Sundays are sacred for many, a day to unwind, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. For TV presenter Steph McGovern, Sundays are all about leisurely mornings, family activities, and dancing in the kitchen. In a recent interview, McGovern shared her ideal Sunday routine, giving fans a peek into her life off-screen.
Breakfast in Bed and Lazy Mornings
Unlike her weekday schedule, which often requires early wake-ups, McGovern relishes the opportunity to sleep in on Sundays. However, with a five-year-old daughter, sleeping late is a relative term. McGovern’s little girl often joins her and her partner in bed for a cozy morning together.
Despite not being a tea or coffee drinker herself, McGovern enjoys preparing breakfast for her family. She’ll typically make a cup of tea for her partner, apple juice for her daughter, and bring up a tray with pancakes or fruit. This simple but thoughtful gesture allows the family to enjoy a relaxed morning together, savoring each other’s company.
Gymnastics and the Perils of Foam Pits
Around 10:30 am, McGovern often takes her daughter to a gymnastics soft-play center. These facilities, filled with mats, trampolines, and foam pits, are a haven for energetic kids and a test of endurance for parents. McGovern humorously describes the scene as “full of hungover parents watching their kids launch themselves into foam pits.”
She warns fellow parents about the perils of the foam pit, saying, “If yours forces you to join in, God forbid you should ever land in the foam pit, because it’s the hardest place to get out of. You’ll lose a sock trying and you’ll flash your boob at someone.” This lighthearted anecdote showcases McGovern’s relatable and down-to-earth parenting style.
A Traditional Sunday Roast
No proper British Sunday is complete without a traditional roast dinner. McGovern, a self-proclaimed “purist,” insists on a classic spread.
Two Yorkshire puddings. I’m a purist. I don’t want anything fancy, like pumpkin-spiced red cabbage or paprika cauliflower cheese. I want it to be proper.
Fortunately, McGovern’s partner is a talented cook, so the family can enjoy a delicious homemade roast. Alternatively, they might visit a local carvery for a satisfying Sunday meal.
Crafting and Creating Memories
Rainy Sunday afternoons are perfect for indoor activities, and McGovern’s daughter loves crafting. Recently, the two worked on creating characters from a song about speckled frogs, which tested McGovern’s artistic abilities. “It’s such a change from before I had her,” McGovern reflects, noting how her Sundays have transformed since becoming a parent.
In her days on BBC Breakfast, Sundays were often spent preparing for the week ahead or traveling to interview locations. “I used to hate Sundays. Now they’re lovely,” she admits, cherishing the time she gets to spend with her family.
Kitchen Disco and Bedtime Stories
As the day winds down, the McGovern household knows how to party – kitchen disco style. With color-changing lights that transform their kitchen into a dancefloor, the family grooves to the likes of Pink, Taylor Swift, and Belinda Carlisle. “We’ll do that sometimes – have a dance – then read my little girl a story,” McGovern shares, highlighting the importance of these simple yet joyful family rituals.
Once their daughter is tucked in for the night, McGovern and her partner enjoy some quiet time together, perhaps opening a bottle of red wine and watching a film or reading. This balance of family fun and couple’s relaxation is key to McGovern’s ideal Sunday.
Steph McGovern’s Sunday routine is a heartwarming example of cherishing life’s simple pleasures – lazy mornings, family meals, silly dances, and creative play. In a world that often demands constant hustle, McGovern reminds us of the importance of slowing down, being present, and making memories with the ones we love. As we all navigate the challenges and joys of parenting, work, and life in general, may we all strive to create our own perfect Sundays, whatever that may look like.