Meet Tate, a mum of three in Australia. Her days rarely follow a script, yet she spots the small decisions that set the tone. She chooses to slow the pace when it matters, to step outside when the room feels tight, and to stick with what actually helps. She explains that keeping things simple and taking small, practical steps can keep family life workable, even when sleep is thin.

What was your wildride?

My wild ride is our little one is literally permanently attached to me, and I love it, but my back pays the price some days. 🫣 We are always up for an adventure, and 9 time out of 10 they are unplanned. I had just cleaned the car out, taken everything out of it, and didn’t put the pram back in as I had planned to clean it too. We headed out and decided to walk our way through a new country town, off-road trails included, and she decided walking wasn’t for her. 🤣 THANKFULLY, one of my Wildride carriers was tucked away in my mum bag. She was on my hip and no more tears, just cuddles, as we strolled through the rest of the trip. 🥰

What surprised you most about parenthood? (Something funny, touching, or totally unexpected.)

The lack of sleep you can and do live off (we had no idea how little sleep we would get. I don’t think anyone can prepare you for that). 

But the amount of LOVE when they wrap their little arms around you and your heart expands every single time. It’s a feeling like no other! 🥺

What’s your favorite place to go on a mini adventure with your kid? (It can be close to home or a hidden gem.)

When we lived in Melbourne, our pick would be hidden back beaches on the peninsula that took a good hike to get to, but they were always full of rock pools and rocks to climb for the kids. Hours n hours of fun.

Tell us something about your hobbies / doing with kids / daily moments.

If we aren’t at the beach, fully immersed in nature, we are home doing arts and crafts, school, baking cookies in the kitchen, and child-led play. We love our wooden toys and puzzles.

Beste life hack for kids.

Ok, maybe a random one, but water fixes most things. 😂

If they’re emotional, tired, cranky (any of the feels), put them in or near water: beach, bath, shower, sensory play, or even just a bucket with water and a couple of farm animals. Water fixes everything! 

Winner for lunch – what’s your best tip for lunch on the go? (Favorite snacks, smart containers, or quick ideas that always work.)

Stainless steel bento boxes!!! 

We are very much a good snack-plate fam, not a "you have to have a big meal" type. 

They love a good bento lunch box of mixed things like meat, cheese, fruit, and seeds. 

With a travel cup of cacao peanut butter smoothie too!

What’s one thing you always carry with you since becoming a parent? (Besides snacks… or is it snacks?)

Baby wipes and ALWAYS a change of clothes in the boot for all kids because they always end up in the water. 😂 

What’s in your bag?

Natural healing kit (for any accidents out and about).
Mini bag of toys.
Water bottle.
Baby wipes.
Soft cuddle toy.
Wildride carrier.
Wallet.
Snacks, depending on how long we'll be out haha.

Parents lies to get things done. 

Hmm, we don't do too many of these, but maybe it's not really a lie. If I have to mop the floors and wait for them to dry, I’ll say something like, “The floor is lava. It’s too hot from the steam. 😂 Until it’s dry, you can’t walk on it.” 🤭

What’s your go-to song for a fun walk or ride with your kid? (We might just add it to our playlist!)

At the moment, it’s anything Tyler Childers. 

If you had a day off just for yourself, how would you spend it? (A little daydreaming is allowed.)

Ok, if we are daydreaming, 🤭 honestly, a day at a spot where you can immerse yourself in relaxation: hot springs, spa, massage, sauna, meditation, with all whole foods cooked for you, every meal sorted for the day haha, and then coming home to a cleaned house. 😂 But we’re just daydreaming, right?

What’s the last thing your child said that made you laugh? (Kids really do say the funniest things.)

My son had just taken a shower (he has long hair), and he asked if I could “Un wet his hair”. 😂

What’s your number one trick to get your child to fall asleep? (A bedtime ritual, a special song, or just a bit of magic?)

Oh gosh, probably the wrong question to ask me. You’d think as a mum of 3 I’d figure it out by now, but nope haha, we have 3 non-sleepers. 🙃 So I’m here for any suggestions anyone can send my way haha.

I will say, I think my favourite moments ever with all three was being able to feed them to sleep, no matter where we were in the baby stages. 🥺 I'm forever grateful for those beautiful breastfeeding moments!

If you could give one piece of advice to a new parent, what would it be?

You don’t need to buy all the things you think you need to! 

Less is SOOOOO MUCH MORE. 

Less is SOOOOO MUCH MORE. 

Tate shows that you do not need a grand plan to have a good day. You need moves that fit the hour and the freedom to switch when the mood turns. Over time, those small, well-timed choices become the stories you remember.