GOAT TALES #28
Monique Van Tulder - Author of 'A Grown-Up’s Gap Year', Founder/Editor of Grown Up Guidebooks | Nutritionist | Wellbeing Coach, Writer & Retreat Facilitator
22 AUGUST 2025, WRITTEN BY JACKIE BARON
Neon Beginnings: In the spirit of Neon Goat's vibrant energy, could you share a moment when your teen/tween son brought an unexpected splash of colour into your life or business?
Our house, once perfectly fine for a young family, required a serious re-think when the kidults didn’t quite leave on cue. Part of my ‘great escape’ (I did a ‘runaway’ from the family for 8 months - the kids weren’t off, so Mum took her own Grown Up’s Gap Year). It took boundaries, patience, and practice - but two years later, we’ve landed on a rhythm. We travel together, mark milestones, and I’ve come to quietly love having my boys around longer. We still argue about the dishwasher, but less and less.
Admirable Traits: Teenagers (tweens) often teach us more about life than we realise. What's one thing you admire most about your teen son, or what have you learned from him that's been surprisingly profound?
Both my sons are curious, about life, about people - one a quiet observer, the other a full-volume engager. Watching them meet the world in their own ways has been one of my life’s best teachers.
Shared Passions: What's an activity or hobby you love doing together with your teen son that brings out the 'cool' in both of you, Neon Goat style?
Music — loud, live, preferably 80s. We love quirky films (hello Wes Anderson), Seinfeld reruns, and a good current affairs quiz. Our shared love of travel - particularly Japan - skiing, and daily doses of nature keep us connected and grounded.
Time-Travel Tips:
At the start of every school year, I’d send my boys a list. Here are two regulars:
- You don’t need your whole life mapped out. Just know what makes you feel good, so when storms hit (and they will), you’re not drifting like a cork.
- Passion’s great - but joy in the everyday is the secret sauce. Don’t be a doormat, practice roaring now and then, and be humble-ish in victory.
Laugh Out Loud: Share a hilarious or face-palm moment you've had with your teen son that still makes you chuckle or shake your head in disbelief. That typical teen-moment or habit!
When I returned from what my family lovingly calls “the time Mum got mad and took off, for a bit” - they floored me.
One said, “I’m so proud of you. You had the balls to go looking for your answers.”
The other: “I think you deserved it. Your turn for YOU. Go whenever you need to, we will be here”.
That, to me, was better than any star spangled welcome home soiree.
Navigating the Teen Terrain: Teens are known for their mood swings and monosyllabic responses. What's your secret to getting your teen son to open up and engage in meaningful conversations, especially about life and your business?
When they were still at school, the long car trips to rowing training was our confessional. These days it’s a walk or a coffee date - no agenda, just space.
They talk, I listen (mostly - learning to bite my tongue and stop offering my pearls of wisdom - adopting the WAIT ‘Why Am I Still Talking’ method has been brilliant). The hug at the end? That’s everything.
The Ultimate Collaboration: Imagine you're launching a special Neon Goat product inspired by your journey as a parent to a teen son. What would it be, and what story would it tell?
If we took over Neon Goat HQ? We’d bottle something spritzy, citrusy, and grounded - think lemon, vetiver, spice. Smells like joy, movement, and connecting the great outdoors - just like us.
Monique van Tulder is the bestselling author of A Grown Up’s Gap Year and founder of Grown Up Guidebooks — a no-fluff wellbeing hub for women craving space, reinvigoration, and the occasional (sanity-saving) solo escape. A seasoned wellness writer, nutritionist and retreat creator, she helps women simplify life and reclaim their spark - no life explosion required.
GOAT TALES #28: MONIQUE VAN TULDER
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