Cheryl Hickey has been the host of Entertainment Tonight Canada (weeknights on Global) for 12 years. Her day job may be all glitz and glamour, but at home, she’s all about baby monitors, coconut oil and the occasional midnight vomiting. [Kids: Jaxson, age 7, Nyla, age 4]
How you spend your alone time: I take a bubble bath and work on mompreneur projects.
One thing you can’t live without: Tumbler to-go travel mugs.
Kid splurge: Extracurricular activities.
Favourite thing about parenting: Getting to be a kid again – brings out the silly.
Least favourite thing about parenting: Midnight vomiting and night waking.
Favourite family vacation spot: Anywhere warm.
Approach to tantrums: I treat the kids like adults and allow them to articulate their emotions. We have a conversation.
5 parenting items you can’t live without: Baby monitor, a wicked stroller, to-go cups, coconut oil, Boogie Wipes.
Favourite celeb parents: Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell (because they’re just so much fun!), Chrissy Teigen and John Legend (because they stand up for what they believe in), Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds (because I find them to be very genuine and down to earth), Michael Buble and Luisana Lopilato (because they are strong).
Rate your cooking skills: 3 stars, but trying to improve.
Best meal you make, according to your kids: Pistachio crusted salmon. Jaxson loves crushing the pistachios.
What makes you laugh: Watching blooper videos of people falling. DJ Diaper (AKA my husband wearing a diaper on his head).
The number of shoes that you own: Hundreds – too many to count!
What makes you cry: When my kids achieve personal goals and show pride in what they’ve accomplished.
Favourite way to stay active: Pilates and Plyometrics.
Favourite beauty products: Skin care lasers, coconut oil, vitamin C serums, anything in Suzanne Mackay’s (ET Canada’s makeup artist) makeup case.
Biggest pet peeve about other parents: Parents who judge other parents.
Your parenting strength: Patience and always practising safety first.
Your parenting weakness: Sleep training skills.
What makes you scared: The thought of my kids turning 18.
Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, Summer 2017.
