#mumchat - Entrepreneurial mum of one annie stacey shares more about real life

NAME: Annie Stacey

AGE: 32

NATIONALITY: British

LOCATION: Dubai, JVT  

NUMBER OF YEARS BEING A MUM: 19 months

TELL US ABOUT YOUR KIDS:

Barney 18 months. Barney is my wild mini-me — fiercely independent, confident, and firmly opposed to the word “no.” He’s a sensitive soul who loves an audience and thrives on reassurance and praise from mum. He hates vegetables, adores animals, and has a natural attraction to anything remotely dangerous.

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @Anniecstacey

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

I’m a workaholic who finds it hard to stop and rest. I juggle a full time role as Senior HR Manager whilst running my passion project & eco tech platform Reloved. I love a spicy marg, late night dancing with the girls, being outside, walking the dog, sitting in the sun or being with friends or family. I hate being alone, being stuck in traffic, and people who talk about themselves constantly.

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

That you can be wildly obsessed with your child and still miss your old life sometimes — both can exist, and neither makes you a bad mum.

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

I thought I’d be really strict and never give in, I given in and I do things for a peaceful life. Chocolate in front of the TV at 7am, if I get another 5 mins then absolutely! But you have to brush your teeth straight after, come for a dog walk with me and then have no more chocolate for a couple of days.

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

Time goes quickly, cherish every moment. Just try and do your best, no one ever knows what they’re doing.

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

I was on holiday with my family and my husband thought I had packed nappies, he thought I did. We needed to do a nappy change and I had to scout out another family that were sat having dinner that looked like they had a kid similar age to Barney – mortified!

5.     How do you balance life?

I don’t, I always feel guilty for something, whether that is neglecting myself, feeling like I’m not spending enough time with my son or working on my business.

But I do feel like it’s having a support team, I couldn’t do like without my family, my nanny and my husband. Everyone is on a strict schedule and it helps me feel like I am balancing everything.

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

If your child is fed and had a good sleep, they’ll be happy. Always try and listen to what they’re telling you, even if it’s a tantrum, they’re vulnerable and learning life like we are. 

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

 That I was fun, present and always listened.

8.    3 words that describe #MumLife to you

Tiring, relentless but rewarding.