Karen Roberts

kroberts@lohud.com

For Tina VanderWaal, it's been a whirlwind summer.

Over a few months, her youngest daughter, Grace, went from Suffern Middle School student to internationally known celebrity with a huge fan base, a record deal with Simon Cowell, and oh yes, that big win on "America's Got Talent."

The 12-year-old singing sensation and ukulele player has been making the media rounds, dueting with host Jimmy Fallon on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," charming Kathy Lee and Hoda on the "The Today Show" and singing her first song, "I Don't Know My Name," for "Ellen."

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Right by her side is her mom, who helps with homework and provides a mom hug when necessary.

We talked to Tina VanderWaal about what it's been like before and after the big win on "AGT," how the family is handling Grace's new celebrity status and if she's getting her treehouse.

"Nobody really went into this expecting this to happen," said Tina VanderWaal. "And when it looked like it really would happen; we take it day by day."

Since Grace's "AGT" win on Sept. 14, her mother and sister, Olivia, have extended their stay in Los Angeles for guest appearances. Dad Dave is at home and brother Jakob is enrolled in Camden Military Academy. The 12-year-old has enrolled in online school and won't be going back to Suffern Middle School this fall.

The family will be back in Suffern to attend Grace's big parade and homecoming, scheduled for Saturday in her hometown.

"We’ve been working with tutors at agencies since this started," said VanderWaal. "We have been following a lot of their guidance. We never considered homeschooling but are just following the advice of the pros."

It's been a juggling act, traveling with Grace and managing the rest of her family, including Grace's 17-year-old brother who is a student at Camden Military Academy and 16-year-old sister Olivia, enrolled in a Rockland school.

VanderWaal plans to work from home to keep some routine for her family.

"I'm still going to work — I'm self-employed — really to keep our lives as normal as possible and to keep Olivia's life as normal as possible," she said.

Back in July, before heading to L.A. for the "AGT" finals, VanderWaal told The Journal News that when it came to fame, keeping her daughter safe is the family's priority.

“It’s been more nerve-wracking for me and exciting for Grace," she said. "At least two or three people are coming up to her (in a store).”

The handwritten notes from fans and gifts are wonderful for her daughter but keeping some normalcy is key. “I want her to stay grounded for sure,” said VanderWaal. “I think her dad and I feel united in that she needs to stay who she was before this whole thing started.”

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Post-win, the family has enjoyed sightseeing in California.

"Now that the stress part is over, it has let us relax and enjoy the trip. We've been having a good time," said VanderWaal. "We went to Universal and had a really good time. Everybody has been so respectful and Grace is enjoying the new fame and recognition that comes with this. "

Of her prize winnings, the only thing Grace said she wanted was a treehouse and VanderWaal confirms plans are underway. "There will be a treehouse in our backyard next summer," the little star's mother said.

Twitter: @krhudsonvalley



