Jules Robinson on motherhood, chaos and cuddles: “Those tiny moments are the best”

Articles 16 Sep 25 By

Jules Robinson, Cam Merchant children
(Image: Instagram)

Being a mum-of-two has unlocked Jules Robinson’s secret superpower… her mama instinct.

Jules Robinson and Cam Merchant first met as they walked down the aisle on Married At First Sight Australia season six, and viewers quickly fell in love with the pair.

In November 2019 they made history as the first couple from the series to marry for real, their heartfelt vows airing on A Current Affair’s wedding special.

Since then, their fairytale has grown. Their first child, Oliver Chase, arrived in October 2020, and in July 2024 they welcomed their second son, Carter James Merchant, completing their “party of four.”

Jules balances family life with running successful ventures: body-positive shapewear brand FIGUR, fashion label Moira Muse, and co-founding Status Co. salon in Sydney. She was recently named AusMumpreneur of the Year 2025.

We sat down with Jules to chat about the joys, the challenges, and the playful hacks that make motherhood a little easier.

Jules Robinson on mum life

Jules, what do you love most about being a mum?

Honestly, it’s simply sharing life with them and watching their little faces light up. Those tiny moments are the best! And let’s be real, I love the cuddles… and surviving the chaos they bring by sitting down in the evening for a binge session and thinking, ahhh silence, I did it.

What has surprised you most about motherhood?

The irony that the same humans who fill you with so much love can also bring you to tears with frustration in about 0.3 seconds. That’s definitely up there! And how deeply you care about their happiness, little victories, and even their tiny frustrations. Oh and the instincts, that’s amazing, it’s like discovering a superpower you didn’t know you had!

Jules Robinson, Cam Merchant children
Jules summing up motherhood: “The irony that the same humans who fill you with so much love can also bring you to tears with frustration.” (Image: Instagram)
How do you manage the balance between keeping the house running, your business, and spending quality time with your boys?

Some days, I don’t! And that’s okay. I’ve learned that I do my best and that’s all that matters. I try to make the moments I do have with them really count by playing games, reading stories, or really listening in on those cute, deep conversations where you can literally hear their mind pondering, Planning helps, but I juggle so many balls, they are my glass and the rest are plastic. And sometimes, surviving the laundry pile counts as a win. Seriously, it’s never ending!

Can you share a funny or unexpected moment that recently happened with Oliver or Carter?

You know how they say you can usually handle your own child’s dirty nappy? Well, this one was a two-person job. Cam and I were both trying to change Carter and failed spectacularly. Dry-reaching, laughing so hard, hysterical really! We couldn’t even… it was absolute chaos! Note to self: always check the diaper before changing asyou may end up calling for reinforcements.

Like many parents, screen-time can be a challenge. How do you approach it in your home?

We have two boys who need to burn energy, so outdoors is a non-negotiable. Bouncing, running, exploring… is part of the survival plan. And that was learnt the hard way! Screens are more of a treat nowadays than a default. We tell them the TV “only works on weekends” and the white lie is working and is mostly true. During the week, we focus on hands-on play, reading, music, and adventures outside. 

Jules Robinson with her two sons.
“I try to make the moments I do have with them really count.” (Image: Instagram)
You’ve recently introduced the Toniebox. How has it changed the way your kids engage with stories and music?

It’s amazing! They love choosing their own stories and songs, even Carter who is 14 months loves taking them on and off, he doesn’t even need to listen. He is obsessed with the actual Tonies too. Ollie will sit and listen with intent, he will dance around it, there isn’t a day that passes now with out the Toniebox played.

Have you noticed any shifts in behaviour, mood, or routines since bringing the Toniebox into your home?

What I’ve found with Tonies is that it’s a completely different experience. Because it’s screen-free, it doesn’t overstimulate them in the same way a device does. When storytime or a song finishes, my child can transition so much more calmly into the next activity. There’s no dramatic ‘switch-off’ moment, it’s just a gentle shift.

It’s honestly changed the way we live. I’m not bracing myself for a meltdown every time we need to move on, and my child still getting entertainment that sparks their imagination. And I’m just going to say it, Ollie is kinder, sweeter, and calmer. We had a problem on our hands and that was on us, the Tonies have been such a positive influence in our home.

Congratulations on being named AusMumpreneur of the Year 2025! What does that recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

Thank you! Personally, it’s proof that juggling motherhood and work is possible, even on the messy, chaotic days. Professionally, it’s a reminder that staying true to myself and my values actually resonates with others. Basically, it’s a big pat on the back… with confetti and maybe a tiny parade!

Looking back, what’s the one piece of parenting advice you wish you’d had when Oliver was born?

You will live in a mess every day for the next seven years would have been nice! but really… trust your instincts. You’ll get advice from everyone but eventually you go, “Ahh, I really do know what they need” and you know your child best. And forgive yourself when things don’t go perfectly as there’s no such thing as a “perfect mum” and anyone who says otherwise clearly doesn’t have toddlers, or they’re lying.

For other parents navigating the chaos of young kids and toddlers, what’s your best tip for keeping things fun and positive at home?

Keep it playful! Trust me, I’m not fun all the time, but when I am, things just flow better. Use your silly, playful voice to turn anything into a game as it actually helps get them to do what you need. Let the mess be part of the fun too. I’m still working on this one, but when I don’t care so much about the chaos, it’s easier. Kids don’t care either, they’re tiny joy machines who love mess.

How do you carve out “me time”?

I try to make me time part of my routine. I need my time or I lose my mind. Mornings often start with breath work and getting my nervous system in a good place. I have locked-in exercise times so Cam knows I’m unavailable and honestly, that works both ways. Walking with the pram while listening to an audiobook also counts. Once the boys are in bed, I’ll collapse on the couch, and I love that time. In bed, I sometimes read and I write in my journal, something simple, like I’ll jot down how I’m feeling, my intentions, and my mantra .It’s a quick way to reflect and reset. And then, once a year, I go all out and do a solo week for a full wellness indulgence. It’s like hitting the refresh button for your soul. And I love a ‘dark shower’, switch off and be in sensory silence, well hopefully silent!

Finally, if you could give a quick life-hack for surviving (and enjoying) the toddler and preschool years, what would it be?

Don’t stress about being perfect, just be there. Let the little stuff slide, get messy, and if you have boys accept that they will be messy and loud! Also keep a supply of things in the boot , clothes, wipes, nappies, balls, buckets, towel, you just never know when you will need it!

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