With Mother's Day quickly approaching, we've chatted to some of the beautiful mothers in our team, community and brand partners about how they plan on spending their special day solely from their homes this year, how the lockdown has altered their mothering styles, and what FR gifts they would adore.

 

Natalie Leigh is based in the Mount and is the brains behind our website development. She runs web design and development studio NJL Studio with a strong focus on bespoke e-commerce stores.
 

What has lockdown taught you?

It has taught me to be grateful for a lot of the experiences I have had and to savour the beauty of moments in nature and with family. It has taught me to be more considered with my purchases and what media (news/social) I absorb.

 

What have been the biggest challenges during this time for you?

Not being able to hug, eat and drink with friends and family. Concerns for our family and friends overseas.  Balancing work and being a mum to son Milan within our little bubble.

 

If you could pick one gift from Father Rabbit for Mother's Day, what would you want?

The 20cm Boxwood Pallares Stainless Steel Knife, for a lifetime knife :)

 

What are your plans for Mother's Day in level 3 lockdown?

A surf or swim and baby kisses from Milan for my first ever Mothers Day.

 

Can you please share some honest and real thoughts about mothers, Covid-19 and the future?

I have a newfound respect for mothers and their day to day courage and strength (and weaknesses). Mothers are so resilient and courageous and powerful. The more we can live a slower pace of life, be kind to ourselves in the face of our daily struggles, and be kind to the environment (i.e. eating as many plants as possible, shop consciously) this, in turn, can have a positive effect on the beautiful world we live in and models these values to our families and our communities. There is a huge collective trauma and personal trauma happening across the world, Covid-19 has brought the world to a halt like nothing else ever could. In the midst of this tragedy and while the earth pauses and takes a breath, we can grieve, allow space for ourselves and give where we can to those in need, and reimagine a future where we are kinder, more compassionate, balanced and harmonious with ourselves, others, animals and all life on this beautiful planet.

 

 

Kelly is based in Byron Bay and is our clever cookie who looks after our digital strategy for advertising online with KMC. These people are our lifesavers especially in times like these.

What has lockdown taught you?

That the things that truly make me happiest in life are everything I have right in front of me. 

 

What have been the biggest challenges during this time for you?

The misinformation being shared on Instagram. I get that we're in a confusing and overwhelming time and many of us are looking for answers, but people sharing conspiracies that have no scientific or medical credibility is not only frustrating, it's irresponsible!  

If you could pick one gift from Father Rabbit for Mother's Day, what would you want?

It is impossible to choose just one!  The Yamazaki Tosca Laundry Basket, the Father Rabbit Bouquet of Essential Carbon Steel Knives, the Yamazaki Tosca Tool Stand, Hotel Magique 'Someplace Maqique' and 'Apple' prints and the Lucas Armchair in White are all top of my list. Not too much to ask, right?

 

Can you please share some honest and real thoughts about mothers, Covid-19 and the future?

Like many of my friends, clients and peers, I juggle a business with raising my children because I wanted a more flexible lifestyle. I lived in Sydney for six years and while I adored it, the general feel down there is 'more'. More money, more things, a more senior role... When I decided to launch my consultancy when my first daughter was only four months old, no one really blinked an eye. You just get back into it. However, there were times I felt I had to hide the juggle because the expectation was that you do just get on with it. 

 

My approach has changed significantly over the years and I am now lucky enough to work predominantly with clients who are also doing the work-life / mum life dance. I stopped working with those whose expectations didn't align with mine and I feel like the current working from home situation has truly humanised that the juggle is a reality for so many families, every single day. Instead of hastily rushing the kids out of the room while you take a meeting, clients are asking how your kids are. They want to see them and say hi to them. They don’t mind that you’re on a Zoom call in the garage or hiding out in your room.  

 

While this has been the case for my business and clients for some time, I think the bigger businesses are now also seeing that flexibility does not mean less productivity. It's complete bullshit, to be frank, that there is still an expectation that women are mothers at home and employees at work – and I think Covid-19 happened at a time when the world needed it most. 

 

We’re all campaigning for better support for working mothers (and fathers) but until we have all collectively had to live it, I just don’t think many could actually comprehend it.

 

I can only hope through this experience employers will become kinder, more empathetic, more understanding and more trusting - you know, actually treat working parents like human beings! And I hope that all the parents who have been working their asses off both at home and at work feel confident to set clear boundaries because I truly believe we can do both and we shouldn't ever feel guilty for wanting to be home for our kid's dinner time / bath time / school performances or assemblies. 

 

What are your plans for Mother's Day in level 3 lockdown?

We live in Lennox Head in Australia and have been in lockdown for over 4 weeks now. We're lucky enough to live in a pretty quiet part of the world so we've been able to head to the beach both morning and afternoon for a swim (it counts as exercise) and I imagine Mother's Day will be spent much the same, the only difference will be that we can also now get takeaway coffee from our local, Shelter. We'll also try to lock in a FaceTime with my mum and mother in law in New Zealand at some stage too.

 

 

Carina is on our fabulous team at Father Rabbit and Best Abroad. 

What has lockdown taught you? 

Lockdown has taught me to slow down and breathe, to get outdoors rain or shine, and to take pleasure in both the simple things and the messy things.

 

If you could pick one gift from Father Rabbit for Mother's Day, what would you want?

A Sophie Bobble Kit scarf in Khaki.

 

Can you please share some honest and real thoughts about mothers, Covid-19 and the future?

I think mums put a lot of pressure on themselves - whether as a full time/part-time working mum or a stay at home mum - they try and give their all and often don't leave any time for themselves. It's ok to have a messy house (looking back on my childhood I have no idea if my home was tidy or not!), to have a mountain of laundry dating back to last week, to feed the kids porridge for dinner and to escape for a few hours of 'me' time. 

Mothering through COVID has had its ups and downs, some days are definitely better than others -  thank goodness for Netflix! A friend of mine told her kids this is a Corona holiday. I like that. My kids are young and don't need to know anything other than this being a special family time, and a holiday from school and daycare. I haven't thought too much about the future and life post lockdown, I'm not a big planner and just go with the flow as and when things happen.

  

What are your plans for Mother's Day in lockdown? 

I'm mostly hoping for a lie-in! A cup of tea in bed and an uninterrupted hour of reading my book would also be nice.

 

So many of our beautiful graphics on our products are by Natalie Moinfar Design. Beautiful Father Rabbit diaries and stationery anyone? 

What has lockdown taught you?

To be patient, to be kind to yourself and to not sweat the small stuff. Being at home with two little ones can be hard and you feel like you're trying to keep everyone entertained and educated every moment of every day. Don't worry if you just have a lazy day with the kids and need to take a moment to yourself. I've found going for a walk on my own or with the dog (without kids) can really reset me - its been so important to take these small moments for myself.

 

What have the biggest challenges been for you during lockdown?

The biggest challenge has just been trying to adjust to every day being the same - creating our own family agenda so we can keep everyone happy. No matter how tired we might feel (lockdown does make you tired) we try and get out for a big walk every morning to wake us up and reset for each day. That way we come home feeling fresh and can get into our day.

Also feeling like there is no downtime, from looking after the kids all day, feeding, cleaning, cooking - at the end of the day the house is a big mess so really getting used to not sitting down until about 8.30 pm has been pretty tiring.  

 

If you could pick one gift from Father Rabbit for Mother's Day, what would you want?

I love a good kitchen accessory and love The Society Inc brass dish rack - for someone who has a dish rack on their benchtop 24/7 this would make my drying dishes look so much nicer! I also love a good Rains jacket and love the green trench.

 

Can you please share some honest and real thoughts about mothers, Covid-19 and the future?

I think a lot of mums put a lot of pressure on themselves and many don't realise just how amazing they are. Being a mum is hard work and it's full-on and being in lockdown has really put into perspective just how hard it can be. We are trying to parent and best the best teachers/educators we can be during this time. Some days just don't work out as planned and we have to be ok with that. I think Covid-19 has taught us that in the future we cant be so hard on ourselves and just have to take each day as it comes. Be kind to ourselves because everything we are doing with our kids is teaching them and nurturing them in some way. As long as they are feeling happy and loved, then that's okay.

 

What are your plans for Mother's Day in level 3 lockdown?

I hope to have a really lazy day with my family, spend the whole morning in our pyjamas drinking coffee (me) and having a yummy breakfast. Then probably another walk around the neighbourhood and then dancing at 5 (our entire street dances outside their houses at 5 pm every night - it's amazing! So good for the soul!)

 

Gorgeous Anna is part of our Father Rabbit retail team! She'll be joining you virtually in Level 3 with her supreme sales skills.

What has lockdown taught you? 

Patience - and that I need a lot of it. 

If you could pick one gift from Father Rabbit for Mother's Day, what would you want?

The scent 103 Floral by Bon Parfumeur.

 

Can you please share some honest and real thoughts about mothers, Covid-19 and the future?

That we are an amazing nation us kiwis and we are all in this together. I read a quote on my morning walk which really resonated with me. Mothers are like the hull of a canoe, they are the heart of the family. 

 

What are your plans for Mother's Day in lockdown? 

I try not to set me expectations too high!! However, a lazy sleep in, followed by some good coffee and a bunch of gorgeous flowers would absolutely make my day! Hint hint boys!   

 

Irene is the glue keeping our financials together and up to date so we can make quick decisions and pivot our way through Level 4, 3 and 2. Where would we be without Irene!

What has lockdown taught you?

Lockdown has taught me that we really need very little to enjoy a wonderful life. Being in the confines of our house and neighbourhood has made me appreciate and be grateful for all we have as a family. I'm sure I will not take anything for granted again!

 

If you could pick one gift from Father Rabbit for Mother's Day, what would you want?

So hard to choose just one! But I think I would go for a pair of La Tribe Della Moccasins.

 

Can you please share some honest and real thoughts about mothers, Covid-19 and the future?

Being a Mum is hard, it can be at times physically demanding and emotionally draining - in the lockdown this is amplified a hundred times over! But even on the hardest days, it's the best job and my kids are my pride and joy. When they were born, my love for them hit me instantly and on a daily basis I feel that love with the same intensity and that's the biggest gift. In my opinion, Covid-19 has brought about the best in people. We have seen such great acts of generosity and kindness and it has united people in the best way possible. I also love seeing how businesses have used this as a time to innovate and it makes me excited for what's next. 

 

What are your plans for Mother's Day in lockdown? 

Get takeaways! As much as I love cooking I will be keen for a night out of my kitchen!

 

Maya is one of our darling customers and great friend. Maya is the founder of Kōpiko Sourdough... launching officially later this year. You thought you knew sourdough... stand by for next level! We have been part of her Beta phase set up and we look forward to her bread delivery every week. 

What has lockdown taught you?