MOTHERHOOD MINIS: BITESIZE INTERVIEWS WITH REAL MUMS - KEEPING IT REAL WITH ALI
Hey everyone and welcome to our March edition of Motherhood Minis, featuring bitesize interviews with real mums. A quick unfiltered glimpse into the lives of our Matchstick Monkey parents and their little ones!
This week, we chat with the lovely Ali Buckley. Ali is a mum, wife and Mamas&Papas Panellist. Ali’s Instagram will leave you aesthetically pleased, with her amazing photography skills. Ali is also a Boden Partner - a fashion retailer for all ages (but their baby clothes are worth taking a look at).
We catch up over a non-decaf coffee at the 3 am club (we all belonged to it, ladies!), winging motherhood and the importance of recharging.
Question Time!
How many children do you have?
Ali: I have two boys, my eldest is called Otis and is 3 years old. My youngest is called Marlow and he has just turned nine months old!
Do you have any pets?
Ali: We have a cat (who I love to pieces) and 4 chickens...weird I know!
What region of the country do you live in?
Ali: We are from Hampshire, South England.
What are your favourite aspects about being a parent?
Ali: My kids bring me so much joy every day. They challenge me in so many ways. But just making them happy is everything to me. The lack of sleep is worth it when you get to see their smiles everyday.
Of all the baby stages, which have you found the most challenging?
Ali: Each stage has different challenges. For me I guess I was lucky that my babies were quite chilled. But when my toddler hit the terrible twos that’s been a challenging time (I am dreading it when Marlow turns 2!)
What are your top tips for dealing with the day after a less than restful night?
Ali: Be kind to yourself. If you can grab a shower and a hot cuppa then great. But if you do nothing and sit around all day in your pj’s that’s totally cool too!
What was the best advice that you could give to an expectant mum/dad?
Ali: 1. Sleep whenever possible 2. You can’t cuddle them too much no matter what anyone says. 3. Remember ‘it’s just a phase’ …
Do you see yourself as an influencer and how has your growing Instagram following changed your day to day life?
Ali: In part yes, I have a dedicated following on Instagram and my online community is strong. However, I have been on Instagram my entire ‘mum’ life. I started the account straight after having Otis. Therefore, I don’t think a lot has changed - but I have found so many digital mum friends on Instagram, who I get on with really well!
Why do you think your account has become so popular, is this something you planned from the start?
Ali: I never planned for this to happen. To start with it was just to make connections with other mums when I was night feeding. But then it became a creative outlet and that’s when my feed became rather magical… I now absolutely love photography and even share some tips on my Instagram feed!
How old were your children when they started to teeth?
Ali: Otis didn’t get his first tooth until he was eight months old. But my youngest had two teeth by 4 months (lucky me!)
Did any of your children have symptoms of teething, or did they just come through without a fuss?
Ali: Otis would sleep terribly before his teeth came in. However, with Marlow he dribbles loads!!
Did you use any teething products? If so, what helped?
Ali: I use tethers like the Matchstick Monkey, and I love Ashton & Pardons Teething Powders, and Anbesol liquid.
To read more of our Motherhood Mini Series, click here.