Founder YummyMummyClub.ca
The Search for balance
A Yummy Mummy's 
Journey
The day my son Josh was born, my focus shifted from career to family. For eight months I marveled at his perfect nose, his delightful demeanor and the warmth of his body. But slowly, my own personal needs begin trickling to the front of my brain and the idea of work became intriguing again. .
Careful What You Wish For
Since television has been my métier for the last couple of decades, it became the avenue I pursued. For three years I worked on creating an innovative television series specifically for moms; a show that would resonate with women worldwide. Well, you know the old adage, “Be careful what you wish for because it might come true.” I began living the life I wished for and, occasionally, suffered the consequences.
In May 2004, Discovery Health greenlit Yummy Mummy, my parenting show for the music video generation. I was ecstatic. As I had hoped, the series is an innovative take on the realities of modern parenthood with a bit of a cheeky edge. An especially exciting aspect is the added layer of animation that sets this show apart from any other parenting show on the planet. But here lies the hidden catch. The more innovative and complex the show is, the more time on set is required by the host/producer. The more I work, the less I see my kids.
When creating our list of over one hundred stories required for all 26 episodes of Yummy Mummy, we had lively brainstorming sessions. Pieces on sleep deprivation, fertility, post baby fitness, family cars, talking about sex with your kids, the perfect stroller were some of the ideas thrown about.
What About Life Balance?
But one of the ongoing themes that continued to rear its ugly head is balance. For example, how to find time to have sex with your significant other when you’re too tired to put a sentence together? Or, why is it that working women are still expected to do the lion’s share of housework? And, how to get back to work after maternity leave without damaging your family life?
Before diving into production of Yummy Mummy, my days as a freelance writer/host were essentially my own. I created my schedule and made sure to build in time with my kids. The minute I signed my contract with the broadcasters, was the day I gave up my freedom. Suddenly there were truckloads of people depending on me to look good, sound great and lead our television troupes to Gemini glory. A typical studio-shooting day started at 9am until 7pm. I made sure to drive Josh to school every morning so we could have some alone time before rushing off to studio. But I missed playing with him and Jessie, and hated missing supper with my family.
The range of emotions that ran through my brain on an ongoing basis include guilt (to be missing dinner), joy (to be working), guilt (to be feeling joy), anger (that I can’t control my schedule), pride (to be working with such a great group), frustration (that I can’t find the balance), relief (that my family is so helpful and understanding) and guilt (that I feel so blessed).
When we started production, I spoke with our series’ production manager, Jennifer, who has 2 young children and worked full time, about how she manages to balance her career and home. Her solution – a stay at home husband. Tara, line producer at our company, also mother of 2, has a team of nannies, friends and family she can call to fill in when she works late. I took her advice and managed to assemble a Yummy support team that includes my husband, my mother, my mother in law and my nanny. Without them, I’m not sure how I could have justified taking all that time to make my show.
The shooting for Yummy Mummy lasted another 3 months, and then wrapped for the season. Translation – life returned to normal. When the cameras stopped rolling I took a short break to spend some quality time with my family.
Then, I sat down and started building the
www.yummymummyclub.ca website, another full time job. I can’t help it. Working is what makes me feel good. But, this time I was a mompreneur, working for myself.
Working Moms - I Salute You
To all moms who work long hours on a full time basis, my heart goes out to you. I congratulate you on keeping your personal dreams alive, and commiserate with you on your struggle to find balance. It’s never easy being a Yummy Mummy, but in the end, hopefully it’s all worth it.
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