MixFM breakfast radio host AB is no stranger to early starts, but motherhood has added a whole new level of chaos, cuddles and coffee. We caught up with her to talk berry blowouts, time management, and the beautiful madness of life as a radio mum.
Who wakes you up first – your baby or your alarm clock?!
Sadly, the alarm! My daughter is actually a great sleeper, so she stays in bed a few hours after I head off for work in the morning.
How has becoming a mum changed you, on or off the mic?
I think I still have the identity I did before, but less time for crap and saying yes to things that don’t benefit me or my family. I’ve always empathised with mums, but it’s a whole new level now!
Describe your morning routine in three words.
Quick, cram and coffee.
What parenting advice would you give your pre-baby self?
Don’t say stuff like, “Oh enjoy life while you still can”, “you won’t be able to do this when she comes.” Life was great before, but it’s infinitely better now.
What’s been your biggest “I have no idea what I’m doing” moment as a mum so far?
Starting solids! My gosh. Reading stuff like, “prepare for them to choke?” Absolutely not!
What’s your ultimate mum hack for getting out the door at 4 am (or at all)?
I just bolt. She’s never woken up to me before, but I don’t want to risk making noise. So I leg it without even putting my shoes on 99% of the time.
Favourite spot on the Sunny Coast for a pram walk and coffee?
We are in Warana and we love just walking along the beach here and dropping in to B Fresh or Stoa/ Bocca.
Best kid-friendly song to blast in the car when you need to keep everyone happy?
The Happy Song by Imogen Heap is a game-changer — if you know, you know. But otherwise, Dolly doesn’t mind a bit of Mix FM, thankfully (against her will).
If your daughter had her own radio show, what would it be called?
The Berry Good Show — and she’d spend 4 hours straight playing music and smashing enough fruit off-air to send her family bankrupt (which she basically already does).
What surprised you most about that first year of motherhood?
I think I didn’t know what I was capable of. I used to think there weren’t enough hours in the day for my life pre-kids. Now I’ve taken time management to another level! I also didn’t realise how much I’d crave family time above all else — nothing beats it.
What’s one thing no one warned you about motherhood that you wish they had?
People treat mums very differently from how they treat dads. My husband is currently the stay-at-home parent and is amazing in every way, but he will get a standing ovation if he walks into a room holding her.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Dont read or watch anything other mums are doing and let that make you feel like you’re doing any less of an amazing job than you are!
Catch Mark & AB for breakfast, weekdays 5 – 9 am on MixFM.
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