Motherhood is a journey filled with surprises, challenges, and profound joys. As a mum of three active boys, I’ve learned that no two days are the same. From juggling endless energy to fostering their individual growth, raising three boys close in age has been an incredible test of patience, resilience, and creativity.
But here’s the thing: being a strength coach has taught me that the principles I apply in the gym—consistency, adaptability, and grit—are just as valuable in parenting. Here’s how I navigate motherhood with three active boys while staying true to my role as a strength coach and a mum.
Having three boys 15 months apart means life moves fast. From early mornings packed with school drop-offs and extracurricular activities to evenings filled with homework and bedtime stories, it’s nonstop action. Structure and routines are my secret weapons. Much like in strength training, having a plan keeps the chaos manageable—but I’ve also learned to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
During the early years, life was particularly challenging. All three boys were under 2.5 years old, and we were living in a two-bedroom unit. The upstairs was unbearably hot, like a sauna, without air conditioning, so it became a storage room. This left all of us crammed into one bedroom. Sleepless nights were the norm as one child waking would inevitably disturb the others. No matter how many cups of coffee I drank, the exhaustion was relentless. Looking back, those years were tough but also a testament to our resilience as a family.
One key lesson I’ve embraced is finding the balance between being present and being prepared. Some days, that means squeezing in a workout while the boys are at practice. Other days, it’s swapping gym time for quality family moments because those are the memories they’ll cherish forever.
Raising boys who respect themselves and others starts with setting the right example. As a strength coach, I teach them the importance of hard work, discipline, and self-care. We often incorporate physical activity into our family time—whether it’s teaching my oldest how to deadlift or playing football at the oval. These moments not only build their strength but also their confidence and resilience.
Nutrition is another area where I try to lead by example. Teaching them about balance—like enjoying their favorite treats while prioritizing meals that fuel their growth—sets them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.
Amid the whirlwind of motherhood, carving out time for myself is essential. My workouts aren’t just about physical strength—they’re about mental clarity and showing up as my best self for my boys. It’s not always easy to find that time, but I remind myself that my health allows me to be the mum they deserve.
Raising three active boys is no small task, but it’s a privilege I hold close to my heart. As they grow older, I’m excited to watch their personalities evolve and to continue guiding them with the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Whether it’s teaching them to be kind, resilient, or strong, my goal is to raise men who contribute positively to the world.
Motherhood has stretched me in ways I never imagined. It’s taught me that strength isn’t just about lifting weights; it’s about showing up every day, even when it feels hard. And while I’ve been their guide, they’ve also been mine—teaching me patience, perspective, and the boundless nature of love.
In my next article, I’ll dive into a deeply personal chapter of my motherhood journey: raising a child with autism. My middle son’s diagnosis and the challenges we’ve faced as a family have shaped my perspective on parenting, resilience, and unconditional love. From speech therapy sessions to overcoming social barriers, I’ll share how these experiences have taught me lessons I carry with me every day.
Thank you for being part of this journey. If you’re a mum navigating the beautiful chaos of raising boys or simply looking for ways to balance motherhood with self-care, know you’re not alone.
With love, Coach Ayesha