‘Being a mum to teenage twins is so difficult’
GABBY OPENS HER HEART
TV host Gabby Logan says bringing up teen twins is a struggle.
The star is mum to 13-yearolds Lois and Reuben.
In a candid interview, she told the Daily Star Sunday that helping them through puberty is far tougher than she thought it would be.
Gabby, 45, said: “Being a mum is a lot more difficult when they’re teenagers. When they’re young it’s just about feeding them and making sure they get the right sleep and that they’re safe.
“But when they get to the teenage years they’re changing physically and emotionally. And new things become important. They start looking at the outside world and asking questions.
“There are a lot more edges to motherhood. It’s been a lot more intense than I thought it would be. I feel like I need to be around more now than before.
“You never know when they’re going to need you – you never know when those conversations are going to start.”
Gabby’s experience mirrors that of parents across the UK. More than half of mums and dads polled said they found it hard to talk to their children.
Gabby, married to ex-rugby star Kenny, added: “A lot of teenagers worry about their skin because that changes, and their hair because that can become oily.
“It’s about making sure they don’t feel self-conscious
There are changes going on with their emotional state. I want to help them navigate this period of their lives as smoothly as possible.
It’s good to open that conversation. In that environment they’ll be better off later in life.”
Gabby has been fronting TV sport for 20 years, covering major tournaments and the annual Sports Personality bash.
And her presenting career is a also a big hit with her kids. She said: “They’re used to me being on TV because it’s what I have always done.
“They don’t know any different. It was the same when I was growing up and my dad was a footballer.
“It was all I’d ever known. So me being a presenter is the norm for my kids.
“It would actually be weird for them if I started doing something else. “Recently we were all watching a drama series based around law. I said ‘maybe I will train as a barrister’ and they said ‘no, don’t do that’.
“So I do think they enjoy having a mum who covers sport. Hopefully they think it’s a cool job.”
Gabby has teamed up with Boots to front a new campaign to help parents open up to their kids. For details on #TheTeenTalk, which runs until August 28, visit boots.com or ask in store.