Meet Zoe Withers, Proud Mama, Coffee Enthusiast and Blog Writer

Baby Advice New Parents

Are you looking for the best baby advice, new parents?  Then no doubt you’ll want to learn from other parents who have overcome the challenges you’re facing.  #babyadvicenewparents

On ThinkBaby.org, I found the most amazing answers to these common parenting struggles and more…

• Surviving Sleepless Nights
• Quick and Easy Potty Training
• Safest Baby Sunscreens
• What to Pack when Flying with Baby
• Toddler Play Activities

Here’s a rare insight into the life and ethos of one of the Writers and Founders of ThinkBaby.org, Zoe Withers.  

Meet Zoe Withers of ThinkBaby.org

Who did you have in mind when created your blog? 

Honestly, all three of my beautiful babies. They are all so special to me, and I wanted to share my journey with them.

I also thought about other women who were pregnant or going through the same struggles that I did, like infertility. And also the daily struggles of being a parent as well.

I wanted to create a ‘safe space’ for trying parents, soon to be parents and new parents, and let them know they weren’t alone in their journey, whatever stage that may be.

Why did you take the decision to become a blogger? 

I’ve had a passion for writing and always wanted to start a blog, I just never had any reason to or where to start. My kids truly gave me the inspiration to create a space where I could write about my life freely and escape the outside world for a little while.

What has been the number one highlight of your career as a Blogger or Mom Entrepreneur? 

Meeting such fantastic, like-minded mothers along my journey. I don’t have too many friends outside of my blog in person, and meeting so many from around the world and forming such beautiful friendships (even online) has been such a blessing for me.

What has been the greatest challenge for you to overcome as a mother? 

I would say overcoming my infertility period that lasted almost 3 years. It was the most challenging period for my husband and I.  I honestly thought it would never end.

On the other hand, that stage in my life has truly shaped my husband and I into the parents we are today and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

Has it been tricky balancing work and home life?

It is always tricky trying to balance work, a home life and a social life, but I’ve found prioritizing my tasks each day has made my life much easier.

I always separate a time period where I focus on my work and a time period where I focus on my family. The balance of both makes life move much easier.

I talk a lot about self-care and self-love as a parent on my blog and I think it’s extremely important to look after ourselves as we simply won’t be able to look after anyone or anything else if we don’t nurture ourselves, both mentally and physically.

Do you work from home? If so, what does your room or desk look like? 

Yes, I work as a writer from home.

My room is very zen-balanced, very cosy and very comfortable. It has a beautiful violet colour to its walls, with lots of antique furniture and family photos everywhere.

My desk is crazy and messy — and I always say that that’s because it truly reflects my personality (wait, did I just admit I’m crazy?).

Do you have any daily rituals to maintain a work-life balance? 

I like to wake up around 6 am, have a cup or two (or four) of coffee, and spend the entire day getting my work done.

Then, I like to spend the evening relaxing with my husband and my kids. The hubby and I both take weekends off for family time, as it is a huge priority for us.

The important thing to remember is that balance is key, because, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy after all (and if you haven’t seen The Shining, trust me, nobody wants a dull boy!).

Do you have a message you would like the world to hear? 

My favourite quote is the message that I always like to preach, and that is, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” by the Dalai Lama.

Is there anything you know now, that you wish you knew when you first became a mother? 

How to enjoy every moment, even the little and irritable ones like changing diapers and those endless tantrums.

I wish more than anything I had enjoyed them more (believe it or not), as I now recognize they won’t last forever and I will eventually miss them one day.

Is there anything you feel you gained by becoming an entrepreneur/blogger? 

The ability to express myself in ways I had not previously known. I have become much more open about my life, my struggles and my insecurities when I had previously been very private.

My blog, ThinkBaby.org, more than anything, has helped me to truly discover who I am rather than who I was pretending to be.

What are your hopes for 2018? 

Honestly, I’m hoping for another baby (bazinga!).

If there was anything I could help you with, what would it be? 

I certainly wouldn’t mind a helping hand throughout the ‘terrible twos’ period or dealing with tantrum after tantrum! You bring the help and I’ll bring the coffee!

Aah, I know where you can get help on that.  I found the answer to tantrums in Hand in Hand Parenting. Read more here.

How many children do you have?  What are their names and ages?

I have 3 little beans. One 4-year-old, one 2-year-old, and one 12 months.

My oldest is named Daisy, my second child is Poca, and my third is Sebastian, or “Bash” (yes, I’m a Disney-loving mama, if you couldn’t tell by their names!).

What do you do for a living? 

I’m a mom first and foremost and I am a freelance writer.

When did you become a Mompreneur?

I became a mompreneur after my second child was born. I felt like I had a decent amount of knowledge about babies at that point (or maybe I’m just really good at winging it), and could provide new parents with some helpful tips!

Where do you work most days?

I work from at home on the computer, but I do like to stop by my favourite little coffee shop each week and do work from there as well (and snag half a dozen cups of coffee while I’m at it – you feel me, new moms?).

How many days per week do you work, on average? 

2-3 days. My husband and I always take the weekends off to reserve for family time.

How many hours do you estimate you work per day, on average?

Usually between 3-4 (who knew writing was so involved, right?).

What do you find more Challenging? Being a Mom, or being an Entrepreneur?

Both have their challenges in different ways, but they are very opposite in the sense of why. Mom challenges, for example, are the kind of challenges that I really love because I adore my kids more than anything, and I never see any of it as a chore.

Entrepreneurship, on the other hand, feels more like, well, work! And I know I’m not alone when I say that we can all get fed up with work every now and then.

What do you find more fulfilling? Being a Mom, or being an Entrepreneur?

Without a doubt being a mother. I have wanted nothing more in my entire life than to be a mother. I don’t know who I would be without my husband and my children.

What struggles have you faced as a new parent? Do you have any questions for Zoe? Feel free to join the conversation below.