Practical Parenting - Parenting Reviews Editor Franki Hobson
With more than twenty years’ experience as a journalist, Franki Hobson has written stories about almost everything ...
From pregnancy and babies to toddlers, youth, teenagers, women’s lifestyle and parenthood! She has worked on many long-term campaigns and is most proud of work around anti-bullying, positive body image, baby and toddler development and women’s health.
Q. What’s your background?
A. Apart from being a Supermum?! OK, my additional powers include having been the Editor of Cosmopolitan Pregnancy, Cosmo Health and Cosmo Bride magazines for 14 years. I was also the Editorial Director of teen bible, DOLLY magazine, whilst moonlighting as a women’s health and lifestyle journalist for (god blimey) twenty years. I know, I don’t look a day over 18, right?! When I’m not touch-typing at 200kms an hour, I’m chasing a fast-as-lightning 18-month-old baby around the house, or chauffeuring my 9 year-old son to footy/soccer/swimming/tennis/music. Tiger mum, who me?!
Franki and her son Maxwell, before baby Louis graced the planet! Photography by Simona Janek www.simonajanek.com.au
Q. What do you enjoy best about your job?
A. I live to make other mums lives easier, happier, healthier, more efficient… They say it takes a village to raise a child but in todays’ super-fast-paced and transient, mobile society, we don’t have the same community network we did for generations. Today’s mum is juggling kids, work, home … often on her own. It’s tiring. It’s hard. It’s bullshit! So if I can equip mums with helpful information, arm them with knowledge that makes their life easier and happier, that’s me done.
Franki is also the editor of parenting blog www.frankixo.com. Photography by Simona Janek www.simonajanek.com.au
Q. What’s your best #mumhack
A. If it gets the kids to sleep faster, I let them sleep in my bed. I give baby Louis and Maxwell probiotics – especially after they’ve been sick. I cook big meals on a Sunday (lasagne, spaghetti bolognaise) so I don’t have to cook when I get home from work during the week. I use child number one to look after child number two when I’m desperate to have a shower/cook/clean.
Q. What’s your best parenting moment?
A. My ‘best times’ are travelling with my babies. I love the feeling of exploring new places with them, creating memories, trying new foods… And, funnily enough, after living in the city for 20 years without a patch of grass in sight, I’ve finally moved to a house with a big back yard. Who would ever have thought that hanging clothes on a hills hoist (as opposed to putting EVERYTHING in a clothes dryer), and just sitting on grass, would be so relaxing and enjoyable. OK it may be a novelty and wear off, but I’m enjoying it while it lasts.
Storytime is beautiful too. I feel so lucky to have two boys who LOVE books. I hated reading when I was little! And now I am a journalist!
Q. How do you like to unwind?
A. Online shopping - I love homewares and have been known to click ‘buy’ on goods no-one should ever buy without seeing in real-life, including a dishwasher, floor rugs, a bed, a sofa, outdoor sofa, cubby house …! I almost NEVER sit on my backside doing nothing. But when I do, it’s for a Netflix binge session. Currently addicted to Vikings but am extremely fond of kids’ movies and curling up on the couch with my 10-year-old son, Maxwell. My vice is a glass of red wine, or two!
Q. What’s your favourite quote?
A. Work smart not hard.
Q. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
A. Catching up with girlfriends. They are my lifeline. For laughs, venting, advice, help… I wish I could say ‘going to yoga classes, bike riding….’ but it’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed those luxuries!
Franki Hobson is a women’s lifestyle journalist and editor with more than twenty years’ experience. Her areas of expertise include parenting and health and well-being. Franki has two gorgeous boys, Maxwell, 10, and Louis, 1 ½.
