#Mumchat - GEMMA LEESE ON Fitness, Fussy Eaters & Finding Your OWN Rhythm in Motherhood

NAME: Gemma Leese

AGE: 42

NATIONALITY: British

LOCATION: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai

NUMBER OF YEARS BEING A MUM: 13 years

TELL US ABOUT YOUR KIDS: Spencer age 13, Ellena age 9

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: gemma.in.dubai

ABOUT ME:

I’m a 42-year-old stay at home mum living in Dubai with my two amazing (and sometimes challenging!) kids, a 13 year old son (Spencer) and a 9 year old daughter (Ellena). I love keeping active and go to the gym whenever I can, fitness is my therapy! Most of my days are spent juggling school runs, homework, and family life, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Life’s busy, messy, full of love and I’m here for every bit of it.

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

I wish I’d known that parenting can be the most challenging yet rewarding thing in the world. Some days feel overwhelming and exhausting, and there are moments when I just want to hide in bed all day. Yet at the same time, I can’t wait for them to go to school and then end up missing them all day once they’re gone.

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

I didn’t really swear I’d never do anything as a parent, because I had no idea what to expect. I’ve always tried to take things as they come, stay calm, and adapt to whatever each stage of parenting brings.

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

That children fit into your life, you don’t necessarily have to change everything. You grow together, adapt as you go, and find a rhythm that works for your family.

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

My biggest parenting fail has to be creating two very fussy eaters and I’m still not entirely sure how it happened! I feel like I tried everything to get them to try new food, but with very little success. Luckily, they can survive quite happily on spaghetti bolognese, tacos, and rice. PS. I can’t talk, I don’t like cheese!!

5. How do you balance life?

Honestly, with a bit of wine and a lot of gym time. Circuit Factory is my therapy. I try to go every morning after the school drop off, it clears my head and sets me up for the day.

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

Probably the same as the best advice I was given, let your children fit into your life. You don’t have to change everything; you just adapt and grow together.

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

I hope they say I was always there and present for them. Even though they probably think I’m the most annoying mum ever right now, I hope they realise that everything I do is for them. Having a 13 year old boy can be tough at times, I’m really hoping he says sorry one day 🤣

8. 3 words that describe #MumLife to you

Chaos, love, proud.