Practical Parenting - Parenting Reviews Editor Franki Hobson
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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](/media/12693/franki-hobson-simona-janek-photography-02.jpg?width=675)
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](/media/12694/franki-hobson-simona-janek-photography.jpg?width=675)
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!
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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.
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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!
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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.