If you don’t yet know Cat Deeley, well, then you probably don’t watch So You Think You Can Dance, but also it’s high time you got to know her whether or not you’re a follower of the show she’s hosted since 2006 (!). Because this is one model mama (and TV presenter and actor and author) who is Doing It All with grace and authenticity.
Since relocating her family — comedian / fellow TV presenter husband Patrick Kielty plus two sons, Milo and James — from California to London, Deeley’s family experienced a terrifying active shooter situation. Thankfully they all emerged safely, and Deeley credits none other than a favorite animated swine for calming down her son Milo immediately after the event: “Peppa Pig saved the day!” she told YOU Magazine, explaining that she found her husband and Milo by the road after “they had been in a Shake Shack and were pushed into the kitchen” because of the shooter. “He was like, ‘OK, Milo, let’s watch some Peppa Pig on my phone.’ The kids never get to do that normally.”
Here’s to quick-thinking parents and a calmer future in London for the whole family. We caught up with Deeley this week to hear about her top parenting product picks (including, of course, said savior pig!) as well as her recently published children’s book, The Joy in You, which reminds kids that “When you discover the things you love, you’ll find true joy.”
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The podcast I’m listening to on repeat
“I love the podcast Table Manners; Jessie Ware hosts the podcast about food, family and the beautiful art of having a chat. Three of my favorite things! Her mum Lennie joins in the fun and cooks up something tasty for the guests. Love these ladies!”
The books my kids are currently obsessed with
“The Joy In You. Although that’s not to say I’m not questioned about it by my inquisitive four-year-old son Milo. He challenged me one night, at bedtime, he said in my book it says he can do anything, but that’s not true! I said of course it is, if he works hard and puts his mind to it, he can accomplish anything. He replied, ‘Well, what I really want to do is take home a koala from the zoo and keep him at home as a pet — I can’t do that?!?’ I had to convince him if he worked hard at school and became a zoologist, he could look after EVERY koala in the zoo. Or even travel to the other side of the world to Australia and work in a koala sanctuary and help animals who didn’t have a mom or a dad. I think I convinced him. Phew!”
The book I’m reading for myself
“I can’t wait to dive into Ghosts by Dolly Alderton. I bumped into her in a North London pub and we mutually fan-girled.”
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The snacks I always have on hand for my kids
“I have found that Whole Foods sugar-free lollipops have got me out of some very tricky situations… They are brilliant for carrying in my handbag; they are individually wrapped and super light. They can always turn a tantrum around, back to sweetness and light.”
The beauty product that’s always in my bag
“It’s been my favorite for years. In the words of Dolly Parton: ‘I’m gonna paint my door red and call myself Elizabeth Arden!’ The non-perfumed Eight Hour Cream is great for everything: dry skin, nails, lips… I even use it on the kids when ‘magic cream’ is required.”
The app that makes my life as a parent easier
“The Patron Saint of Parents is Peppa Pig. I have lots of games on my phone, for traveling… You can’t go wrong with The Pig!”
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Moms I love to follow
“I really enjoy Melissa Woodhealth; her account is a mixture of diet, exercise, wellness and her two gorgeous kids. She’s aspirational but also incredibly honest and understands women from a mother’s perspective.”
The non-screen activity that keeps my kids occupied
“Both of my boys adore the garden — whether they are building dinosaur lands, planting herbs, making birdhouses or worm farms, or just playing in the mud. I try and get them outside as much as possible, and I love that they love nature as much as they do.”
The kid-friendly music I don’t hate playing
“Nothing beats a Storybots sing-a-long. We even sing along in the car. Favorites are dinosaur raps, the planets, and all the animal songs. It is such a brilliant series — so educational, but also really well done. We are actually big fans of George Ezra and Bruno Mars in our house, we’re actually just starting to get in rock music too. Things are about to get loud!”
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The subscription I love for the family
“During the pandemic I started getting fruit and veg delivered every week, fresh from Borough Market, by Paul The Veg Man. It’s great as I can always find some way to hide more veggies into the boys’ meals. Plus we constantly have fresh fruit for juices.”
Favorites for kid skincare and bath
“I love the French brand Mustela; after bath time the boys smell delicious and it’s very gentle. My favorite product is the Skin Freshener; I use it to style their curly hair in the morning, and it makes them smell incredible.”
Under-the-radar kids fashion brands I love
“Bobo Choses and Petit Bateau are two European brands that are amazing for boys. But I’m also a big fan of Zara, especially as they grow so quickly — all of their pieces are on-trend and can be washed super easily. It’s not expensive, so I don’t have to worry what activities they do; they can just have fun and mom’s not worrying about their clothes.”
How I keep my mom wardrobe on point
“Anine Bing makes the best easy-to-wear, easy-to-wash, super chic separates for moms. All of her clothes are beautifully designed and made, but completely practical too. I love her super comfy rock and roll sweatshirts. She is a goddess!”
To get even more parenting recommendations, click here to read about the other stylish moms featured in our Momsessed series.
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