Chances are you’ve got a soft spot for Nat Bassingthwaighte. Whether it’s from her time in the jungle on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here or her earlier stints on Neighbours and So You Think You Can Dance, there’s no denying the 41-year-old has one heck of an infectious personality and a down-to-earth relatability that makes you feel like you’d be instant best friends. Her post-jungle reunion with her husband Cam and her children, Harper and Hendrix, was too tearjerking for words, but when we finally stopped blubbing, we pulled ourselves together to ask Nat about motherhood, me time and what the kids really think mum does for a living.
How hard was it being away from the kids in the jungle?
It was unbelievably hard. Knowing they were watching and probably laughing at me made me more at ease, but it was still extremely difficult. I normally call or FaceTime when I’m away — it makes being away so much easier — but in saying that, I have only ever been away from them a few days at a time because I could never handle anything longer than that. It’s a little easier now they aren’t babies anymore though.
Tell us about motherhood.
It’s the most rewarding and challenging thing I have ever done in my life. It challenges me daily — I constantly want to be a better mum and I find it’s a juggle with the whole work/life balance — but I never knew love like I do now that I am a mum. It’s changed me in so many ways, from the way I feel to the way I style and carry myself.
What works for you when juggling family and career?
It’s all about what will work for our family. Last year I turned down a three-year contract in a series because it would have meant moving the family or being away from them too often. My daughter was starting school and it didn’t feel right. But now that Hendrix is almost four, we’re open to moving if the right opportunity came our way. I’ve always been a worker. I love the sense of achievement. I also love teaching my kids that making a living doing what you love is so rewarding. It’s finding the balance in life and career that makes all the difference. It’s definitely not seamless! But I do feel so blessed to have an extraordinary husband and really great kids (most of the time!).
How important is some me time when you’re a mum?
Taking time out for yourself is so important. We invest so much energy trying to be everything to everyone that you can forget to stop and recharge. I try to find a few minutes of me time to squeeze into each day, even if it’s as simple as indulging in a hot shower and nourishing hair wash with my fav Pantene Pro-Vitamin Sheer Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. Especially after the freezing cold water from the jungle!
So what do the kids think mummy does for work?
Last year Harper thought I was a designer because most of my days in the past two years have been spent growing Chi Khi, my baby and kids’ clothing business. I’m always bringing home fabric samples and outfits for the kids to try on. Last year we took them to a show we did and they watched our sound check — I think that was weird for them. Harper did catch me in a short, dark wig and brown contacts once, practicing an American accent one night for an audition. I think she thought I was just a bit crazy! Now after the whole jungle experience, they may think I am an adventurer.
Has jungle life spilled over into real life?
We have implemented no TV or phones in the morning when getting ready for school. It has given us time to be together without too many distractions and has made the crazy morning hour a little less crazy! Plus, no phones around dinner time. We are getting there. There are a few other things I’m going to implement now I am out of the jungle like set working hours (even more than before) so I can be more present in everything I do. I’m working on compartmentalising the day-to-day stuff so I am not always saying ‘in a minute’.
What’s your advice for fellow mums?
The thought of becoming a mother — and things changing so much — can be terrifying, but you’ve just got to embrace it! New mums, be kind and patient with yourself. Your baby is learning and so are you. You will get to know each other. It just takes time. Sleep when you can… there is never enough sleep! The ‘mistakes’ are what ultimately makes us stronger so look forward, not back. I found that the little things, like changing up my hair, helped me feel stronger and more in control; once you feel confident in yourself, you can tackle anything motherhood throws at you. And you will never stop feeling guilty.
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