Practical Parenting Commentator Angela Mollard

Author, columnist, radio host … Angela Mollard wears many hats – all at the same time! The mother of two teen daughters has a string of accolades under her career belt as well as bucket loads of parenting experience, which is why she stands the test of time as one of Australia’s most trusted parenting journalists.

Practical Parenting Parenting Commentator / March 08 2019

Angela Mollard, Parenting Commentator

Q. What’s your background?

A. I grew up in New Zealand, moved to London in my early 20s to work on British newspapers then moved to Australia when I was pregnant with my first child.  I write a newspaper column, celebrity interviews and a parenting page. I also do TV and radio commentary, podcasting and host corporate events. I’ve also published a book on parenting, The Smallest Things. However, my greatest role ­­– and the one I’m most proud of – is parenting my daughters, Eliza and Lilibelle, who are 17 and 14.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your job?

A. All of it! I love every day of being a journalist. The diversity, the stories, the fun - I’ve loved commentating on the Royals for the past six months. Mostly though, I feel so privileged when people trust me to tell their stories. 

Q. What are your favourite books and podcasts?

A. For podcasts, The High Low which is hosted by two very cool British chicks, Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes. Conversations with Richard Fidler - terrific interviews and great talent. Desert Island Discs - it’s been going for a billion years but I love people talking about their lives through their favourite songs. Favourite books are The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton - It’s the book that introduced me to the magic of stories; How To Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran. The most joyous of feminists, the most clever of writers; and Cloudstreet by Tim Winton.

Q. What’s your favourite way to unwind?

A. Walking in nature and doing yoga, particularly in Bali.

Q. What’s your best #mumhack?

A. Giving them a cuddle when everyone is upset/annoyed/at the end of their tether. Sometimes there’s just too many words. 

Q. What’s your funniest parenting moment?

A. My youngest has always been a quirky kid. When she was little and I was explaining pregnancy and childbirth, she piped up: “So if you did a handstand when you were pregnant with me, I would’ve come out of your mouth?”

Q. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

A. Reading, HIIT classes, Netflix, playing hockey, yoga and cooking. I’m also really enjoying raising teenagers - it’s bittersweet but there’s gorgeous moments where they really confide in me and I can see that my mothering has made a difference!