By Kristin Mattern
One time co-host of The Early Show, René Syler continues her television career with her own show on the Live Well Network, Sweet Retreats. The seasoned journalist and mother of two loves the fun and excitement of visiting vacation locales with her guests and their families; a savvy traveler herself, Syler enjoys helping show parents how to pack and plan for family trips. On her parenting website, GoodEnoughMother.com, she educates moms on more than just how to prepare for their next adventure, instead teaching parents how to be perfectly imperfect.
For a long time, Syler ran the same rat race that many women do, splitting her time between her high-powered job and her relationship with her husband and children. On top of her already demanding life, she was also trying to be the perfect mother. Sometime after the birth of her second child, she came to a revelation: “I had this epiphany, and I realized, ‘Wait a minute, I don’t have to be perfect, and I actually do know what I am doing. It’s not the way everyone does it, but it’s the way I do it, and I’ve found it effective.’” That moment led to writing her book, called Good Enough Mother, and creating its spin-off website.
Good Enough Mother deals with more than motherhood. “I talk about career and keeping your marriage healthy. We also mention breast cancer and breast cancer causes. Just because I am a mother doesn’t mean I don’t have other interests, and I believe that’s something other women can relate to,” Syler explains. “I still have dreams, goals, and aspirations.” She also recommends that parents stop likening themselves to everyone else: “You want the recipe to be really unhappy? Keep comparing yourself to everybody else.”
Related Link: Julie Benz on Her Marriage: “We Put Our Relationship First Even If That Means Turning Down Work”
On Sweet Retreats, the celeb helps families find great places to vacation that are fun and affordable. “I love shooting this show! I’m always looking to go on vacation and save a little money here and there,” she shares. “I’m also all about showing people how to get outside the traditional touristy areas. You can actually go somewhere and become a part of a community. The show is a wonderful way to showcase how families can travel.”
Perhaps the most important part of planning a vacation is choosing a location to visit with your family. This well-traveled host suggests getting the input of your children or choosing a spot that coincides with what they’re learning about in school. “What better way to really make what they’re learning about come to life than by actually going to the location, seeing it and experiencing it?” If you have teenagers (like Syler), she recommends giving everyone their own room, so you aren’t right on top of each other, and choosing a place the whole family can enjoy.
Married for almost twenty years, Syler advises couples take time and go away together alone too. “It’s important to reconnect and remember why you fell in love. Sometimes, we all need to be reminded.” Her favorite vacation spot with husband Buff is Las Vegas. “We always have a great time, and I feel like we can just have fun together and act like big kids.”
Related Link: Prince William’s Former Nanny Is Taking Care of Prince George
When they’re not getting away to a fantastic location like Vegas, the duo cherish the time they spend together, even if it’s just sitting around the kitchen table. “I know that doesn’t sound like a date, but it is because we’re moving in the same direction, and I think that is one kind of pillar in our relationship.” The couple also enjoys the movies or a quiet dinner at a pub for date night. “It’s not the location. It’s the communication and being able to connect,” Syler sagely says.
The couple keeps their marriage strong by appreciating each other and knowing that they wouldn’t be where they are today without one another. “You have to remember what it is that brought you to the party. You know, my husband is always a big fan and supporter of me, and in this day and age, you really have to have one person in your corner at all times.”
Outside of work and play, Syler is a huge advocate for breast cancer awareness and education and does a lot of work with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure campaign. Both of her parents had breast cancer, and six years ago, she opted to have a double mastectomy after testing positive for the stage before breast cancer. “I believe that knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better decisions you can make for your health,” she explains, “Part of my philosophy at Good Enough Mother is that taking care of yourself means that you are taking care of everybody else.”
That’s one thing that we know this mom does well.
For more information on Syler, visit GoodEnoughMother.com or connect with her on Facebook and Twitter @goodenufmother.
