Lisa King is mother to 12-year-old twins Alex and Delaney, an American Sign Language teacher in Harwood’s Southern High School and a guide to parents seeking a cultural au pair. Together, she and her husband, Tommy, who coaches tennis at Southern and teaches electricity at CAT-South in Edgewater, raise their children in Annapolis with the help of groups like Annapolis Mothers of Multiples.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What’s something about raising twins that you think would surprise someone?
Most people assume having twins just means double the work — but honestly, it feels more like four times the work!
What’s also surprising is how twins have both individual identities and a shared identity as a duo. They’re completely their own people, but there’s also this built-in partnership that is part of who they are.
How did you get involved with Annapolis Mothers of Multiples? Tell me a little bit about their mission and what resonated with you.
My journey with AMOM started while my babies were still in the NICU, where they spent three months after being born at just 25 weeks. A woman noticed identical infant car seats in our minivan and shared information about AMOM, their NICU support group, their community and how welcoming and helpful they are. It was exactly what I needed in that moment.
For the first two years, I was fortunate to stay home with my kids, and AMOM became such an important part of our lives. We met for playdates at the library, parks and the mall, and I attended NICU support groups.
Tell me a little bit about Cultural Care Au Pair and your involvement.
When I was searching for child care, a local consultant reached out to tell me about the au pair program. It sounded fancy and out of budget, but I quickly learned it is actually a great option for the average American family. Thanks to our au pairs, our kids have a broader understanding of the world and a strong foundation for multilingualism, which is especially meaningful to me as a world language teacher.
We also loved getting to know our au pairs’ friends from all over the world who would visit our home. Those experiences inspired me to take on a role with Cultural Care Au Pair, where I now support local families and their au pairs throughout their time in the program.
I meet with each host family before their au pair arrives and again once they are settled in. I am available for support, guidance and sometimes mediation if challenges arise.
How has being a parent made you a better teacher?
Being a parent gives you a completely different perspective. When you love someone so much it hurts, it changes you. It reminds me every day that each student in my classroom is that person to someone else. And honestly, they become that to me, too. I call them “my kids,” and I truly mean it. I have had students call me their “school mom,” come to me for advice and trust me with their frustrations and their wins. When I can connect with my students on that deeper level, I am better able to reach them academically as well.
Family Favorites
Meal To Enjoy Together: Mexican food is always a safe bet for the King family.
Movie or TV Show To Watch: “The Middle”
Game To Play Together: Taboo, ERS, Rummikub and Mario Kart
Place To Vacation: We took a family trip to Italy, and it was incredible.
Do you need an au pair? Visit theaupairlady.com. “Yep, that is me. I am ‘The Au Pair Lady.’ — Lisa King
