Once in a while we have a little chat with someone with a special job, an inspiring life, a remarkable character or an out of the box vision.
This time we spoke with Regina Romeijn, mother of Bardot Yavuz (2 years old)
What about her?
Mother of: Bardot Yavuz (2 years old)
Business: Full time business consultant
What’s keeping your head up during Momma-Hood?
My spare moments with my daughter. I love the
freetime I have and I spend it all on her. During the week I go out
after she is in bed. And in the weekend I go to the gym when she has her
daily nap. I love to take her to the theater, or little gym. Walk in
the woods or on the beach. Or just have a stroll to the playground in
the park.
What’s made you (almost) crazy?
The sleepless nights. The first year and a half she would wake up
almost every night, multiple times. I thought I was losing it. After
nine months I refused to get up. My body couldn't anymore. Then my
boyfriend stepped in. We are terrible at leaving her, or letting her cry
for a bit. So with every squeak we are at the side of her bed. That doesn't help either.
After a year and a half it got better. Now it is just a few nights per week that she has a nightmare or something.
What / who brings the fun?
My daughter brings the fun. She is a very cheerful child. Loves to cuddle and dance. So we turn the music up regularly and
make funny dances. She can't stop laughing when we do. She tries to
sing along with songs she hears on the radio and is very telling. So
everyday I get a detailed report of her activities of the day. Including
who she has hit and if she has been sweet or not.
What’s the story your baby should not hear when he/she is a teenager?
I
don't want her to think about adult stress. Money, pressure, weight. I
think she should stay free of those burdens. Especially girls and weight
is a tough one. We are already focussed on building her self esteem as
much as we can, hoping for a solid foundation for when she is older.
Knowing this is wishful thinking, because a lot can happen to a child.
But I hope she can be young and free spirited as long as possible.
What advice do you wish you had ignored?
On
the baby advice, I wish I wouldn't have been so rigid in thinking there
was A/ONE right way to do things. That kept me in a straitjacket for
too long. It was my sister who opened my eyes and brought in different
perspectives; like: why don't you take powder milk along when you leave
the house, because I was stressing about breast feeding. I never thought
of that as an option. Sometimes you just get stuck in your head.
What advice do you wish to pass on?
Give
yourself a break. In every possible way. It's all new. You are doing
things with the best of intent. You are doing great! Plan a moment for
yourself. Everybody talks about partner-time, but let's start with
you-time first. It is really something, being a new mum. And a moment of
relaxation, massage, or just a long night of sleep or nap in a nice
quiet room can be great. Go get a facial, or take a long walk in the
dunes. You will notice it will put things back into perspective.
Any advise for mums starting up their own businesses?
Take
time to organize and create a back up plan for when the shit hits the fan. The back up sitter and the back up "get them from school" people.
Make things as clear as possible. That will keep a clear head and leave
your child(ren) without questions and with regularity. So time together
will immediately become quality time.
Include
the dads, don't be the "I can do it all by myself, see how I can keep
twelve balls in the air without collapsing-mummy". I does not hurt to
ask for help. You don't fail. And other feel worthy because
they can help. Be
direct in your needs, especially if you are a single mom and create a
network of support around you. People will help you if they know what exactly they can help you with.
