Parenting has its ups and downs, admits Kate as she visits other young mums

THE DUCHESS of Cambridge admitted that parenting had its “ups and downs” as she played with toddlers during a visit to learn about early years support for mothers and their babies.

Kate was at a centre in south London that is helping families develop their parenting skills through a programme in partnership with four other sites.

When 23-month-old Kamia Perry, whose twin sister Kashay was nearby, stumbled over to the Duchess, Kate smiled and reached out for her.

She had joined a “together time” session at the Henry Fawcett Children’s Centre, where parents spend time watching and playing with their children to build up the confidence of the youngsters.

Finesse Perry, 31, mother of the two girls, said of the Duchess: “She asked me what it’s like having twins and I said it’s double trouble, and she said like with her own children you have your ups and downs.”

Ms Perry, a mother of four, added: “I was isolated before so it’s nice to come out and meet other mums, we’ve got a lot of things in common so I can ask them lots of questions.”

Kate, who wore a Gucci blouse and trousers by Jigsaw, was also taken with Kameron Batta, aged nine months, and held out her hands as he tried to walk from his mother, Kriti Batta, 35, when the parents gathered together to have a chat.

The young mother said: “She was saying (Prince) Louis does this and she was just helping him to balance.”

The Duchess has established a steering group to explore how best to support academics, practitioners and charities in their work to provide children with the best start in life.

Ms Batta said it felt “surreal” but “comforting” to see Kate interacting with her son: “You all just have a common connection as a mother, you understand other people’s children, even when other people’s children are climbing over you. You understand because your children do the same.”