Emily & Filippa

 

What has changed in your life since you became a mother?
The spontaneity presents noticeably less often in our lives. However it doesn’t matter as it’s such a joy to be a mother. The love, affection and much more that you get from kids is indescribable.

 What things do you want to teach your child/ children?
There is a poster on the wall in my kids’ room which says ‘Be your own kind of Beautiful’.

 What do you like most to do all together?
Basically everything. We enjoy our time both at home and outdoors. We love playing and creating at home but we also very much enjoy going out for a walk in a park or driving to a beach for a picnic.

 What’s the best thing about being a mother?
The love I get to get from my kids. They are so incredibly happy to see me when I come back, even if I was away for a short time, only one night, it doesn’t matter. Their joy is a pure magic for me.

What did surprise you about motherhood?
I was completely taken aback by the fact that I can be such a patient peaceful mother, haha!

 What is typical about your child/children?
Well they both love cuddling, it’s so nice! Filippa can’t wait to go to a theater. She sings the whole day long. Beer is more closed compared to his sister. I guess he has it from me. But he also is very sensitive. Sometimes he says something and I’m on a verge of crying as his words are so sweet for a five years old boy. Beer always takes care of his little sister. If he gets something he makes sure his sister has it as well. He’s very neat meanwhile Filippa is a little mess.

EMILY & FILLIPA ARE WEARING:

What are you looking for when it comes to toys and playing?
I always seek toys that stimulate creativity. As we say in Dutch “You can be creative even with a piece of cork”. I want that for my kids.

  What are your favorite places to take your kids to?
Beach, Amstelveld in Amsterdam, plays and musicals for children.

 What are the things you can’t live without since you became a mother?
Nenuco (Spanish au de Cologne), Vanish, a cream against scars, and diaper wipes.

 What’s the invention of the century when it comes to kids?
Kapla, construction planks for all ages.

 What’s your advice to all newbie moms?
Shouting doesn’t help. Breath.

What do you find difficult as a parent and how do you try to solve the difficulties?
I think I find the most difficult the fact that as a mother you are being continuously tested. I have to draw the lines and boundaries all the time. It can be exhausting.

 How do you prefer raising your child/children, what works for you?
Let them know the boundaries and don’t talk to them as they are mentally disabled. They are kids, not idiots.

 As a mother what would you like to do differently?
I’d love to have days less busy. I have quite a busy schedule due to which time flies. I wish I had more of it, of time.

What’s your favorite moment of the day?
I bet it’s in the morning biking with the kids to drop them off at school.

How do you unwind? What is a nice treat for you?
For me it’s important to have a social life next to being a mother. It helps me a lot.

 Do you have any special traditions/ rituals at home?
During weekends we always have feisty breakfasts all together.

What’s important to you interior-wise, when it comes to creating a home?
We have a house to live in and enjoy, not a museum. It’s important for me that there are no uber expensive things that can be broken in million pieces by a running kid.

 Where do you shop for your kid(s)?
Paris, Zara, and Big & Belg.

 What are your favorite clothing brands and stores?
Gray Label of course!

How do you stay in shape, physically and emotionally?
I do boxing. That helps to let some steam out both physically and emotionally.

 When does your heart melt?
Once I got all dressed up to go to a party. I came downstairs and Beer’s mouth felt open. He said “mom you are so beautiful”.

What do you like about your partner as a father?
Being a father is his second nature. We also completely understand each other and we are partners when it comes to everything, including rising our kids.

 How does your date-night look like?
We love going out for a delicious meal with a great bottle of wine and then continue into a bar with a gin tonic or a vodka sparking water.