Supermum Edition: Kristen Romain

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your line of work? Do you have any kids?

I am Kristen Romain, founder of Swish Swimming, a boutique swimming school in Dempsey Hill, and also part owner of UBX Boxing and Strength in Holland Village.  I have two lovely kids (are they kids anymore, when they are 14 and 12 - sometimes doesn't seem so?!)

How has transiting to WFH been like for you during the COVID-19 circuit breaker? How have you juggled work and kids?From a logistics perspective, it's been really smooth.  We have all we need, and the kids are of an age that they can do their own online learning effectively, while Jason and I work. I know how lucky I am there as they are a great age!

What have been the challenges and rewards during this circuit breaker period for you and the family?

Having two businesses that work best when people are physically interacting, has caused considerable anxiety of course.  However, as cliche as it sounds, I have always felt that out of every problem comes great opportunity - we just need to put our caps back on and try something new.I have really enjoyed the special time I've had with my family - we eat lunch together, we play board games, we set-up slip and slides and they get dirty (I take pics). I see my daughter doing her gymnastics, and my son wander in to tell me about the latest memes he finds funny. Jason and I exercise with UBX every morning at 8am, and that's as "bonding" as it is healthy. I keep being told that "those who sweat together, stay together". What does Mother’s Day mean to you? How will you be celebrating Mother’s Day this year?

I lost my mother when I was eight, though I was fortunate enough to be blessed with an incredible step-mother who really is one of my best friends.  She has a wicked sense of humour and the kindest of hearts.  I celebrate them both.  But also, I reflect on how lucky I am as a mum to have two healthy, and really kind kids. 

We know you enjoy good food and cooking at home, do you have any kid friendly recipes you can share?

Everyone who knows me, would know that I am a terrible, and highly reluctant cook - so much so that at a recent Thanksgiving dinner, when my son was asked what he was thankful for, he was thankful that we had Mel (our helper) so that I did not cook for them (I told you he was funny...) But my step-mum loves to cook, and she has taught me a recipe that is fantastic with meat and BBQ's: Bannister Beans. This recipe is perfect with the TMC bacon which we are LOVING (thank you for bringing that in - so tasty).