Jacinta Tynan: "If you love your children and are there for them, you are doing a good job."

Journalist, author and mum of two Jacinta Tynan has a simple but hugely important message for all Aussie mothers: give yourself a break.

Tynan, who is mum to Jasper, 6, and Otis, 4, has just been named as an official ambassador for Barnardos Mother of the Year – and she’s on a mission to raise awareness of the massive role mums play in raising the next generation.

The Sky News presenter and author of parenting book Mother Zen stressed that mothers needed to “let themselves off the hook”.

“Women can be so hard on themselves; you’ve got to give yourself a break. A lot of the dialogue [between mums] is ‘I messed up, I’m not doing a good enough job’. Aussies tend to be a bit self-deprecating …there’s a lot of putting ourselves down and joking, but obviously we think there’s some truth in it. But really, we are doing the best job we can,” she said.

“If you love your children and are there for them and care for them, then you are doing a good job.”

Tynan said modern parents often struggled as they were often childrearing without the support of their extended family.

“Our generation, like no generation before, is raising our children by ourselves. We’re not designed to parent like that,” she said.

“The nuclear family is a failed experiment….We feel so much pressure trying to raise children on our own without support and then we wonder why it’s hard.”

But she said camaraderie and friendship with fellow parents helped to combat the isolation so many of us experience.

“Camaraderie solves everything; not just logistical support, but knowing other people are doing this as well. When you chat about what you are going through and helping each other,” she said.

“We have to build communities and create our own tribe. Mother’s groups are wonderful for that. They get a bad rap, but the mothers’ group model is the answer; getting together on a regular basis and sharing.”

Tynan, a meditation devotee, urged women to be present with their children and to remember that the tough times will eventually come to an end.

“Motherhood is a privilege; we are so blessed to be mothers. When the children are throwing tantrums or won’t sleep…you can lose it over it, or you can take a deep breath, and think that it’s not that bad – because when they’re 25 and they’ve left home, you’d do anything to have them back again,” she said.

“It all comes down to being present; really keep things in perspective that this moment won’t last forever, so you don’t want to will your time away.”

WATCH Jacinta's take on raising enlightened children. Post continues after video...

While Tynan clearly relishes her role as a mother, she admitted that one aspect of the job caused her concern.

“The hardest thing is knowing that I am responsible for the emotional wellbeing of my children. That’s the stuff that keeps me awake at night,” she said.

She said she was proud to be part of the “extraordinary work” that Barnardos does and the way it honoured incredible women.

“Bardardos really does extraordinary work. The Mother of the Year initiative is just wonderful,” she said.

“Since becoming a mother I am more aware of the demands placed on us as women – we’re all doing an amazing job. Mothers really are shaping the next generation, and it’s really important; we’re not just putting a roof over our kids’ heads, but mothers and parents are responsible for the emotional wellbeing of their children.”

What's your best piece of advice for other mums? 

TAP on the image below and scroll through the gallery for more photos of Jacinta and her gorgeous family...