Hat tip to mum and dad as parenting role models
Jesse Mulligan is perhaps New Zealand’s most prolific broadcaster. But when he’s with his children in public, he prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
Mulligan and his wife Victoria are the latest interview subjects on Double Strength Mama Power. In its second episode, the Auckland-based parentsof-three discussed parenting styles with the Stuff podcast’s co-host, Suzy Cato.
In response to a question about how the couple balance their private life with Jesse’s public profile, the host of RNZ’s Afternoon show and co-host of Three’s The Project said he generally liked it when audience members greeted him, or approached him for a chat.
However: ‘‘I actually get a bit grumpy about it when I’m with my kids – school drop-off, that sort of thing.’’
Jesse’s wife Victoria, a public health consultant who is pregnant with their fourth child, said they at first suspected they might have difficulty conceiving. ‘‘Then it just happened. And it kept happening.’’
The couple said their parenting style had been influenced by the way their own parents approached the task.
They were both showered with love, and grew up thinking they were special people, Victoria said.
Jesse said his mum was so supportive he was left with the impression that he was ‘‘God’s gift’’.
‘‘I did grow out of that – I’m pleased to say. But that unconditional love from a parent does you heaps of favours.’’
That unconditional love from a parent does you heaps of favours. Jesse Mulligan