Please introduce yourself:
Hello, I am Georgina Hood and I founded Paint Pots Montessori Nurseries and Creative Classes over 30 years ago. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with children. I have 4 grown-up children currently aged 20 to 24 years and yes, I have twins! My eldest child was 4 years old and my second child was 2 and a half, meaning that when the twins were born, I had 4 children four and under!
How do you manage to juggle the work and life balance as a mother?
It is busy but with planning, organisation, flexibility and a sense of humour over the years I have managed to cope. I have two boys and two girls including one child with special needs so planning is always essential. I am very lucky to have a very experienced team at Paint Pots and good friends who I can call upon in times of need.
What top tips would you give to any working mum?
Honestly? Be kind to yourself. Create regular slots for named time by yourself just as you organise everyone and everything else in your life. If you are happy it will rub off on your family and the team you work with.
What do you love most about London? Do you have a favourite spot with your children?
I agree with Dr Samuel Johnson (1777) “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford”.
I love the creativity and diversity of our city and as a family, we are still discovering new “villages” today. Paint Pots opened a new nursery in Westbourne Grove last September and I am really enjoying an excuse to be back in Notting Hill with its cafés, restaurants and quirky independent shops. When the children were younger we spent a lot of time in Hyde Park and Battersea Park playing and picnicking as a family.
How do you define quality ‘me-time’?
I love to be in my house with nobody else in it. Except maybe my ‘fur family’, my Burmese cats and pugs! I also practice Reiki, so it is very important to me to find even a small slice of time each day. Usually early in the morning.
What is your favourite & least favourite thing about parenthood?
Sleep deprivation had to have been my least favourite part. Thankfully those times have passed now. I also don’t like the feeling that as a parent you are splitting yourself into lots of tiny pieces. Being “good enough” really is enough as a parent.
One of my favourite things though is Sunday lunch. Looking around the table, all being together laughing, chatting, eating and sharing our day. I feel very passionately about the importance of family eating.
Tell us something people don’t know about you.
I was adopted when I was a baby. This is not a secret but has influenced my life as a mother and my approach to my professional role.
Given we are all about embracing Motherhood, what advice would you give a first time Mum?
In the first few months with your baby accept the right offers of help. Let someone else look after you so you can look after your new baby and enjoy this precious time together. As your child gets older try and spends some time outside your home with other new mothers and babies which should help you feel supported. We run classes at Paint Pots for babies over 6 months old and are always delighted at how the babies and mothers interact, often becoming friends for life.
I’m a mum and……
I am also an individual in my own right.
Finally, please let us know what you love most about Kensington Mums?
I like the community spirit of Kensington Mums and the feeling that we, parents, are all in it together. My own experience as a mother and a teacher has helped me to understand what other parents are going through and I can see this in Kensington Mums too.
For more information on Paint Pots
For more information about Paint Pots and to arrange a visit see https://www.paint-pots.co.uk/, email office@paint-pots.co.uk or call 0207 223 123.
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.
