Jessica Rowe: “I believe in being honest about the reality of bringing up kids”

Self-styled ‘crap housewife’ Jessica Rowe likes to keep it real when it comes to parenting and how her family stays active and healthy, and knows that putting too much pressure on yourself or your kids doesn’t work out well for anyone.

Here, the journalist, podcaster and TV presenter talks about keeping it real as a parent, her involvement with in Kellogg’s Gut Bacteria Reef VR experience and the guest she really wants to have on her podcast, ‘The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show’.

You’re very open and honest about your life, and post a lot on social media – #craphousewife is a case in point. Why do you think it’s important to share this side of yourself? 

I’m a huge believer in taking away the pressure applied as a parent. In terms of a generation, we have never had so much information – so much pressure – and the fact that we are talking about it, trying to think about how we could do things better, means we are enough.

I look back on my parents and what they pulled out, and it was really through pure chance that we survived! I honestly am such a believer in being honest about the reality of bringing up kids these days. There is so much stress and we begin to really we lose sight of what matters. Being happy and relaxed and realising that you are good enough is what it’s all about.

As the self-styled #craphousewife, how do you make sure your family including daughter Allegra and Giselle eat healthily?

I’ve never been one to say you have to eat this, and I’ve dismissed enforcing those rules because anything too prescriptive is not enjoyable. For us, it’s about balance, so yes, we are healthy. I eat healthfully most of the time but at the same time I do enjoy sugar. I do enjoy chocolate – I do have a sweet tooth.

As I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to relax a bit about what the kids eat. When the girls were small I’d get really upset – ‘Oh my god, they haven’t eaten it all’. It’s a really big deal, especially for your first child when you’re a bit obsessed. Are they eating enough of this, too much of that? But as they get older you realise it’s all about balance. If you start to think all I can’t have this, I can’t have that, that’s when it’s not enjoyable and can become an issue.

How did you get involved with the Kellogg’s Gut Bacteria Reef VR experience?

I think, like most parents, we struggle to keep having healthy breakfasts and I’ve always been a fan of Kellogg’s cereals. To me, having cereal is a great way to start a day and – dare I say, sometimes, you know the Crap Housewife loves to have breakfast dinner!

When the Kellogg’s Gut Bacteria Reef VR first came up it was during the school holidays – you can enjoy it on Steam too – and as parents we’re always looking for different sorts of things to take our kids to and and I love SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium…  but the experience was a fantastic virtual reality game that took it to the next level.

It was entertaining and you also learn a lot about what goes on inside your stomach and the kids were fascinated by seeing it like a Great Barrier Reef dive experience. Doing something as simple as having a healthy high fibre cereal for breakfast is a way of making your stomach happy and healthy, and is such a good message.

‘The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show’ is a year old in August 2022. Who is your favourite guest and who would you like to have on there?

I don’t have a favourite. All of them have been extraordinary in their own special ways because they come with open and generous hearts. Keith Urban and I sat down face to face when he was recording The Voice and he is just so cool, so wise. He talked about ‘shineblockers’ – people who block your shine. I love that!

I’d get ultimate Brownie Points with my youngest daughter if I could interview Harry Styles! I think he is such a fascinating and talented young man, the way he reinvents himself.

You’re a busy working mum. What is your down time? How do you relax?

As parents even just existing in the world today we need to carve out a little bit of me-time. I love reading. There are many different beautiful looking glasses you can jump through. Each night, I’m in bed with my kindle and I have a bit of choccie and that is my time.

Sleep is also very important for my mental health, plus I try to go to pilates once or twice a week with one of my besties. We love it as we have a coffee afterwards. Any movement is good, whether it’s walking or dancing – whatever you like to do.

Favourite ‘guilty’ pleasures?

I love Chokito bars and Caramilk chocolate, and The Kardashians.