Brussels, Belgium – Véronique Leysen, a 40-year-old interior designer and mother of three, recently reflected on the significant life changes she underwent in recent years, balancing motherhood with pursuing her education and career. Her story, highlighted in a recent article in Het Nieuwsblad, resonates with many parents navigating the complexities of perform-life balance and the challenges of “brain fog” following pregnancy.
Leysen’s journey began five years ago when she embarked on studies in interior design and furniture design while already being a mother to two young children. Today, she not only holds a diploma but also runs her own design studio, alongside her partner, television presenter Thomas Vanderveken. Together, they are raising their three sons: Otto (8), Isaï (6), and Romeo (4). The intensity of those early years, particularly the period encompassing three pregnancies, continues to impact her, as she described experiencing “brain fog” afterward.
Balancing Career and Family Life
The decision to return to education and launch a new career while raising a young family was not without its challenges. Leysen’s experience underscores a common dilemma faced by many parents – how to reconcile personal ambitions with the demands of childcare and household responsibilities. As she noted, having three children often necessitates a shift in priorities for one or both parents. A 2023 article in De Morgen explored this dynamic, highlighting the need for compromise and shared responsibility within a family unit. The recent Het Nieuwsblad piece delves into the lasting effects of those intense early years on Leysen personally.
The concept of “brain fog” – characterized by difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and mental fatigue – is increasingly recognized as a common postpartum experience. While not a formal medical diagnosis, it’s often linked to hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the overall stress associated with new motherhood. Leysen’s openness about her experience may help to destigmatize this phenomenon and encourage other mothers to seek support if they are struggling with similar symptoms.
A Family with Deep Roots in Sports
Beyond her professional life, the Leysen family also has strong ties to the world of sports. Véronique’s nephews, Tobe and Fedde Leysen, are both professional footballers. Tobe plays as a goalkeeper for OHL (Oud-Heverlee Leuven), while Fedde defends for Union SG. A recent article in Het Nieuwsblad highlighted their upcoming match-up against each other, offering a glimpse into their upbringing and the support they received from their mother, Hilde. The article noted that Tobe and Fedde shared a room during their childhood, a common experience in a large family.
Hilde Leysen’s experience raising twelve children provides a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of parenthood. She often found herself acting as a “taxi driver” for her sons, shuttling them between practices and games. This anecdote illustrates the significant time commitment and logistical complexities involved in supporting children’s athletic pursuits.
Advocacy and Community Involvement
Véronique Leysen is also known for her advocacy work and community involvement. In a recent post on Instagram, she publicly appealed to Flemish Minister of Education Ben Weyts, urging him to protect vulnerable children. As reported by Nieuwsblad.be on Facebook, Leysen expressed her concern following a distressing incident in Kessel-Lo, a district of Leuven, Belgium. The specific details of the incident were not provided in the available sources, but Leysen’s plea underscores her commitment to advocating for the well-being of children.
Leysen’s willingness to speak out on important social issues demonstrates her commitment to using her platform to make a positive impact. Her advocacy work complements her professional achievements and reinforces her image as a multifaceted and engaged citizen.
A Difficult Decision and a Period of Adjustment
Prior to establishing her design studio, Leysen faced a difficult decision regarding her career path. According to Nieuws365.be, she temporarily put her ambitions “on hold” to focus on her family. This decision, made in consultation with her partner Thomas Vanderveken, reflects the challenges of balancing professional aspirations with the demands of raising three young children – Otto, then 6, Isaï, then 3, and Romeo, then 1.
The article highlights the long-term relationship between Leysen and Vanderveken, who have been together for over fifteen years. Their partnership appears to be built on mutual support and a shared commitment to family values. The temporary pause in Leysen’s career allowed her to prioritize her children’s needs during their early years, ultimately paving the way for her successful return to the workforce.
The story of Véronique Leysen is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of modern parents. Her journey demonstrates that It’s possible to pursue both personal and professional fulfillment while raising a family, even in the face of significant challenges. Her openness about the difficulties she has faced, such as “brain fog,” is likely to resonate with many parents who are navigating similar experiences.
As Leysen continues to build her design studio and balance her career with motherhood, she serves as an inspiration to others who are striving to create a fulfilling and meaningful life. Her story is a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting and that it is okay to prioritize family needs while still pursuing personal ambitions.
The next step for Leysen will be continuing to grow her design business and navigate the evolving needs of her three growing sons. Readers interested in following her work can find updates on her professional projects and personal life through her social media channels and through coverage in Belgian media outlets.
What are your thoughts on balancing career and family? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below.