Tracey Spicer
Tracey Spicer is one of the most experienced and respected female news presenters on Australian television, with a career spanning 20 years encompassing newsreading, documentary making, reporting, and radio broadcasting.
Renowned for her integrity, sharp mind and calm manner, Tracey is currently an international anchor with Sky News. For ten years prior, the 39-year-old was the face of Network Ten's national Weekend News and mid-week 11am News. But Tracey has always been, first and foremost, a journalist.
How many children do you have? What age / sex are they?
I have two children - Taj, aged 2, and one-year-old Grace.
What has surprised you the most about becoming a mother?
I have been bowled over by the overwhelming love I feel for my children. All the clichés are true. You would truly give up your life for them.
Do you miss anything about your life prior to having children?
Yes - reading! I never seem to have the time to sit down with a good book anymore. Oh - and going out to dinner with my husband, without the accompanying pleas of 'More? More?' from two small humans.
What is the hardest part about being a mum?
The juggling! You always feel guilty about not spending enough time with the kids or not devoting enough energy to work. However, I believe working parents are extremely undervalued in the workplace. Our time management skills are second to none!
How has your relationship with your partner changed since becoming parents?
It has strengthened beyond belief. When you are responsible for the lives of others, you learn to trust each other implicitly.
What advice do you have for new mothers or mothers to be?
Don't try to be a Supermum! It doesn't matter if the house is untidy or the kids have no shoes on. Just remind yourself every day to enjoy the time with your precious little gift - no matter how much they are driving you crazy!
What are you great at?
I've become extremely good at time management and negotiation.
What are you terrible at?
I'm terrible at keeping the house tidy!
How has your attitude to work / career changed since becoming a mother and how do you manage the juggle of family and work?
There is no such thing as a work/family balance. It's always in varying degrees of imbalance. I think, once you accept that, you stop striving for some form of 'perfection' which simply doesn't exist.
What do you think about "me" time? Do you practice it, preach it or have you resigned yourself to the fact that you will have to play catch up later on?
Ha ha - I am quite selfish these days! To maintain some modicum of sanity I allocate time for two yoga sessions a week. On my two 'working days', when I am in the office editing the family travel magazine Out & About With Kids, I schedule in coffee or lunch with friends. It's too easy to grow apart from those you love if you don't make the time.
Who do you admire? Why?
I admire all mothers, especially those who choose to stay at home. You must have the patience of a saint! It is the hardest and most rewarding job in the world.
What kind of 'Australia' do you hope for your children's future?
I would like to see a future where all women have equal opportunities - TRULY equal opportunities - to combine work and family. It's all about choice.
How do you know of the Essential Baby community? Is there anything you would like to say to them?
Essential Baby is a brilliant site for women to share ideas. In knowledge, there is power.
Finally, a question all mums must face (no matter who they are!) - What are you feeding your children for dinner tonight?
Ooh - I haven't looked in the fridge yet!!! I think there's some chicken???
