#mumchat -girl mum cheryl king shares more about her world and mum life

NAME: Cheryl King

AGE: 46

NATIONALITY: British

LOCATION: Dubai

NUMBER OF YEARS BEING A MUM:  15

TELL US ABOUT YOUR KIDS: Daisy 15 & Bella 10

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @dubaicitychic

I’m a 46-year-old mum living in Dubai with my two girls, navigating life with strength and style after being separated for the past two years. Dubai has been my home for more than 20 years, shaping both my personal journey and professional path. I work full-time as an Office Manager overseeing HR and events within the Consumer Division at TishTash Group, balancing leadership, organisation and creativity every day. Alongside this, I run a travel business as a side hustle, fuelled by my love of discovering beautiful places. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me indulging in caramel popcorn, listening to Robbie Williams, and enjoying all things fashion and beauty.  Embracing a life that’s busy, independent and unapologetically me.

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

That one day I would be doing it single handed with regards to the day-to day management. I never thought I would be in this position, as much as it’s given me strength to grow as a person and made me realise that I am capable of so much more it is something you don’t think about. I am very lucky, I have two precious, independent girls.

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

Allow my children to sleep in my bed! Daisy was in her bed as a baby and that was the norm and then Bella rarely wanted to sleep alone, so jumped in with her sister every night until my bed became emptier and I thought, why not! We both have some company and get a little cuddle. The thing is, this won’t last forever as my 15-year-old loves her own bed and space and Bella will get there too in her own time.

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

To listen to them. To really listen. Sounds silly, but nowadays and more importantly than ever we need to listen!  We sometimes ignore our children as we’re on our phone ‘scrolling’ – I mean honestly what is more important? And... because I listen, I very rarely have to ‘shout’ at my girls as I listen to them and they listen to me.

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

Probably forgetting that my children are still children and don’t need to hear my worries which I sometimes project. I just want to protect them for as long as possible but I guess it’s all ‘real life’ stuff!

5.     How do you balance life?

I have a balanced life. I work full-time but my company gives us work from home days which allows me to do school pick-ups a couple of days a week which I am truly thankful for. I switch off on the weekends 100% to spend time with my girls and I also make time for myself as I love to do my hair and nails and I have a great social life as I have lots of lovely friends to hang out with. I spend evenings working on my travel business or watching Netflix and I do not feel guilty about it!

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

Enjoy having the children’s friends over at your place because when they get older, I prefer they’re in my home so I know they’re safe and they’re friend’s are safe too.

Dubai kids love to uber around the city and jump from house to house and we of course need to keep track of them so I prefer it when they spend time together at our home and I think the teenagers feel like it’s a safe space for them.

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

I hope they say I was a cool mum who did her best and listened to them!

8.    3 words that describe #MumLife to you

Busy, chaotic, heartwarming