Baz Ashmawy Shares Joys of Family Life on a Busy Saturday

Television personality Baz Ashmawy recently offered a glimpse into his lively Saturday routine, highlighting the joys and challenges of managing a large family. With six children to care for, Ashmawy emphasizes the importance of carving out personal time amidst the chaos of family life.

Starting his day early, Ashmawy aims for the gym by 08:00. He describes this time as essential for his well-being. “If I don’t get to the gym really early, it doesn’t happen,” he notes. He indulges in a sauna and a coffee, feeling rejuvenated and ready to devote his day to his family. Recognizing the need for personal time, he states, “They don’t have to be big things — they can be as simple as having a coffee on my own.”

By approximately 10:15, he returns home, often picking up pastries or breakfast treats for his family. While he admits he is not a skilled cook, he proudly claims he can whip up a decent fry. The balance between family responsibilities and his work on shows like Faithless is a delicate one, as he juggles writing, casting, acting, and publicity, akin to nurturing a new project until it is ready for the world.

Quality Time with Children

As the day progresses, Ashmawy often transitions into “chaperone mode” for his children. His 12-year-old daughter might want to visit a friend or attend a party, but he relishes the moments spent together. “She still likes me, so we still get to do things together,” he shares. With a demanding work schedule that often leaves Tanja, his wife, in charge during the week, weekends become a precious opportunity for him to engage with the kids and give Tanja a well-deserved break.

Cultural outings are also a part of their weekends. Ashmawy makes efforts to expose his children to parks, galleries, and new dining experiences, ensuring their time together is memorable. “We might go to Bunsen which they love or we might go to Johnny Fox’s for mussels,” he mentions. The family finds joy in gathering at popular spots like St Stephen’s Green or Herbert Park, where they can enjoy each other’s company amidst the hustle and bustle of their lives.

Evening Relaxation and Personal Time

As evening approaches, the family often enjoys a meal at their favorite pizzeria, Sasha’s Pizzeria, in Ballsbridge. Saturdays are typically relaxed, with Ashmawy noting, “We are quite simple, shall I say — Saturday is a chill day for us.” During the week, they frequently attend gigs or theatre performances, including shows at the Bord Gáis Theatre or Abbey Theatre. However, weekends are reserved for unwinding and enjoying more low-key activities.

Social interactions also play a significant role in their weekends. Ashmawy describes gatherings with friends and family, where they either host or visit others. “Between the mums and sisters and brother-in-laws, usually people navigate to us,” he reveals.

As the night progresses, Ashmawy’s night owl tendencies take over. While Tanja prefers to retire early, he often indulges in movies late into the night. He enjoys a wide range of films, though he admits to a preference for older, more intense genres, contrasting with Tanja’s interest in true crime series.

Despite his late nights, Ashmawy recognizes the importance of sleep health. He has developed a bedtime ritual that includes disconnecting from electronic devices and reading for half an hour before sleep. “I go to bed with a silk eye mask on like Top Cat,” he says humorously, reflecting on his efforts to improve his sleep quality.

With a hectic lifestyle, Baz Ashmawy balances personal interests, family commitments, and a demanding career. His Saturday routine illustrates not only the challenges of a busy family life but also the joy and fulfillment that comes from nurturing those relationships.