Why filmmaker Clare Plueckhahn thinks “balance is overrated!”

Tell us about your family…

My partner Jesse and I both work in film, and we’ve got seven-year-old twin girls, Freddie Fox and Milla Margot. We recently packed up city life and moved to Northern NSW for more coast, less city life, although right now, we’re both still on the road a lot for work (which we’re hoping slows down soon!)

What was your biggest adjustment when becoming a mum?

Letting go of my schedule. Coming from the film world, I thought I’d totally nail mum life… turns out, I’m not the one calling the shots. Oh, and functioning on what feels like four minutes of sleep.

How do you manage the juggle when it comes to trying to do it all?

I make sure Jesse shares the mental load.It’s so ingrained, and often passed down by our own mums, that women end up doing everything by default.

So I’ve made it really clear: we’re both across the groceries, kid logistics, meal planning… all of it. Sometimes that needs reminding!

The best thing about motherhood?

Creating little humans you made who totally adore you, even when you don’t feel like you’re smashing it. I know it won’t last forever (hello, teenage girls), so I’m soaking it all in while I can.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve experienced when becoming a mum or whilst being a mum?

Definitely the career stall when it felt like I was on a good roll. Between industry time-outs, COVID lockdowns, and a total loss of momentum, there were some tough ruts. As a creative, it hit hard, mentally more than anything else.

What surprised you the most when becoming a mum?

How much my priorities have shifted. Things I used to obsess over just don’t matter as much anymore

What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Now I’m like… “Everyone’s alive, fed, and happy-ish? Cool. We’re good.” Things you thought needed doing today can wait until tomorrow.

If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself or others?

I would make a 10, 5, and 3-year plan – even if it’s just a rough plan.

Living in the moment is great, but saying yes to everything can slow your bigger goals.

Also, you don’t have to put up with bad behaviour at work. Bullies and misogynists can go straight in the bin.

Do you have any tips or tricks to manage the day-to-day juggle?

Live-in au pairs! Not for everyone, but for us it works. Jesse and I both travel for shoots, and having someone in the home brings consistency for the twins, and cultural variety too. The girls see them as having a new big sister.

How do you manage your time to fit in career, being a mum, relationship and time for you?

A shared family iCal. If it’s not in there, it’s not happening. Everything from meetings to gym classes to school dress-up days, it’s all scheduled. It’s also OK to be a bit selfish when it comes to making sure you get some alone time.

Who is in your village and you couldn’t live without?

My sisters, parents, and when the girls were younger, our long-term nanny Bridget. I’ve recently moved away from my village and underestimated how difficult that transition would be.

The five things in your bag you can’t leave home without:

1.  My Moleskine diary
2. PawPaw lip balm
3. My YETI bottle
4. Apple AirPods Pro
5. Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser.

 I’m pretty fuss-free, but I find it hard to leave the house without these.

Your favourite holiday spot?

Papua New Guinea. My sister lives there as a diplomat, so we’re lucky to get the local treatment. Once you know how to travel safely, it’s honestly one of the most beautiful places and only three hours from Brisbane!

Why do you love this place?

It’s like Indonesia in the 70s – thousands of empty reef breaks, dreamy scuba diving, and the kindest people. I think I’ve already said too much… I don’t want it to become the next Bali.

What location is at the top of your travel wish list?

Japan! I snowboarded there in my 20s and loved it. Feeding kids while travelling can be the biggest headache, but ours are obsessed with Japanese food, so it feels like a win-win for a family snow trip.

Your favourite brand?

Alemais. I don’t splurge often, but when I do, I want something fun.

The trend you’re loving right now:

The no-makeup makeup trend, I love the fresh-faced vibe.

The trend you can’t get on board with:

Fillers! And ballet flats. I can’t go back to flats.

Your latest brand discovery:

Zaziba Studios.

Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?

Mostly online or at local boutiques when I get the chance.

What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?

Feeling strong and good in your body, and still being able to enjoy a margarita

How do you keep your body moving?

Surfing, resistance training, competitive water polo, and ocean swims whenever I can sneak them in.

Your top five tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

1. Cook at home as much as possible.
2. Schedule your workouts ahead of time.
3. Get your kids involved in activities you can also join in on.
4. Hydrate, inside and out.
5. Prioritise sleep (though… still working on that one!).

 I’m pretty fuss-free, but I find it hard to leave the house without these.

Your non-negotiables when it comes to health and wellness:

Ocean time, always.

What does “balance” mean to you?

Balance is overrated! No, but seriously, it’s an impossible quest. Some weeks you’re on top of it all, others you’re just surviving. And that’s OK.