graduated from college in impressive fields including law, medicine, art, music, engineering, and journalism.  In addition, her grown children have stable families of their own in spite of their mother’s 3 failed marriages.

Determined to be a mom first, Ms Hayes shunned traditionally careers and worked odd jobs so she could be home with the kids as much as possible.  She even homeschooled for many years.

The struggles she encountered included being car-less for 7 months with 3 children in 3 different schools, being homeless for 6 months with 3 small children, one of them a newborn, bankruptcy, eviction and so many moves she’s lost count, a husband arrested for drug dealing, and even spending a night in jail herself.   But the most difficult of times was being in an abusive relationship for 7 years where the troubles were within her own household. 

Through it all, she managed to shelter her children from the turmoil she felt inside.  She has just published a book called “How I Raised 8 Amazing Kids in Spite of Myself” which is available on Amazon. 

Ms Hayes is on a mission to share what she’s learned in her nearly 40 years of parenting.  She says if she can raise successful kids anyone can, and she can teach them how.  Ms Hayes is available to speak to your group, large or small.  You may reach her at profparent@gmail.com or at 214-385-0898.

Ms Hayes will also be signing 50 books at Snug on the Square in McKinney, this Saturday at the Collin McKinney Sestercentennial celebration starting at 8am and going till the books run out.