Miel de Botton: “Parenthood is challenging, but faith, prayer, and perseverance carry you through”

Singer-songwriter, Miel de Botton, reflects on growing up in an atheist family and navigating her cosmopolitan life and parenting experiences with faith

Miel de Botton is a singer-songwriter, clinical psychologist, philanthropist, and mother whose life is a tapestry of faith and creativity. Raised in a secular Jewish family in Switzerland, Miel discovered her own faith as a young girl, nurtured by the influence of a devoted Christian nanny. In this interview, Miel shares her journey — from childhood and career choices to motherhood, faith, and the inspiration behind her music — offering encouragement and insight for Christian parents navigating the challenges and joys of family life.

Can you tell us a bit about your early childhood? What was it like growing up in your family?

It was very structured and polite, almost Victorian. We children were downstairs with the nanny while parents entertained guests upstairs. We learned English from the age of ten through private lessons. Everything was orderly, and we were expected to be well-mannered, well-dressed, and quiet around guests.

Where did faith come into your early life?

My parents were secular Jews and often quite dismissive of belief. But I remember feeling a force, a sense of God, sitting in the garden, inspired in part by our nanny, a devout Catholic. It was a private, profound feeling that accompanied me through my childhood. I did lose my faith temporarily when my father died — it was sudden and devastating — but over two years, it returned.

So, your faith persisted despite your parents’ secularism?

Yes. I even celebrated Christmas in my room, quietly, while the rest of the family laughed. That didn’t shake my faith. I feel as if ……