The Mom Behind Meekah: Kaitlin Becker on Acting, Parenting, and What’s Next
This week on Mommywood, I got to sit down with the incredible Kaitlin Becker — you probably know her as Meekah from the Blippi world. Kaitlin’s story is such a ride — she started out in musical theater in New York, somehow found herself in children’s programming, and ended up as part of this huge franchise that parents and kids everywhere know.We talked about everything — from how that all started to what it’s been like stepping away from Mika to focus on her son Everett, who’s now eight and hitting that big kid stage. She was so honest about co-parenting, traveling for work, the financial side of being a single mom, and the pressure to stay “on” when people recognize you from your kids’ favorite show.It’s real, it’s funny, and it’s such a reminder that even when it looks like someone has it all figured out — they’re probably just doing their best, like the rest of us. 💜SummaryParenting and Life TransitionsThey discussed Kaitlin's 8-year-old son Everett, who is transitioning from a young child to a pre-teen, and the challenges of parenting at this stage. Kaitlin expressed nostalgia for Everett's younger years and anxiety about upcoming changes, including puberty.Kaitlin shared her journey of joining the Blippi franchise in 2020, starting with a role in Blippi's Treehouse, which led to a longer-term commitment after initial testing in Los Angeles. She described the unique experience of joining the YouTube and streaming world, initially unaware of the character Blippi, and how the role evolved from a short-term gig to a more permanent franchise position.Kaitlin shared her experience of leaving New York for three months and the challenges of co-parenting while traveling frequently for work. She discussed her transition from musical theater to children's programming, including her role in the NBC kids' show "Sunnyside Up," which required extensive experience working with children. Kaitlin explained her decision to leave the character of Mika behind, despite the challenges of doing so, as she needed to prioritize her personal life and well-being.Emily and Kaitlin discussed the challenges of balancing Kaitlin's public persona as Meekah with her personal life. Kaitlin shared how she sometimes censors herself on social media.  Kaitlin described the difficulties of transitioning away from Mika, including financial struggles and the challenges of being a single parent in a high-cost city.Kaitlin discussed her experience adjusting to the challenges of managing a double income household and her current creative projects, expressing impatience with the development process. She emphasized the importance of balancing her desire to work with her responsibilities as a mother, choosing to be selective about her opportunities to ensure she can be present for her family. Kaitlin shared how becoming a mother has influenced her approach to work, prioritizing mental health and family over financial gain.Emily and Kaitlin discussed the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, emphasizing the guilt associated with prioritizing oneself while trying to meet financial and parental responsibilities. Kaitlin highlighted the pressure of social media comparisons and the misconceptions about her financial status, expressing a desire for authenticity and relatability. Emily and Kaitlin engaged in a light-hearted conversation about acting, parenting, and personal preferences. Kaitlin shared her experiences as a mother and an actor, including her thoughts on balancing career and family life. She advised other actors becoming parents to stay true to themselves and not feel guilty about taking breaks when needed.