Beach Life Muma: An interview with family-themed influencer Rachael

Life by the beach is pretty fantastic, we always feel lucky to be within walking distance of so many gorgeous beaches. It’s just a really calming place to be with your feet in the sand watching the waves. I think Devon beaches have a more rugged quality compared to Cornwall.

Jaxon was born with so much long blonde fluffy hair, the midwives couldn’t stop talking about it. It also grew crazy quick, by the time he was 3 it very much felt part of his personality. He really didn’t want to cut his hair and we realised he didn’t “have” to cut it. I think we drove a few family members mad with this and not conforming to the “little boy” hair cut. But he liked it long and so did we. He’s been offered many hair cuts over the years, he’s always said no. The day may come that he wants shorter hair and that’s absolutely fine. If he’s happy, then we are happy as his parents.

Bodhi was inspired to grow his hair long by watching his big brother Jaxon. Sometimes confidence is passed down quietly, just by seeing someone you love be themselves. They have always been similar and it’s lovely to look back and notice siblings shape each other in ways we don’t always see. They both really rock having long hair and think support each other in that choice. If you ask Bodhi what he likes about long hair he will tell you it’s cool and his older brother Jax has long hair too.

My parenting often looks unconventional because I’m not raising my children to meet expectations that don’t belong to them. I’ve made conscious choices to prioritise autonomy, emotional safety and individuality, even when those choices invite questions or opinions from others. A simple example is hair. I don’t cut it simply because it’s expected or convenient. I wait until my children ask, because learning ownership over their bodies matters to me. That might look unusual to some, but it’s intentional in teaching consent, patience and self-identity. My parenting isn’t about doing things differently for the sake of it. It’s about slowing down enough to ask why before I act, and choosing what I believe will serve my children long after childhood, even if it doesn’t always fit the mould.

I haven’t shared this — but a make up artist from the show reached out after she saw a TikTok about Bodhi’s hair. I’m a huge fan of the show, so I was thrilled. Bodhi is very outgoing and would have probably loved the opportunity. But unfortunately he was too young for the filming requirements around children. I have of course asked that she still thinks of us for any future roles!

The beach in winter is quieter, wilder and a space we reclaim when all of the holiday makers have gone home. The crowds disappear and what’s left feels like it’s ours again! Long stretches of empty sand, it’s also when we find the most seaglass which is a favourite family activity. It’s still my favourite place to be and May and September are the best months to enjoy our Devon beaches in my opinion. The weather is usually warm, warm enough to swim and paddle and they are always quiet then.