Motherhood: Florine Duif
Who is Florine?
A woman born in 1987, mother of three, entrepreneur.
Can you tell us a little bit about your family and background?
I was born in The Hague, My father has Russian blood, my mom is Frisian.
You have 3 kids; have you always dreamed of having a big family?
No! I do have a brother and sister, but they are much older than me (they are from my fathers first marriage). So i was basically only child. I always wanted to be a mom, but three kids? No never expected that. And you know what, i'm dreaming of four children ;-) Oh no wait, my kids were up all night, so better not. Coffee, anyone?
Being an entrepreneur gives you flexibility, but the work hardly ever stops doesn’t it? What is your experience in combining your company and family time/life?
Make time for your family. Like literally; block it in your agenda. Also make time for your partner and also put that in your agenda. I try not to work in the evenings (no really, i want to sleep) and my mother babysits a lot, plus we've got a childminder which gives me a lot of time to stay focused. In my book Mother Genoeg you'll read my whole story about combining entrepreneurship with a family.
Your book ‘Moeder genoeg’ ; can you tell us a little about it?
Yes, it's a new perspective on motherhood. Or at least; the woman you've become since you are a mom. How is the relationship with yourself? Are there roadblocks? Old family patterns and hurts? Do you dare to choose for your own happiness and pleasure? Also: how to stay true to yourself? Because you know, kids know if you present yourself differently than you are. Our generation carries the old shit of our parents, grand parents and so on. Our kids are different; they want the real stuff. No bullshit.
Can you tell us a little bit about your children and their personalities?
You know, they all have their beautiful and unique personality. Isabel for example is sensitive in a different way than her sister Lexie. I don't like to say: she is like this or he is like that. They are just unique like all children :-)
Has being a mother changed you? And if yes; can you tell us how?
Oh hell yes! it opened a deeper level. Having kids is like having a mirror in front of you. It has made me stronger, wiser and more honest towards myself; i know how to set my boundaries, something i was not really good at it before I had kids. But is has also teached me that i'm only human. I do make mistakes, I am a role model, but i'm not perfect at all. And this gives me so much peace.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from being a mother?
That we need to relax a little. Don't be too strict. Nor to your kids or yourself. If we are more relaxed and listen to our feelings, our desires, our kids will be more relaxed too.
Best thing (s) about being a mother?
My first cup of joe in the morning after a sleepless night. No just kidding. The fact that they came through our bodies and they live their own journey. They guide us, we can learn from them! It's so fascinating to watch them discover the world. And of course there is a lot of love during this journey.
Least fun things about being a mother?
The sleepless nights and the fact that i'm not really patient at times.
When are you most proud on your hub Sebastiaan?
I'm proud of him in general. He's the best father, we are a really good team and we love each other so much even after 10 years
Are you and Sebastiaan different in parenting?
He's more relaxed than i am. And he's more patient.
How do you balance parenthood and quality time with your love?
Like I said: make time and room for it in your agenda! We go out for dinner a couple of times a month, we book hotels now and then.
What is the most important lesson you want to teach your children?
That acceptance is the key to everything. Plus: know the difference between your ego and your soul. Your ego is not a bad thing, but don't let it overrule you.
Do you have any advice/tips you would like to give a newborn mother?
You do you and you do great. My coach once said: you do the best you can and if you could have done better, you would have done it.
What was your life like before being a mother?
LOL! I was going out every friday, was traveling a lot and i spent my Sundays in bed.
What defines you as a person?
I love to connect people, that's why i love organising parties, brunches, drinks etc. I love seeing people together having a good time, laugh, dance, talk, listen. It gives me joy.
How would you describe your home?
It's warm, light and cosy.
Which room in your home is your favourite and why?
The dining room, because it's so light there and it has a pink wall with a piece of Cate Adriana on it.
Can you name four things that make you truly happy?
New countries, connecting people, my family, nature. Oh and kind people in general. That's five, but important. Be kind to each other please!
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
Coffee?
Instagram: Florine Duif