MUM’S THE WORD
TV PRESENTER KATIE PIPER SHARES HER PARENTING TIPS
AS mum to daughter Belle, who turns four in March, Katie Piper, 34, has experienced it all – from nappychanging and late nights, to the ‘terrible twos’ and beyond.
Now the TV presenter, author and campaigner, who survived an acid attack in 2008 that left her permanently scarred and needing multiple surgeries, has just welcomed her second daughter, Penelope.
Here she shares what she has learned about parenting:
BE PATIENT
“I’VE found that parenting gives you a new level of tolerance,” says Katie. “You have to be prepared to say, ‘Put your shoes on’, nine times at 8am before the school run. It takes a lot of patience, but actually the rewards are worth it.”
LEARN TO CONTROL FEELINGS OF GUILT
“I THINK all parents – whether they’re a stay-at-home mum or working mums – juggle guilt at different times. It could be guilt for not being there in person, or guilt for not being able to afford what their peers have. It’s really important to keep perspective on your guilt – know that an element of it will always be there, but don’t let it become unhealthy or spiral out of control.”
INSTIL GOOD MORALS
“WITH my kids, the one thing I want to give them is good morals; being loyal and being honest. If you’re a young woman in the world now, it’s hard, but I hope both of my girls can develop some sort of resilience.”
STRIVE FOR QUALITY FAMILY TIME
“I THINK quality is what I strive for over quantity, when it comes to family time. Enjoy time being present: not being on your phone, not being on social media and really making the most of it.”
TRY OLD FASHIONED PLAY
“I LIKE to do art and crafts with Belle. I love dressing up with her, and cooking. From my own childhood, those are the memories that I have with my mum that are really meaningful, rather than just watching telly.”
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
“I THINK instinct is a powerful thing and, actually, there’s no such thing as a mistake. You might try certain methods, and some will work for you and some won’t. You learn as you go – it’s just trial and error.”