- Please introduce yourself: Name, what do you do & how many children you have.
Hello, I am Katie Gaida. I run Katie Jayne Tutors and am a proud mum to a nine month old little boy called Luca.
- How do you manage to juggle work and life balance as a mother?
This was definitely harder than I thought it would be (even though everyone had told me it would be!). I have personally found the best way to have quality time both with my little one and to focus on my business and clients is to be really organised! My little one and I have worked hard to get a good daytime and night time routine in place which means I know roughly when he will be asleep and awake and can plan business needs around that. Who knew nap times would be so important!? I also have a wonderful team at Katie Jayne Tutors who are on hand when I cannot be. This means I get to spend a wonderful amount of quality time focused solely on my son and also quality time focusing solely on the business and the needs of my clients. I couldn’t juggle it all without my team for which I am extremely grateful!
- What top tips would you give to any working mum?
- Try not to be too hard on yourself!
It sounds such a cliché, but it is something I have found to be really accurate since becoming a mum. Being a mum really is a full time job and therefore balancing work needs on top of that is a lot to handle. Try to keep as positive a mindset as possible even when it all seems to be going wrong or is really hard to cope with.
- Be organised. What needs to be done at home and what needs to be done at work?
Write things down and keep a daily diary. I have a daily diary for business needs and in our kitchen we have a big whiteboard where I plan child related things. This helps me to keep track and know exactly what is going on.
- Look after yourself.
How can you be a good mum or worker if you are completely exhausted? Try to ensure you squeeze in some exercise and time for yourself each day. Remember your exercise can be together with your child/children. I try to ensure that I have had a long walk with my son every day and that in the evening I make sure that I allocate some time for a relaxing bath, a good conversation with my husband or a read before bedtime.
- What do you love most about London? Do you have a favourite spot with your children?
London is such an exciting city with so many things to do and you don’t have to necessarily spend a lot of money. The museums are just wonderful and I can’t wait to take my son to the Natural History Museum before too long.
- How do you define quality ‘me-time’?
A good book and a relax in the bath!
- What is your favourite & least favourite thing about parenthood?
Parenthood is the most amazing thing and I can confidently say that I don’t have a least favourite part. I love being a mummy and learning on the job. The best part of being a mummy is definitely listening to my little one laughing and giving me sloppy kisses
- Tell us something people don’t know about you.
I’m a keen fan of extreme sports. I have completed several sky dives, a bungee jump in Uganda and been white water rafting in Grade 6 rapids!
8. Given we are all about embracing Motherhood, what advice would you give a first time Mum?
Don’t feel pressured to follow all of the advice you might receive or that you read about in books. Every baby really is different and it is important to do what you feel is best for your baby and family.
- I’m a mum and…… it’s the best job I have ever had.
Finally, please let us know what you love most about Kensington Mums?
Finally, please let us know what you love most about Kensington Mums?Kensington Mums is such a great support tool! The memes on Instagram always make me giggle and it has so many useful articles, tips and ideas.
Read more inspiring interviews as part of our online motherhood exhibition and get in touch to share your story with us. We would love to hear from you.
