Tammin Sursok on why mums shouldn’t feel guilty for travelling solo
Taking time away from your kids doesn’t make you a bad mum, it makes you human.
Actress and mum-of-two Tammin Sursok shares why solo travel is self-care, not selfish – and how she’s teaching her daughters to dream big by doing the same herself.
Because if a dad jets off to Spain solo, he’s praised for taking a well-earned break. But when a mum does the same? Cue the side-eye and questions about who’s looking after the kids.
It’s a frustrating double standard, and one Tammin is tired of seeing play out.
Splitting her time between Sydney and Nashville, the Home and Away alum is no stranger to airports, time zones and the juggle of parenting on the move. But it was a recent kid-free trip to Spain that sparked a bigger conversation—about guilt, rest, and the pressure mothers feel to be endlessly available.
“Mums need to normalise filling their own cup,” the host of The Shit Show with Tammin Sursok podcast tells Bounty Parents.
“Because when I come back rested, I’m a better parent. And my daughters get to see that it’s okay to prioritise yourself sometimes too.”
In this candid interview, Tammin opens up about parenting across continents, ditching outdated expectations, and why taking time away from your kids might just be one of the most loving things you can do.
“It’s not selfish, it’s necessary”
Tammin says her solo trip to Spain was more than just a break, it was a revelation. “If a dad goes to Spain solo, he’s living his best life. If a mum goes, she’s abandoned her children,” she says.
“There’s still so much social conditioning around what makes a ‘good mother’. She’s expected to be tireless, devoted, always available—and anything that looks like rest, solitude or joy outside of that is seen as selfish.”
But Tammin believes that mindset doesn’t just harm mothers—it teaches the wrong message to the next generation.
“I want my girls to know it’s okay to take care of yourself. That you don’t have to disappear to be a good mum.”
Motherhood and the myth of balance
For Tammin, life is a constant juggle between work, parenting and travel.
“Honestly, sometimes I don’t know if I am managing it! It’s a lot of logistics – different time zones, school systems – but we’re making it work. The girls have grown up knowing life happens in two places, and that’s been amazing for them culturally.”
She’s quick to debunk the myth of having it all figured out.
“I always say you can have it all, just not at the same time. Some days you’re nailing career stuff, other days you’re hiding in a pantry eating chocolate chips while the kids scream. That’s just real life.”
Respect and teamwork in parenting
Tammin and her husband have one major parenting non-negotiable: kindness, even in chaos.
“We don’t undermine each other in front of the kids. If one of us says no, the other doesn’t swoop in as the fun one. Even though sometimes I want to be the fun one! Ha.”
What self-care really looks like
Forget fancy spa days, Tammin says her self-care is often simple.
“It’s sitting alone in silence for five minutes. Watching TV without noise. A bath, a book. And yes, sometimes it’s big things, like travel or creative projects that light me up. But mostly, it’s small acts that remind me I’m a person too.”
Sharing real life, with boundaries
With 1.3 million Instagram followers, Tammin knows the value of being open, but she draws a clear line when it comes to family.
“If sharing a messy moment helps someone feel less alone, I’ll do it. But my kids’ emotional privacy comes first. People see maybe 5% of my life online, the rest belongs to us.”
Tammin’s long-haul travel survival guide
Having clocked countless flights between the US and Australia with kids in tow, Tammin shares her go-to tips for travelling with little ones:
- Snacks. So many snacks.
- A new toy or activity they’ve never seen before.
- A change of clothes for everyone, learned that the hard way!
- Forget screen time rules – it’s survival mode.
- Always choose a night flight if you can.
- And remember: the flight will end. Even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Play-Doh x Barbie
Recently, Tammin hosted a Play-Doh x Barbie high tea in Sydney and says the new Fashion Play Sets align perfectly with how she encourages creativity at home.
“In our house, creativity is non-negotiable. There’s no wrong way to create, whether it’s Play-Doh dresses or glitter explosions on paper. I want my girls to feel free to express themselves.”
Tammin’s daughters, Phoenix, 11 and Lennon, six already have big personalities, and bold fashion to match.
“Phoenix is sporty and practical but loves a statement piece. Lennon’s a tiny rockstar – animal prints, sunglasses indoors, very opinionated about accessories!”
As for Tammin, her own style is comfort-first with the occasional red carpet glam.
“Day-to-day I’m in jeans, a white tee and trainers. But I do love going bold when I dress up, it’s evolving, but I just want to feel good without trying too hard.”
