Fiona is a psychologist with a love for cooking, a deep appreciation of art, and an enjoyment of spending time with people, something that happily aligns with her profession. She lives just north of Copenhagen, in the same area where she grew up, together with her partner, Oscar, and their son, Vincent, who will turn two this November.
We met Fiona on a sunny day and took a walk together, talking about motherhood, connection, and how her son Vincent’s curiosity, from greeting ants to smelling every flower they pass, inspires her to slow down.
When do you feel most connected to your baby?
Vincent still loves contact naps and there's nothing more relaxing than feeling his heart beat against mine. It reminds me of the nine months we spent as one body. When he's awake, engaging in activities we both find enjoyable such as cooking, dancing, or reading a book together also feels especially meaningful to me.
How do you balance freedom and closeness in your parenting?
Balancing freedom and closeness is something I’m still learning, and probably will be throughout all of Vincent’s life. In my attempts to do so, I try to offer Vincent space to explore while also keeping him feeling safe and supported – although the two don’t always go hand in hand. To me, it’s important that Vincent knows I’m here and that he can safely explore the world at his own pace.
How has babywearing become part of your daily rhythm?
Until Vincent was about five months old, he would only contact nap. I loved the closeness and comfort of those naps (and still do!), but they also limited my mobility during long stretches of the day. Being able to move around while he slept in a carrier made such a difference. Simple things, like standing up to get a glass of water, became possible. Now that Vincent is older, babywearing remains part of our routine since it’s a practical way to run errands while still giving him the closeness and comfort he needs.
What values feel more important to you now than before?
Since becoming a parent, I feel like all the values I seek to live in alignment with have been massively amplified. I’ve become more intentional with how I spend both my time and my money, aiming to support the things I want to see more of in the world Vincent will grow up in. In a time of climate crisis and global uncertainty, I feel privileged to be able to offer him safety and stability. Time feels different now; I used to long for the weekends, but now I just want each day to slow down so I can savour every fleeting moment with him. I feel like I blinked and suddenly he's a toddler.
In what ways has motherhood softened or strengthened you?
Motherhood has strengthened my sense of boundaries, especially during the fourth trimester. It has also encouraged me to slow down and focus on doing one thing at a time so I can attempt be more present with Vincent – which you could say has softened me, in this otherwise fast-paced world. The indescribable love I feel for him has softened my heart in countless ways – this may be a cliché, but it’s no less true.
What are your favorite ways to slow down and be present with Vincent?
I’m fascinated by how detail-oriented Vincent is. He’ll stop in the middle of the street to greet an ant, let a ladybird sit on his hand, and smell every flower along the way. I love how this slows us down in an otherwise accelerated world. I think adults have a lot to learn from how present children naturally are. Simply joining Vincent in greeting ants, smelling flowers, and experiencing the beauty around us is one of my favourite ways to slow down and be present with him. Nothing beats his enthusiasm for the little things that most of us take for granted.
What’s something small you do now that you hope Vincent will remember?
Oscar and I love taking Vincent out to forage for whatever is in season. We’ll pick berries, elderflower, ramsons, and other wild ingredients, then cook something together with him. I hope he’ll remember not just the food, but the joy of being outdoors, watching the seasons change, and creating something together as a family.
What part of your own childhood do you want to pass on?
Growing up, both my parents and my school encouraged me to engage in creative activities like painting, drawing, and playing music – without focusing on a specific goal or outcome. I’d love to pass this way of thinking on to Vincent, hoping he’ll learn to appreciate the value of being present in the process, rather than striving for measurable results.
Who lifts you up?
Besides Vincent of course, I am lucky to have an amazing partner. Oscar is a wonderful parent to Vincent and it lifts me up knowing that Vincent feels equally close to us both. My family and friends also bring me so much joy. They’re great with Vincent and they’re incredibly supportive.
Thank you, Fiona!
