In an exclusive and candid conversation, Emily Andre has revealed the genuine challenges she faces as a parent and stepmother within her bustling household. The 36-year-old doctor, author, and mother of three speaks openly about the constant juggle between her demanding career and family responsibilities, admitting that prioritising her own well-being often falls by the wayside.
The Struggle for Personal Time
Despite her medical background emphasising the importance of self-care, Emily confesses she is "pretty rubbish" at carving out moments for herself. She provides a relatable example, explaining how a recent New Year's resolution to exercise via a 12-minute daily calisthenics programme has gone entirely unfulfilled. "How can I not find 12 minutes in a day?" she questions, noting that time is instead consumed by cleaning, tidying, work, and other tasks.
Navigating the Teenage Years
As a stepmother to Peter Andre's older children, Junior, 20, and Princess, 18, and a mother to Amelia, 12, Theo, 9, and Arabella, 1, Emily acknowledges the unique difficulties of parenting teenagers. She describes the delicate balance of being both approachable and authoritative. "That line shifts constantly throughout their teenage years. You have to adapt to that all the time," she states, accepting that she doesn't always get it perfectly right.
Emily also touches on handling sensitive topics like sex education and periods, preferring to let her children initiate those conversations. "I usually wait for my kids to come to me because I don't think you need to be forcing information down their throats that they don't want to know," she remarks, committing to honesty when questions arise.
Praise for Peter Andre's Evolution
The conversation highlights Peter Andre's growth as a father, particularly in embracing his role as a "girl dad." Emily notes his comfort in discussing topics like sanitary products, which allows their daughters to feel at ease talking about periods in front of him. "I really adore that. I love that he's so supportive," she expresses warmly.
Breaking Taboos and Family Bonds
Emily's passion for normalising menstrual health is evident with the release of her fifth book, Periods: Everything You Need To Know. Inspired partly by conversations with her 12-year-old daughter, Millie, she aims to dismantle the lingering embarrassment surrounding the topic.
Despite the nearly two-decade age gap between the eldest and youngest siblings, Emily describes a wonderfully close-knit blended family. She shares a heartwarming anecdote about Millie sneaking into Princess's room for confidential chats, illustrating the special bond between the sisters. "There's something about a big sister where you can talk to them about different things," Emily observes.
Personal Growth and Future Ambitions
Describing herself as naturally shy, Emily reveals how the past decade has bolstered her confidence significantly. She now entertains the possibility of hosting her own television show to showcase her medical expertise, a prospect she would have dismissed outright years ago.
Reflecting on her decade-long marriage to Peter, Emily attributes their enduring happiness to simple compatibility and shared enjoyment. "We like the same things... We genuinely are just happy in each other's company," she concludes, underscoring the foundation of their strong relationship.
