Introducing you
Rachel Janes-married to Andrew, mum to Jude, lover of cake, occasional blogger and TV series addict.
About your branch role
I have just taken over Branch Co-ordinator, which is a slightly daunting title but in practice just means that I am there to support all the fantastic work done by our amazing volunteers.
What’s your top mummy tip?
The best piece of advice I was given is that motherhood is your journey with your child. I think it can be very easy to compare yourself or be swamped with well-meaning advice, but actually motherhood is an ongoing learning process between mum and child. So, focus on your choices and gut instinct, because that will be what is best for your child.
What do you enjoy most about being a parent?
I think being a parent is being given the opportunity to experience all the best things in life all over again. Simple things like feeding the ducks, going down a slide, eating cake for the first time-watching your kid experience these things for the first time is wonderful.
What’s been your biggest parenting challenge?
Where do I start?! I don’t cope well with change and being a parent is a constant moving target! Just when you think you’ve cracked it, it all changes. I find this humbling and scary, but I am learning to go a little more “with the flow”!
What do you do to relax?
I am a big believer in “mum breaks”. I am a full time mum -its hard work and sometimes the monotony is overwhelming! Taking some time out with my friends or my husband to remember I am Rach is so important. I also love a box set, chocolate orange and a nice bath with some Jo Malone bath stuff when I can’t get a babysitter!
Who would you most like to have dinner with and why?
I feel that in another life, Holly Willoughby and I would probably be best friends so would be nice to have nachos and a glass of wine with her! However, I also think Michelle Obama would be very inspiring and good fun.
What skill/ability would you like to learn?
I wish I could speak another language, but seeing as I barely master English that is very much a pipe dream! I have started and failed at a lot of hobbies in my time!
What is your favourite drink?
I like a spiced rum and lemonade, although you can’t beat a cup of tea!
What is your favourite sport?
Sitting on the sofa.
Do you grow anything?
Hair?! I have killed every plant I have owned, it is a miracle my child is still alive.
What is your favourite day of the week?
I quite like Mondays, NCTeenies is a great start to the week (shameless plug)
What is your favourite season? & Why?
The run up to Christmas from end of September is my fave time of year-buying pressies, Christmas films, loads of food around and Strictly on the telly. I loved Christmas before becoming a mum but now it is like excitement on steroids.
What was your favourite toy as a child?
My teddy called Pocha (no idea where the name came from), who now resides out of reach in my son’s room.
Finally…
Can you tell us an interesting fact?
Sea otters hold hands when they sleep, so they don’t drift away from each other…you are welcome.
Meet the Team:
Rach Janes
Branch Coordinator
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