We’re celebrating real-life SweetMamas! Whether she’s a famous face or the mom in your playgroup, check back weekly to discover her Sweetest Things, as well as her tips on raising them fabulous.
SweetMama We Love: Rebecca Eckler
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Mom to: Rowan, age 7
Also known as: Ultra-honest and much-loved SweetMama blogger, newspaper and magazine columnist, controversial media figure and author of eight books including two brand new ones: The Lucky Sperm Club and How to Raise a Boyfriend.
SM: What's your secret to raising Rowan fabulous?
I never talk down to her. I teach her independence and to use her imagination always. If she wants to wear (fill in the blank of the most ridiculous outfit) I’ll say, “It’s your life.” If she wants pancakes for dinner, I’ll say, “It’s your life.” (I throw in veggies!) Not exactly what most would consider “normal,” but we never fight, and she never cries or yells. She’s always so happy and well-behaved. I must be doing SOMETHING right! I also always make up stories, so life is always an adventure. She gets a verbal story every night before bed that I make up about her stuffed animals. She knows nothing is boring, and that people who are bored are boring people. That’s the motto we live by!
SM: When do you find time to write all these books?!
Rowan is in school now all day, so I actually start writing right at 8:30 a.m. In fact, as mothers, we all know NOW how much we can fit in a day. Since she was born, I can now shower and get dressed in eight minutes. Flat. She’s actually taught me to organize my time better!
SM: Tell us about your two new books. Do you have a favourite (or is that a bit like Sophie's Choice)?
I love BOTH! The Lucky Sperm Club is adult fiction about a mother/daughter relationship, after the mother finds out her daughter will be worth tens of millions of dollars. The mother has to learn not only how to raise a child on her own, but how to raise a multi-millionaire, while not having money herself. There are bumps along the road. She gets caught up in the “richie-rich” lifestyle and of course has men problems too, all while trying to be a good mother. As her daughter gets older, their relationship becomes very bumpy.
How to Raise a Boyfriend: The Definitive Manual for Educating Your Man, is probably the book that made me laugh hardest while writing. It was fun from beginning to end — just talking to other women about their husbands and boyfriends who are CLUELESS when it comes to certain basic courtesies. You will read this book and think, "Holy Crap! My husband does the same thing!” Or, “Are men idiots, or what?”
SM: Knowing what you know now, what's the one thing you wish you could tell all new moms or moms-to-be?
That even though it can be tough, it is so worth it. Also, kids grow up fast, so even though your baby is screaming throughout the night, or having a public meltdown, enjoy it. (Or try and laugh!) Enjoy every single second because before you know it, they’ll be grown up! I would also tell moms-to-be to read Knocked Up, so they know what they’re in for. However, looking back, I would never worry again about gaining baby weight. So silly of me. I’m more mature now.
What is the one item you can’t live without for yourself?
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Sleep machine. I need white noise to sleep. They are so hard to find. Also, I’m addicted to travelling. So I sign up for every holiday newsletter, including Club Med.
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What is the one item you can’t live without for your children?
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An Admiral Road blanket that they sent me when Rowan was born with her name on it. Seven years later, it’s still soft and comfortable and we take it everywhere when we travel.
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