 Did you have any food cravings during any of your pregnancies?
I loved mustard on everything! Funny thing is, before being pregnant I hated it! Now I still love it. Same thing happened with my mum - she hated onions until she was pregnant and loves them still.
How do you think you changed when you became a Mum for the first time?
Everything changed for me, even my career. I then had a position in real estate marketing, but once I become a mother my focus turned to raising good human beings. I began with a small support group, this grew to several large groups, I wrote my first book , , , and now I’m the author of eight parenting books and lecture to audiences worldwide.
Did you slip easily into the role of being a mother or were you scared ?
I was petrified! My first baby was only early and very tiny and I didn’t even bathe her for a week because I was so afraid I’d hurt her! By the time I had four I understood that they may look fragile but they are very resilient little people!
Did you breastfeed? If so for how long?
Ah, fond memories. Yes, indeed! I breastfed all four of my children well into toddlerhood, and found it to be the most magnificent privilege of being a mother.
You have 4 children and a very busy work-schedule - what about time for yourself? Do you and your husband, Robert have much ‘couple-time’? And do you get much ‘me-time’?
Robert and I have been together 20 years! We both work at home so we find plenty of time to be together and we talk endlessly. We aim for a date night once a week and succeed about half the time – often we end up with one or two children along, but we both agree that this brings us the most joy. I get a whole hour of “me-time” early every morning when I run on my treadmill while watching a movie. Keeps me healthy and sane!
Do you feel that Celebrity Mums get a raw deal with the constant media criticism when they’re pregnant?
Actually I find that changing. Most celebrity mums are proud to be pregnant - dressing in beautiful, chic outfits, they aren’t afraid to flaunt their bellies. I think the media is starting to love pregnant celebs and celebrity parents. High profile mothers, who look glamorous while pregnant and then openly value family give motherhood a gorgeous name.
What’s your idea of a nice family day out/in?
My favourite times are family BBQs – when all four kids are home and we sit around talking and laughing. We have a fire pit in our yard so we’ll build a big bonfire and roast marshmallows. It’s glorious!
What sort of holidays do you like best?
The beach, the sun, a good novel!
Have you got one piece of advice to give to any member of thebabywebsite.com who is about to give birth for the first time?
Relax and enjoy motherhood. Don’t stress. View the little things for what they are – little things – and don’t let them get the way of taking pleasure out of every single day of family life.
Has your relationship with your own mother influenced the way you are bringing up your children?
Absolutely! My mother loves me unconditionally and she’s my biggest fan. I’ve learned from my relationship with her that every moment of every day doesn’t have to be perfect and a mother doesn’t have to know everything – but if she loves with all her heart then her children will feel that everything is right with the world.
The word ‘MUM’ is apparently the favourite word in the English language – why do you think that is and what’s your favourite word?
Makes sense! Mother and – my favourite: Family are what’s most important in life. At the end of the day what really matters is who you love and who loves you.
What made you start writing parenting books?
I’m an avid reader and on a constant quest for the best answers about how to raise our children. Writing books helps we organize my thoughts and share what I feel is most important with other parents.
Have you written any books about teenagers?
I am asked that question all the time! I have three teenagers in the house now – and once I’ve lived through it a few times I suspect that there is a book there….
What are you doing right now? Any ongoing projects?
Always! I have outlines or ideas for at least ten more books for parents! It’s an enormous job and parents have an endless amount of questions.
Finally Elizabeth, and be honest now... Simon Cowell or George Clooney?
Oh, George Clooney, absolutely!
© www.thebabywebsite.com 2007
Following the interview Elizabeth said: That was the most fun I’ve ever had with an interview! Thanks for your unique and interesting questions!
About the Author
Parenting educator Elizabeth Pantley is president of Better Beginnings, Inc., a family resource and education company. Elizabeth frequently speaks to parents at schools, hospitals, and parent groups around the world. Her presentations are received with enthusiasm, and praised as realistic, warm and helpful.
She is a regular radio show guest and frequently quoted as a parenting expert in newspapers and magazines such as Parents, Parenting, American Baby, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and Redbook and on hundreds of parent-directed Web sites. She publishes a newsletter, Parent Tips, which is distributed in schools nationwide.
READ MORE FROM ELIZABETH HERE - THE NO-CRY DISCIPLINE SOLUTION
Elizabeth is the author of these bestselling parenting books, which are available in 18 languages:
The No-Cry Discipline Solution  :
Gentle Ways to Encourage Good Behavior without Whining, Tantrums and Tears
The No Cry Sleep Solution:
Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers:
Gentle Ways to Stop Bedtime Battles and Improve Your Child’s Sleep
The No-Cry Potty Training Solution
Gentle Ways to Help Your Child Say Good-Bye to Nappies
Gentle Baby Care:
No-Cry, No-Fuss, No-Worry – Essential Tips for Raising Your Baby
Hidden Messages:
What Our Words and Actions Are Really Telling Our Children
Perfect Parenting:
The Dictionary of 1,000 Parenting Tips
Kid Cooperation:
How to Stop Yelling, Nagging and Pleading & Get Kids to Cooperate
Elizabeth was also a contributing author to The Successful Child with Dr. William and Martha Sears.
Elizabeth and her husband, Robert live in the state of Washington, along with their four children, Angela, Vanessa, David, and Coleton, and “Grama” (Elizabeth’s mother.) Elizabeth is an involved participant in her children’s school and sports activities and has served in positions as varied as softball coach and school PTA president.
For more information, excerpts and parenting articles, visit the author’s website at http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth
Best-selling author Elizabeth Pantley has redefined stress-free parenting with her classic books The No-Cry Sleep Solution and The No-Cry Potty Training Solution and The No-Cry Discipline Solution
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