Ekaterina Mukhina with her youngest daughter

Former editor-in-chief and stylist of Elle Ekaterina Mukhina gave an interview to Nadezhda Sagittarius for the telegram channel “Kids Club. Yay a good guy”. Mukhina talked about raising her daughters, combining parental responsibilities and social events, and also explained why it is impossible for a working woman to lead an active lifestyle without an assistant.

About the parenting approach

Children born at the age of 20 and 40 are a big difference. Not because we love in different ways, but because we have other opportunities in our youth. You have to work hard 24/7 to give the child everything he needs. Now I can say that nothing is more important than time spent with Matilda. And with Masha I could not afford it. By the way, this is very interesting – many believe that mothers are more irresponsible in their youth. So, 20 years ago I was much more responsible – I had everything on time, iron discipline, every word of the doctor was law.

Almost 20 years ago, Masha and I spent very little time together. I was pregnant, went to work at Conde Nast, gave birth and was in the office a month later. And I saw him for an hour in the evening and half an hour in the morning. I pumped it at work, froze this milk at work, brought it home in the evening, and the next day Masha was fed with it. He was a nightmare. Now, with her second daughter, everything is different. We are together every morning until the first sleep in the afternoon. The time I can sacrifice for my daughter is much more than before. But it’s not that I’m more responsible as I get older, it’s just that I can afford it now.

About the need for a babysitter

My mother died when I was four months pregnant with Matilda. Having a nanny helped me a lot – continuing an active lifestyle of a working woman without an assistant is unrealistic. I do not understand women who can afford a nanny, but continue to do everything themselves – they are tired, trying to combine work and motherhood. If there is no nanny, apparently, it is necessary to completely focus on the child. For example, with Matilda, it is impossible to turn your back anywhere. I just looked at the phone – and that’s it, put something in the socket, took it out of the suitcase. If you need to keep working, you need competent management: find a good nanny or teacher. Or set it all up with your family.

I’ve literally flown from Matilda a few times for work during covid times. If it wasn’t for the epidemic, I would have flown with it.

Ekaterina Mukhina with her daughters

About psychologists and training methods

Mashenka is the opposite of Matilda. Masha is obedient, calm, reasonable, and Matilda is active, does not follow any rules.

Matilda needs discipline, but these training methods did not suit Masha at all. I didn’t give it to any sport because I understood it would hurt and offend him. If I had a son, I would definitely raise him very differently from each of my daughters. Each child should be approached individually. With Matilda’s arrival, I find that what works for one child may not work for another. The books are definitely worth reading. And work on yourself. Because kids copy everything we do. “Do not educate children, educate yourself” – this is probably my principle. The most important thing is to set a good example for children.

About children and social life

This is also a very personal story. For example, the Kardashian family, where their mother raised them in public since childhood. Look what it turns out to be: They’re making millions. Are they happy? I don’t know. My eldest daughter hates this earthly life. Much more comfortable playing the guitar at home. And Matilda, maybe she’s going to freak out about it.

about children’s brands

I want to make my own clothing brand. And I definitely will.

advice for mothers

You don’t need to look at anyone, everyone has a story. Do not pay attention to who the child works where, in which departments he is busy, what he wears. Everyone has their own foot size, their own height, their own brain and their own abilities.