Originally from New Zealand, Simone Kessell is an acclaimed Australian actress, model and television presenter, who has also worked and lived in the USA. She is currently on our screens in Channel Nine's production of 'Fat Tony & Co' and in the soon to be released feature film 'Singularity', starring Josh Hartnett and Neve Campbell.
She is currently the face of organic yoghurt brand, Jalna and Natural Beauty Ambassador for Ere Perez Natural Cosmetics. Simone lives in Bondi, Sydney with her husband, Australian film director Gregor Jordan and her two children Jack and Beau.
C4K: Your work must be fairly unpredictable. How do you manage child care and parenting?
SK: Managing child care, parenting and working can be testing at the best of times. You have to be really organized, that's the key. When I am not working that's when my husband and I tag team it to get things done. I have help one day a week so we can go on a date. When I'm working it's easier to hire someone full-time. The life of an actress can be very inconsistent, so extra help is always needed.
C4K: Did you take time out of work when you had your two children?
SK: When I had Beau last year I took a year off acting. This was for obvious reasons, but I also wanted to dedicate my time to him and having a baby. I didn't want to rush this; it's a once in a lifetime experience. I am lucky to be able to do this. I feel for mums who have to go back to work straight away. I went back when Beau was 5 months old and it was tough. I was shooting a TV show in Melbourne (Fat Tony & Co) and pumping (expressing) milk in the actors' green room. It was far from glamorous! I would fly back up to Sydney each night or the next day. That was exhausting when I look back on it.
C4K: What sort of child care do you rely on?
SK: I rely on a part-time nanny to help out and on friends when I'm desperate! We don't have any family in town, so between girlfriends, babysitter and my husband we manage to sort it all out.
C4K: Is Gregor a very hands-on dad?
SK: My husband Gregor is very hands-on. I guess that's why I finally decided to have our second child eight years after the first one! Gregor really wanted another and he finally talked me round. He loves having a baby and we share the workload. Having a supportive partner, friends and family really makes all the difference.
C4K: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a mum?
SK: One of my strengths as a mum would be patience. In my day-to-day life I am very impatient, but for some reason with my boys I have all day! I am very tactile with my boys too. My 9-year-old (Jack) is just like me when it comes to cuddles – he'd have them all day every day if he could. My weakness is probably my major dislike of doing the washing! I can't stand folding washing!!! I guess not many people like it really… As I write this I am looking at a pile!
C4K: What are your main priorities as a working mother – or just in motherhood in general?
SK: My priorities are love and gratitude. If my son is grateful and respectful to everyone then I think I am doing a good job. Manners are always a priority. Health and nutrition and knowing that we are here for them ALWAYS are also hugely important.
C4K: You're very health conscious. How do you build health & fitness into your daily regime and around parenting?
SK: Being health conscious can be tough at times. I have my 'Must eat chocolate now' days, but mostly I know that I need to exercise to stay in a good head space. That can be really hard when you have a baby waking through the night. It's all about getting 30 minutes a day for yourself. It's healthy to have stress-free moments every now and then. I sneak off for massages whenever I can. I find this really helps.
C4K: 3 things you wouldn't be without as a working mum?
SK:
- My iPhone. Need that always for communication with my caregiver or husband and I need to know what is happening 24/7 when I am away.
- A great breast pump, essential when working.
- A sense of humour ~ Life is too short not to have one.
Catch Simone in Channel Nine's Fat Tony & Co.
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