We’re used to seeing her busy school routines play out on ITV’s The Family Diaries, and Billie Faiers says that the return of the new term will bring just as much chaos whether the cameras are rolling or not.
The former TOWIE star – mum to Nelly, 10, Arthur, seven, and Margot, one – says, “The mornings are pretty hectic. First thing, we all go downstairs and have breakfast together. Nelly will get herself ready, but Arthur likes me to help him. Nelly is always really eager to get to school, she clock watches and hates the thought of being late.”
Billie, 34, and husband Greg Shepherd, 39, prepare as much as possible the night before. She says, “I make sure the right uniform is set out and that their school bags are packed. Nelly has packed lunch twice a week so I’ll also make that.”
The time after school is a mixture of clubs or coming home to chill out, depending on the day.
“Nelly and Arthur also have a tutor one day a week,” Billie says. “On a normal night though they will come home and have snacks and go in the garden. Nelly loves to go on the trampoline and Arthur likes playing football. They also love coming home to see Margot and playing with her.”
Billie is working with Pampers Ninjamas on their “Back To School With A Boost” campaign, aiming to improve the confidence of four to seven-year-olds. Together with a child psychologist they have developed a confidence journal with prompts and wellbeing activities.
She says, “We love using the journals, it’s been great easing any of their concerns or nerves about going back to school.”
Like many, Billie says homework can be a battle. “It can be challenging for both of them. I do get it, they have been at school all day, but you also don’t want them to fall behind. Arthur will sit and get it done on his own when he wants to, but Nelly is a little harder to get to do it. She has started FaceTiming her friends so that they can do it together, which has been really helpful.”
In the evening, the family like to eat together and wind down for the day.
Billie says, “After dinner they have dessert and a little play, then they’ll either have showers or a bath and brush their teeth. I often sit in bed with them too, we have cuddles and chat about the day. I find at bedtime they have had time to wind down and are more willing to chat. Once the kids are in bed, by 7.30pm or 8pm, I have a shower and get straight into bed myself!”
For more information and to download the Pampers Ninjamas Confidence Building Journal for free, visit pamperssquad.
