Kate Middleton
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As a Parent, Kate Middleton Values Outside Time, Playfulness, and Being Present

From a source close to the royal family, PEOPLE has been able to surmise three parenting points that Kate Middleton prioritizes. As they mention, Princess Diana was a very “hands-on royal mom,” and Middleton seems to walk in her footsteps.

This is all in addition to the duties bestowed upon her by Queen Elizabeth. Middleton is, after all, the Duchess of Cambridge on top of being a mom.

How Kate Middleton Runs Her Roost

According to PEOPLE’s source, Middleton “runs things at home with the kids and the schedules” and “is hugely involved in every single part of their day.” Her children with the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, include Prince Louis, 3, Princess Charlotte, 6, and Prince George, 8.

Encouraging her children to be outside, as much as possible, is the first point presented as one of importance to the royal mom. Middleton and her children do seem to frolic in the gardens quite a bit, and when asked about it by the BBC, she has said, “It makes a huge difference.”

PEOPLE cited a quote from a podcast the Duchess was on, where she said that some of her favorite family moments were the ones where “we’re all filthy and dirty.”

This plays into the second parenting point, which is to make time for family fun. Bike rides, beach trips, and exploration excursions seem to be regularly on the schedule.

On their 10th wedding anniversary, the Duke and Duchess shared a video that peered into this aspect of their family life. Kind of a day-in-the-life video.

Being a ‘Present Parent’

Finally, the third and final parenting point, stresses the importance of being a “present parent.” Kate Middleton and Prince William are “present” for the little things. “Kate likes to keep an ordinary life,” says a family friend.

While the kids argue over songs to play at breakfast, they’re there. When it comes time for the kids to be picked up from school, they’re there.

And, apparently, at the end of the day, they wind down like us all. “William will bring Kate a gin-and-tonic,” a family friend relayed to PEOPLE. “They look after each other, but in different ways.”

Do you agree with the parenting priorities Kate Middleton employs? Do you have anything to add? Let us know in the comments below.

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