Author and broadcaster Helen Farmer reflects on motherhood, vulnerability, and building one of the UAE’s most trusted parenting communities.

Helen Farmer never imagined she would become a “mummy influencer”, but that’s exactly what happened after she launched her blog, The Mothership, following the birth of her first daughter, Phoebe. Today, the writer and radio presenter has become one of Dubai’s most trusted voices for expat parents.

Originally from the UK, Farmer has lived in Dubai since 2007 with her husband and their daughters Phoebe and Tabitha. After becoming a mother for the first time, she felt compelled to share her experiences through her online platform, candidly documenting the realities of parenthood.

From postnatal depression and how she balanced being a mum and having a career, to the everyday highs and lows of raising a family far from home, Farmer shared it all. And that honesty resonated with parents across the UAE.

What began as a personal outlet has now grown into a loyal community that continues to turn to Farmer for reassurance, trusted advice, and authentic conversations.

Today, alongside her presenting work on the Dubai Eye radio station and being the author of several children’s books, Farmer remains a reassuring voice for expat families navigating life in the UAE.

We spoke to Farmer about motherhood, building a life in Dubai, and why embracing vulnerability became the foundation of her community.

You’ve built a strong community through your honesty around motherhood. How did that evolve so naturally?

It sounds clichéd, but I’ve learnt that genuine connection only comes through vulnerability. I started writing when my first daughter was about six months old, initially as a personal project. Much of the parenting content in the UAE then felt
aspirational, but my reality was postnatal depression, struggling to find mum friends, and navigating a huge identity shift.

At first, writing helped me process what I was experiencing. When I eventually shared those stories, the response was overwhelming. People would say, “Me too,” or “I’m so glad someone else said it.”

That sense of connection has shaped everything I’ve done since, from blogging and Instagram to radio, where I now have the chance to bring experts into conversations and remind people they’re not alone. Ultimately, it’s about helping people feel supported, equipped, and empowered.

Your work as a journalist has enabled you to bring people together. How important is it to create a sense of community among your listeners and followers?

Community is incredibly important, particularly in radio. It is easy to forget that while I am sitting in a studio, thousands of people are listening. In 2026, radio reminded radio reminded us of its power not only to share news, but also to offer reassurance, practical advice, and a sense that people are not alone in their concerns. Messages from listeners saying a conversation brought them comfort or helped them in some way reinforce that connection.

I am very proud to have helped bring people together in Dubai when it mattered most.

Your interview with Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy generated considerable engagement and conversation. Why do you think it resonated so strongly?

Interviewing H.E. Reem Al Hashimy was a career highlight. I think it resonated because she spoke not only as a public figure, but also with honesty about motherhood, parenting, and the challenges of balancing different responsibilities.

Her openness made me feel less alone as a working mother. What stayed with me was her calm leadership,her commitment to setting a strong example, and her refusal to accept limitations.

She reminded me that we are often more capable and have more impact than we realise. It was also meaningful to hear her acknowledge the role radio played in communicating accurate information and reassurance during a period of uncertainty. We both understood the responsibility that comes with being public-facing when people need calm and clarity.

What are the most common concerns you hear from your audience?

Loneliness is probably the biggest one. As expats, we’ve left behind family, lifelong friends, and support networks, so building genuine relationships takes time.

People also come to me for trusted recommendations, whether that’s for a doctor, school, or lawyer. Over nearly two decades in Dubai, I’ve built what I call a “little black book” based on personal experience.

In a city where everyone is promoting themselves, people really value recommendations from someone they trust.

What advice would you give to women when it comes to knowing whom to trust?

Professionally, do your research. Just because someone has credentials in their Instagram bio, it doesn’t automatically make them an expert.

As broadcasters, we have a responsibility to ensure anyone we feature is qualified and credible. Personally, it’s similar. Dubai can sometimes feel transactional, but there are also incredible friendships here.

It simply takes time to recognise who genuinely has your best interests at heart.

How important has it been to maintain your friendships after becoming a parent?

I think friendships are incredibly important, but I also believe that some friends come into your life for a reason. Different people support you in different ways.

You may have friends you turn to during difficult times, and others who will be genuinely happy when you experience personal or professional success.

Sometimes it is wonderful to get dressed up and go out for a beautiful dinner, but it is equally valuable to have friends you can invite over when you are still in your pyjamas and simply have a normal, honest conversation with. Those friendships can take time to build, especially when social media encourages us to present a polished version of our lives.

How do you balance your career with family life?

It’s an ongoing juggle, and I certainly haven’t mastered it. What has made the biggest difference is having a genuinely supportive partner who sees parenting as a shared responsibility.

We’re also incredibly fortunate to have practical support at home, which allows me to spend quality time with my daughters rather than focusing on household chores. Every family looks different, but none of us does this alone.

Motherhood has also made me far more selective with my time. You quickly realise what deserves your energy and what doesn’t. Becoming a parent forces you to simplify your life and focus on what matters most.

What has surprised you most about motherhood?

Before my second daughter was born, I genuinely worried I wouldn’t be able to love her as much as my first. A therapist reminded me that love isn’t finite. Somehow, your heart simply expands.

I’ve also learnt that our children arrive as their own people. We can guide and support them, but we can’t change who they are.

Perhaps the most liberating lesson has been realising that every family is different. What works brilliantly for someone else may not work for you, and that’s okay. I often remind myself, “Good for you, not for me.” That mindset has brought so much freedom.