Mary Pcholkina is a family photographer and mother of two boys. Her world moves at a thoughtful pace: long daily walks, quiet weekend rituals, and creative projects shared with her children. Living in the Netherlands, she balances a love for nature with the beauty of everyday parenting. She chooses slowness, connection, and freedom over the rush.

For the first edition of A Wildride With, we spoke to Mary about family rhythms, parenting tricks, and the memory that turned into a milestone moment with her Wildride carrier.

We try to keep things simple and meaningful.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Mary, and I’m a family photographer with a deep love for capturing childhood. Children’s photography is where my heart truly lies — inspired daily by my own little ones and the quiet beauty of our everyday life.

We try to keep things simple and meaningful. Long daily walks — 10,000 steps is our family rule — and cozy weekend movie nights with the projector are part of our rhythm. Nature is our favorite escape, and every school break we head off to a new forest cabin somewhere in the Netherlands.

One of my favorite little rituals is styling photo sessions together with my kids. Choosing outfits as a team turns into a creative game — and those shared moments often feel just as special as the photos themselves.

What has been your most memorable Wildride moment?

My favorite moment was the first day we took the Wildride out for a walk. I was a little nervous because my child never really liked being in a sling. But we travel a lot and walk even more, and sometimes it’s absolutely essential to have free hands while keeping your little one close and content.

That was our very first walk. We were out in the dunes, with a long path leading to the sea—no car access, just us and the trail. 

He stayed in the Wildride the whole way, hugging me and quietly watching the animals around us.

It turned into such a warm, special memory of our family day together.

What’s your best life hack as a parent?

I think the most important parenting “hack” is respecting your child’s boundaries — not pushing too hard, but observing more often. Staying in dialogue with them, communicating openly, sharing emotions, and talking about your own feelings.

For me, this makes life so much easier, because it helps create a real connection and mutual understanding with the kids.

And, of course, giving them the freedom to be themselves.

Oh — and another key hack: regularly inviting grandma and grandpa to stay with us. It gives parents a chance to breathe.

What’s a little “parenting lie” you use to get things done?

1.⁠ ⁠Broccoli helps your arms grow strong, so you can win every judo match!

2.⁠ ⁠The internet isn’t working today — it ran out of energy and needs some rest.

3.⁠ ⁠If you don’t brush your teeth properly, the tooth fairy won’t accept black teeth and won’t bring any gifts.

What’s in your bag?

In my mom bag, you’ll always find the essentials: snacks, a fruit pouch, a banana, a fruit roll, a couple of toy cars, diapers and wipes, hand sanitizer, water, my wallet, car keys, sunglasses, and — of course — a bag with extra clothes in case of a little… fiasco.

Through calm routines, creative moments, and a deep connection to her children, Mary reminds us that parenting is built from simple, meaningful moments. A shared walk, a quiet hug, or a playful idea often become the memories that stay with us.