Emily Andre juggles a lot as a working mother. Alongside raising her two children Millie, eight, and Theo, five, with husband Peter Andre, the 32-year-old is also kept busy with her career as a NHS doctor and the author of bestselling books for young adults.
The medical professional is also a doting stepmother to her husband's two children from a previous relationship, Junior Andre, 16, and Princess Andre, 14.
Speaking with Harriet Wheeler, Emily chats about how she manages to spend quality time with Peter, her hopes that her kids will never struggle self-consciousness, and why her teenager years were a struggle at times.
Hi Emily! You’ve been so busy with work, family and writing your new books. Do you get time to see Pete at the moment, as he is starring in Grease The Musical?
It’s actually the best it’s been recently because last year he toured with Grease for four months and wasn’t home in between.
Theo was starting a new school and I was starting a new job, so that was tough. Now he’s in the West End, he’s home every night, and can take the kids to school, so it’s really lovely.
Do you get time for date nights?
We’re getting to the age now where the older two will be able to babysit the younger two.
It’s difficult with four kids, but we try to explain that it’s important for Mum and Dad to have time together, too.
You have written books about puberty for boys and girls, do you remember that time in your life?
I had bad skin from 13 and was eventually put on long-term antibiotics from 15. I really struggled with it and I still get spots now. I was a late bloomer, too.
All my friends developed earlier than me, and I remember worrying that it was never going to happen. It’s only in the past few years I’ve accepted myself properly.
Millie will be a teenager soon, do you worry?
Millie’s starting to become aware of her appearance. She likes to choose her outfits. On days when Pete takes her to school she’ll go with “dad hair”.
She’s started to be like, “Can’t we just get Mum to do my hair?” I hope they don’t feel self-conscious or anxious, and I’d love it if neither of them struggled with their skin like I did.
Does bullying worry you too?
I do think about people bullying them as well. That’s why I care so much about the body confidence side of things – if you’re confident in yourself then you feel more able to stick up for yourself.
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