RRP: What has your journey been like becoming a mom to twins at 40, and how did it shape your outlook on motherhood?
Leigh: It has been a surprising but fantastically delightful experience. It is certainly not an easy journey, but my outlook on motherhood is that it’s not easy at any age, regardless of the number of children you have. Each season brings its own challenges and joys, and I’ve learned to embrace both. What has made this journey so meaningful is discovering new strength in myself, finding humor in the unexpected moments, and realizing that love truly grows with every stage. Every day teaches me something new, and even in the difficult moments, there’s a deep sense of gratitude for the privilege of being a mom.
RRP: How would you describe Rowan and Rebecca’s personalities and the joy they bring to your life?
Leigh: They are complementary opposites. Rebecca takes more after me, and Rowan is a copy-and-paste of my husband. Their connection parallels how my husband Jonathan and I communicate and love one another. Watching them work through squabbles and be protective of one another is both fulfilling and comical to witness. It’s like seeing a smaller, livelier version of our own dynamic play out in real time, reminding me how beautifully different personalities can balance and bring out the best in each other.
RRP: What inspired your decision to leave the medical field and work at their school, and how has that transition changed you?
Leigh: I honestly felt like a failure. I believed I was supposed to do it all. In my mind, I was supposed to be the first one at work and the last one to leave, keep an immaculate house, be the ideal mother, be a present friend, look fashionable, and bake bread from scratch, all while my husband travels half the year. I couldn’t do it all, and something had to give. Clearly, fresh bread won over a job.
RRP: What has been the biggest blessing of working at Saint James and being part of that community?
Leigh: My feelings of failure slowly changed to feelings of belonging, understanding, and support. I literally cried during my interview, talking about how I felt I had let everyone down by choosing to change my life course mid-stream to be more available to my girls. Being surrounded by parents going through their own tough choices has taught me that there is no “perfect” path to being a good parent. If you work, if you stay home, if you make gourmet meals or have DoorDash on speed dial, it’s hard, it’s messy, it’s emotional, and it’s okay to question and doubt yourself.
RRP: With your husband traveling so often, how do you manage the day-to-day challenges of solo parenting?
Leigh: Jonathan works hard and such crazy hours to provide for us. My priority is making sure he is a part of our day. The girls’ teacher is so thoughtful in sending us videos of their milestones in school, and we talk daily on our way to and from school. When he is home, we try to make sure he gets solo time. It gives me a break and some alone time, and it ensures he is getting plenty of bonding time with them. In terms of day-to-day life, I am not a morning person, so I do as much as possible the evening before. I really dislike being rushed in the morning, and I feel like that stress sets a bad tone for the girls’ day. It certainly doesn’t always work out that way, but if I keep trying, I will get it right one day.
RRP: What does a “typical evening” look like for you as you juggle dinner, routines, and keeping the magic alive for your girls?
Leigh: We try to spend as much time outdoors as possible after school. They are still little kids, and playing with our neighborhood friends is so beneficial. I usually make an easy dinner and have them in the bath by 6:30. After they go to sleep, I do all the little tasks, such as packing their snacks, checking folders, etc. I have to give myself grace sometimes if I just run out of steam and don’t get the laundry folded and put up. I try very hard not to schedule a meeting or get together that takes me away from home for the evening more than once a week. I want the girls to feel like they have a consistent and solid home base that is their constant safe spot to land.
Rapid Fire Questions
What’s the one thing you always carry in your purse— besides the essentials? Wet wipes
Coffee, tea, or pure adrenaline—what powers your mornings? Coffee
What’s your go-to mom superpower on a chaotic day? If I sit down, I’ll get tired so no sitting down.
What’s the quickest way your kids can make you laugh? They do silly dances that crack me up.
What’s one small thing you do for yourself that instantly boosts your mood? A quick snuggle with my girls usually helps restore my perspective.
Leigh Tew has been married to Jonathan Tew for 11 years. They have twin daughters, Rowan and Rebecca (six years old). The couple resides in Montgomery, AL.
