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Sofia Pernikis on Her Parenting Journey: “Two Mummies Are Better Than One!”

Sofia Pernikis, a Junior Digital Product Owner at RX Global, spoke to myGwork about her experience with LGBTQ+ parenting. 

Hi Sofia! Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm Sofia, and I work at RX Global in the Marketing team, specifically Marketing Technology. I'm responsible for rolling out mobile apps at our exhibitions and other relevant digital products, as well as managing some internal system projects.

And what has been your journey with parenting?

My partner Nadia and I embarked on the journey for a baby about 4 years ago when we came back from our year abroad travelling. We decided we were ready to settle down and have a baby. Our son was born in November 2021 and was a result of the fourth round of IVF. We were thrilled it finally worked after a few failed attempts, and now we have a bubbly 16-month-old boy called Finley. Our parenting journey so far has been a rollercoaster of a journey with its ups and downs, and our son is keeping us on our toes, as he is very independent and inquisitive and is testing his boundaries. No two days are the same, and we are enjoying viewing the world through his eyes while he explores every corner of his surroundings with awe and great curiosity.


Sofia and her son

What advice would you give to an LGBTQ+ first-time parent?

Make sure to have a strong support system with other LGBTQ+ parents, so your child growing up does not feel like they have a 'different' family. But also, don't make a big deal out of being LGBTQ+ parents, as kids pick up on these things. If you are worried, they will be too. If you make it normal, then they will also pick up on that.

What advice would you give to a parent whose child has come out as LGBTQ+?

Listen to them, don't push your ideas of happiness on them, and make them feel loved and heard no matter what. It may not be your idea of happiness, but it is theirs, and if so, then the only way for your child to feel loved and safe is to just listen and accept what they're saying and always be there for them.

Have you had any difficulties in the workplace as an LGBTQ+ parent? If yes, how do you think these could have been prevented?

No, none at all. Everyone has been great.

What workplace policies are important to you as an LGBTQ+ parent?

Being able to share maternity leave with a partner

What tips would you give to an organization to make sure their workplace environment is supportive for LGBTQ+ parents?

Make sure the workplace policies are supportive and don't discriminate, and provide advice/resources for LGBTQ+ parents/employees in general.


Tell us about the joys of LGBTQ+ parenting?

Being able to share the childcare load with my partner, who is also our son's mummy. Two mummies are better than one!

What are some of the unexpected challenges you’ve had as a parent?

Where do I start?!
Maternity leave was a mix of the most busy-bored and happy-sad I’ve ever been, but it has also meant the world for bonding with my son. In general, I find a parenting journey is a constant of new challenges, day after day, but somehow we get through them and emerge on the other side with more knowledge, experience and love for one another. And then we look back and think, it wasn’t so bad before, was it?!

What advice would you give to people in the workplace who want to be allies to LGBTQ+ parents in their organization?

Don't make it a "thing". Treat LGBTQ+ parents as straight parents, ask the same questions and show interest in their family life.


What is the biggest lesson you have learnt on your parenting journey?

Everything is a phase, the good and the bad. It all changes so rapidly with kids, and you can't get complacent with any particular stage of the child's journey (at least while they're young).
Also, how much you can accomplish on so little sleep?


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