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Exclusive: 'Competitive' mum Steph McGovern on parenting pressures - 'You can't be perfect'

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 9:12 GMT by HELLO! Magazine
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Competitive Mum Steph McGovern on Parenting: “You Can’t Be Perfect”
An In‑Depth Look at the TV Presenter’s Motherhood Philosophy

When British television personalities cross over into the realm of parenting, it’s easy to assume they’ll follow a tidy, textbook style of advice. Steph McGovern – known to millions for her affable presence on BBC’s The One Show, Strictly Come Dancing and her own daytime chat series – has taken a very different route. In a candid interview with Hello magazine, she revealed that her approach to motherhood is “competitive,” but not in the sense of a cut‑throat rival, rather as a healthy drive to push her children toward growth while simultaneously accepting the inevitable messiness of family life.

A Real‑World Parenting Mindset

McGovern begins by confronting the all‑too‑common expectation that parents can, and should, be flawless. “You can’t be perfect,” she says, noting that her own “perfectionist streak is a double‑edged sword.” Her honesty is framed by a broader observation that many parents feel pressure to emulate the ‘perfect’ parents they see on social media, leading to self‑criticism and guilt. She counters this narrative by promoting a balance between striving for the best and simply being there for one’s kids.

“Being competitive in parenting isn’t about winning trophies or making my children look better than other children,” McGovern clarifies. “It’s about setting realistic goals for myself and my kids and celebrating the little wins.” She elaborates that this mindset helps her “maintain a sense of purpose and achievement” while allowing room for mistakes and learning moments.

The “Competitive Mum” Concept

The “competitive mum” label may sound dramatic, but McGovern explains it in everyday terms. She describes her approach as a “healthy push to see my kids thrive,” whether that’s in the classroom, in sports, or in creative endeavors. For instance, she encourages her daughter, Emily, to try a new sport every year, and her son, Sam, to pursue music lessons. Yet, McGovern stresses that competition is always “within oneself” – the idea of “becoming the best version of yourself” rather than measuring up to other families.

She also talks about the fine line between encouraging ambition and imposing undue pressure. “You have to gauge what your child can handle and what they enjoy,” she says. “If they’re not into rugby, don’t push them into it because your own competitive spirit is there.”

Family Life & Work Balance

McGovern’s life is a whirlwind of public appearances, book launches, and, increasingly, her role as an author and podcast host. In the Hello piece, she discusses how she balances her demanding schedule with the needs of her two children, born in 2014 and 2016. She credits a supportive partner – the co‑author of her debut book – and a close-knit extended family for the “anchor” that keeps her grounded.

She also shares practical tips she uses to keep a firm boundary between work and home: “I make sure my phone is off while the kids are doing homework or playing,” she notes. “I let them see me as a mother first and a presenter second.” The article underscores that these boundaries are essential for mental health and a healthy home environment.

Embracing Imperfection

One of the most resonant parts of McGovern’s interview is her discussion of imperfection. She recounts an incident where she accidentally spilled a glass of wine on her own child’s new shirt during a dinner party, and how that moment taught her to laugh and not to beat herself up. “That incident made me realize that parents are not supposed to be flawless; we’re supposed to be loving, we’re supposed to be present,” she reflects.

McGovern further suggests that parents should model resilience by showing children how to recover from setbacks. “I try to admit when I’m wrong, and explain why I’m making a change,” she says. “That honesty builds a culture of transparency and trust.”

A Call to Other Parents

The article finishes with McGovern’s broader message to parents worldwide. She invites them to adopt a “competitive but compassionate” mindset, to set personal goals and celebrate achievements while not getting caught in the endless loop of comparison. She encourages parents to prioritize “quality time” and “authentic communication” over curated social media posts.

“We’re in this together,” she says, “and if we can lean into our competitiveness to push ourselves to do better for our kids, we can also lean into our humanity to accept that we’re only human.”

Key Takeaways

1. Competitive Mum, Not a Conqueror – McGovern’s competitive drive is about self‑improvement and encouraging her children to be their best, not out‑shining peers.
2. Realistic Goals and Celebrating Small Wins – She stresses the importance of setting achievable objectives and praising incremental progress.
3. Work‑Life Boundaries – Maintaining a clear separation between professional responsibilities and family time is crucial for mental wellbeing.
4. Imperfection is Human – The article advocates for learning from mistakes and showing children the value of resilience.
5. Authentic Parenting – Being genuine in emotions and decisions strengthens bonds between parent and child.

In an age where parenting is often reduced to “mom hacks” or influencer‑driven perfection, Steph McGovern offers a refreshing perspective. Her approach underscores the necessity of both ambition and acceptance, providing a realistic blueprint for modern families who strive for more while remaining mindful that perfection is, ultimately, a myth.