Q+A with the Frame mums
Today is all about celebrating the wonderful mothers out there. Whether you are a Mum, Grandma, fur-baby Mum, a Mother figure, a Dad who plays the role of Mum, or to those who may no longer be with us - Happy Mothers day to you all. Our Frame Mums will be enjoying the day with their loved ones, especially our director & CEO Rach - her first Mothers Day!
Below our Frame Mum’s Rach and Ruth chat about their motherhood journeys so far, and how they juggle the work / Mum life balance.
MEET RACH - Our Director + CEO
How old is your gorgeous boy Freddie?
He is 8 months! I can't believe it. Time is absolutely flying by.
What is your biggest highlight from the motherhood journey so far?
Becoming a parent alongside my husband and seeing him step up to become an amazing Dad. As well as getting to know our wee fella, every day we start to see more of his cheeky and loving personality.
What do you love most about being a Mum?
So many things! Morning cuddles, seeing Freddie learn new things, taking him to his singing and dancing class (which he loves!), his wee smiles when he first wakes up... the list is endless!
How do you juggle owning a business and Mum life?!
With the help of an incredible support network. I have an army behind me! I am lucky to have a talented and hardworking team at Frame, Grandparents who look after Freddie once a week, a lovely nanny and a hands-on husband. I've eased into it with two office days a week and one WFH day (depending on Freddie's naps). I find it easiest to separate work days and Mum days, and on my one WFH day I just accept that there will be days when he goes on a nap strike and that I get no work done. At busy times, I will get some work done in the evenings after he goes to bed or squeeze in a couple of hours on the weekend.
I've also hired new team members to take on my workload and appointed Ruth who has been an account manager for Frame for 18 months now, as my company trainer. She is able to support the team for non-urgent things on my days off. So far it's all going well!
What is your advice for those returning to work after having a baby?
Ease into it if you can. Also, every Mum has a different approach whether it's working full-time, part-time or being a full-time Mum. Whatever is best for you is what's best for the baby! A happy Mum = a happy wee baby.
What has been the biggest challenge juggling motherhood and business ownership?
Taking phone calls on my days off. When you own a business and have a full-time team, you need to be available to support them when something urgent pops up. I've had some hilarious moments where I have been changing a nappy / playing nursery rhymes / sitting next to Freddie in the Jolly Jumper/ driving around the city getting Freddie to nap, while on the phone!
MEET RUTH - Our Auckland Account Manager
How old are your sons?
Jai is 11 and Felix is 7
What is your biggest highlight from the motherhood journey so far?
That's a tough question, there are so many highlights! I've absolutely loved seeing my boys' different personalities shine through as they've grown. It's just incredible how people are born with natural talents, giftings and passions and I've loved seeing this develop in my kids. We are so blessed to live in a part of the world where our children are free to explore these interests and passions.
Another highlight of mine is all the adventures we have gone on as a family across Aotearoa. I'm a huge fan of our beautiful country and sharing this with the kids. So we have made so many memories already road tripping, camping, snowboarding, beach hopping etc. It has been super cool to see how the boys adapt to different environments and all the things they learn along the way. I have also learnt so much about myself through being their mum!
How do you juggle work + Mum life?!
I'm still learning and adapting as we go! Planning is key for us but that went out the window during all the lock downs so has been an interesting year to navigate with kids and work haha!
Now that things seem to be semi back to normal (touch wood) we plan our weeks in advance. My hubby Justin is super supportive so it's a team effort! We share the load with school drops off and pick ups, football training, meals, housework etc. Clear communication between us and some kind of monthly planner with everything we have on for the week/month ahead is key.
I plan my week and days clearly so there is well defined work time and mum time and I try to structure my tasks in a way so they don't creep into family time wherever possible.
What is your advice for those returning to work after having a baby?
Do what feels right and works for your family. If you are looking for a childcare centre then check out multiple options and trust your mumma gut when selecting which one. Wherever possible try to plan ahead with meals, schedules etc.
Be KIND to yourself! There will be an adjustment period and you will learn as you go. Don't be afraid to reach out for help to your support network if you need it.
If possible chat to your employer about any potential flexible work options to help your transition back to work go as smoothly as possible. It's fantastic to see so many more workplaces offering flexible hours or work from home days to support parents returning to work.
Overall you will know what works for your whanau so always trust your intuition and if you need to make a change then go for it.