Can you tell us a little about you and your family?
I have three kids, two boys and a girl, aged between two and seven-and-a-half.
Adjusting to motherhood…
The biggest adjustment was not being able to control things anymore. I had to learn to give in and surrender. One of the biggest positives for my mental health was being forced out of my own head. I had to learn to be in the moment and stop obsessing over myself.
How do you manage the juggle?
I’ve realised I can’t do it all, and that’s okay. I can only do one thing a day, just! I’ve stopped trying to do it all. I think our generation was told we could, and should, do everything, but just staying sane each day is enough.
Also, I want to be really transparent: we’ve had help. When I wrote my book, it wasn’t because I was super disciplined. It was because someone was caring for the kids three days a week. We were lucky enough to have the most beautiful nanny, Annie, who has been with us since Patrick was born. She just finished up, and I was a mess on her last day!
The best thing about motherhood?
Seeing how, from the moment they’re born, kids are entirely themselves. You can nurture and protect them, but they already are who they are. Their births were so different, and in hindsight, each one completely reflected their personality. It’s such a beautiful thing.
The biggest challenge?
Easily: dealing with my kids’ anger. It’s tough to regulate my own emotions so I can help them regulate theirs. I struggle with this every day. The noise and chaos of three kids is overwhelming. I recently bought earphones and now put them in when it gets too much, it’s been a game-changer in helping me stay calm.
What surprised you most?
The exhaustion. It should have been obvious, because people talk about it constantly, but I still wasn’t prepared. Hugh and I had this moment where we looked at each other and realised, this is forever. There are no weekends or holidays from parenting.
What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?
That you can’t – and shouldn’t – try to do it all. When my eldest, Benji, was born, I was used to the daily grind and being productive. I even set a ridiculous goal to learn to juggle during maternity leave, so I’d have “accomplished” something. I quickly realised all I really wanted was to sleep. Parenting in itself is enough.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself?
The next 10 years (or more) are going to be one big chaotic mess, and that’s okay.
Tips for the daily juggle?
I wish I had more, ha! But I use the app Todoist – a list app that helps me stay on top of things. Mums constantly have thoughts and reminders swirling around, and it’s overwhelming.
How do you manage time between career, motherhood, and everything else?
The biggest factor has been having help. We’re constantly told to be great mums, great partners, build careers, focus on wellness… but unless you can afford help, it’s impossible.
“Being able to outsource some care gives me time to exercise, which supports my mental and physical health. We’ve also had help from grandparents and family from the beginning. And Hugh and I have regular conversations to ensure the load is fair. His career has been supported by me being at home, so we have to discuss how that balances out now.”
Who’s in your village?
My mum, dad, and brother. Hugh’s family too. Our neighbours and street community are amazing – our kids play together and trust the adults on our street, which has created a lovely sense of support.
Top 5 Things in Your Bag:
- Bottle of water
- Keep Cup
- AirPods
- Diptyque Rose Perfume
- Baby wipes
Favourite holiday spot?
Bangalow in NSW. We go regularly and love the palm trees, humidity, weather, and the pace of life. We spend so much time outdoors.
Top of your travel wish list?
We’d love to visit the Nordic countries, somewhere far away like Iceland or Norway.
Favourite brand and why?
Kuwaii. It’s an Australian brand with beautiful sustainable fabrics, small production runs, and everything’s made in Melbourne.
Trend you’re loving?
Looser fitting jeans, wide-leg and high-waisted. I’m done with skin-tight!
Trend you can’t get on board with?
Anything with puffy sleeves.
Latest brand discovery?
I feel like I’m late to this one, but Millie Savage. She’s a Melbourne-based jeweller, and her pieces are beautiful.
Where do you do most of your shopping?
I’m old-school, I love shopping in-store. Scanlan Theodore is a favourite. I used to work there and still love how calm and bright their stores feel.
What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?
It’s all about balance. Indulging when you can, looking after yourself, and moving your body for mental health first – physical health follows.
How do you stay active?
Running. My dad ran a lot when we were kids, and I’ve kept up the habit. It’s the simplest way to exercise, just put on your runners and go.
Top 5 tips for healthy living?
- Eat fresh food when possible (though it’s hard with the cost of living).
- When overwhelmed, take the dog for a walk—it helps calm your nervous system.
- Walking in nature has always helped more than resting or watching TV.
- Build simple movement into your day.
- Don’t underestimate the power of a good walk.
Health & wellness non-negotiables?
Moving my body! I aim to run three times a week, or at least get outside and walk.
What does balance mean to you?
True balance only comes when you have a partner who values your time as much as their own.
Why did you write The Joy Thief?
I actually wrote this down before I even started the book – to help people feel less alone. I knew it would be hard and time-consuming, but that purpose kept me going.
You’ve just launched a podcast, can you tell us a little about it?
I’m so excited that Angie Greene and I have launched a new podcast called It’s Not What You Think. It’s all about OCD, and what it’s like to live with this disorder which is perpetually misunderstood.
Penny's picks
The Joy Theif by Penny Moodie
It’s Not What You Think Podcast
DIPTYQUE Eau Rose EDT
