ESP: How has your career journey shaped the way you support your own daughters?
Megan: When it comes to school, all I ask is that my girls work hard and do their best. They’re not going to be great at every subject, and that’s okay. I just want them to put in the effort, ask questions when they don’t understand something, and know they can always come to me for help.
Because of my background in education, I’ve learned a lot of strategies that help kids learn in different ways. If I see one of those strategies might help one of my girls, I try to pass it along and support them however I can.
ESP: With one daughter finishing elementary school and the other beginning high school, what emotions are you feeling as your family enters this new season?
Megan: As my oldest starts high school, I’m excited for all the new opportunities ahead of her, the new friendships she’ll build, and the relationships she’ll continue to grow. At the same time, I’m nervous about the increased academic expectations and helping her find a healthy balance between homework, studying, extracurricular activities, and spending time with friends.
As my youngest begins her final year of elementary school, I’m excited for the experiences that will prepare her for middle school and beyond. I’m looking forward to watching her continue building friendships, making new ones, and stepping into a leadership role as one of the oldest students on campus. I also know this is our last year in a place filled with teachers and staff who have loved her, encouraged her, and helped shape the young lady she is becoming, and that makes this season a little bittersweet.
ESP: Your girls have danced for over a decade. What life lessons have you seen dance teach them beyond the stage?
Megan: We love our studio and are so thankful for everything the teachers pour into our girls and every dancer who walks through their doors. Dance has taught my daughters to set goals, work hard, and develop the discipline needed to achieve them.
It has also given our entire family lifelong friendships. I’ve watched my girls build relationships where they genuinely celebrate each other’s successes and comfort one another when things don’t go as planned. We’ve been on the receiving end of that encouragement ourselves. Watching a child pause their own celebration to hug a friend or offer words of encouragement is something truly special, and those moments have been just as meaningful as anything they’ve accomplished on stage.
ESP: What helps you stay grounded and maintain balance?
Megan: I’ve always been a very independent person, but over the years I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help. I’ve also learned that I need structure and routine to keep everything moving.
I rely on my daily planner to keep up with our schedules and responsibilities, and I’m fortunate to have a husband who is quick to jump in and help—sometimes before I even have to ask.
One tradition we’ve always tried to protect is eating dinner together as a family. The time may change depending on everyone’s schedules, and sometimes some of us are finishing while others are just sitting down because of late classes or meetings, but we make it a priority to gather around the table together at least four nights each week.
ESP: What is one parenting lesson you’ve learned over the years that you wish every new mom could hear?
Megan: Always listen—even when it’s hard to hear. I’ve always tried to let my daughters tell me about a situation before I offer my thoughts or advice. I’ve learned that when you listen to the little things and help them work through those moments, they’re much more likely to come to you with the bigger, more important ones later.
We live in a world that can be scary, unkind, and challenging. It’s my job to help my girls navigate those situations in ways that are smart, kind, and rooted in their faith.
ESP: Looking ahead, what hopes or prayers do you have for your daughters as they begin this exciting new school year?
Megan: My biggest prayer for both of my girls is that they always remember WHO they are and WHOSE they are. Eleven and fourteen can be difficult ages, and kids can sometimes be unkind. I hope they continue working to be the kind of friend others can depend on because those friendships will carry them through both the good times and the hard ones.
I also pray they continue to work hard in the classroom. Education is important, and the lessons they learn now will continue to shape their future and their academic journey for years to come.
Rapid Fire:
Beach or Lake Martin? Lake Martin
Coffee or Sweet Tea? Sweet Tea
Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset
Favorite season? Fall
One word your daughters would use to describe you? Helpful
Megan Bias is a psychometrist for Mobile County Public Schools, where she helps identify students for gifted and special education programs. She and her husband, Brandon, of 18 years have called the Eastern Shore home for the past 11 years and love raising their two daughters — Emily Ann (14) and Amelia (11) — in the area. Both girls are very involved with dance and when time allows the family loves beach days, weekends at Lake Martin, and being active in their community.
