#MumChat - Amazing Mum of 4 Kelly Marie Mackinnon shares her mum life

NAME: Kelly Marie Mackinnon

AGE: 40

NATIONALITY: British

LOCATION: Dubai

NUMBER OF YEARS BEING A MUM: 12

TELL US ABOUT YOUR KIDS: I have 4 amazing children, 3 boys 12,9,4 and a little angel Jasmin who is 1.5 years old

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: kellymariemackinnon

SHORT SUMMARY ABOUT YOU SO WE CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU. 

I am a business mentor and entrepreneur who has been in Dubai for almost 18 years. I am the founder and CEO of KMM Dubai, which provides business mentoring, events, and full-scale brand management solutions to local and international businesses. I am a fitness fanatic and I love to cook.

1.      What’s one thing you wish you’d known before becoming a parent?

Don’t listen to outside opinions. Everyone loves to give advice but every child and style of parenting is different, because every child is different. Doing things differently to people around you doesn’t make your way wrong or their way right – follow your gut, and have the confidence to do whatever works for you and your children.

2.     What’s something you swore you’d never do as a parent—but do now?

Lose my temper. I wanted to be so patient and laid back! That went out of the window when baby no.2 came along, at the same time as business no.4. But I try not to give myself a hard time and always make sure that I acknowledge it and reconnect with them afterwards when we’re both ready.

3.    What was the BEST piece of parenting advice you’ve received?

Pick your battles! You have to let the little things go for everyone’s sakes.  Otherwise, you will be arguing, complaining and telling them off endlessly. Not reacting to everything gives you space and perspective to handle the big challenges properly and your children are more likely to take notice.

4.     Share with us your biggest “parenting fail” – we promise no judgement here!

Giving into fast food when I am too tired or busy to cook – and using sweets as a bribe 

5.     How do you balance life?

I don’t. I may look like I do but inside I’m chaotic and constantly trying to stay on top of everything. The biggest thing I do for my mental health is daily exercise, it is my time and I couldn’t do without it.

6.    One parenting hack you’d like to share with us.

Kids just want your time. It’s easy to get swept up in the material, but they don’t want fancy things, just quality time. And that’s where you make lasting memories.

7.     What do you hope your kids say about you when they’re older?

My mum was so strong, she did everything she could for us and gave us the best hugs – she is a badass.

8.    3 words that describe #MumLife to you

Messy bun hair