Kourtney Kardashian reveals how she and her family stay sane

The eldest Kardashian sister sounds huskier and more monotone on the phone than she does on TV – but with good reason, it turns out.

“I’m just tired,” she admits in her LA drawl. “We had a little dinner party last night for my family.” Of course, the millions of viewers who tune into Keeping Up With The Kardashians each week and follow Kourtney’s every move on Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter will already know this – and probably everything else there is to know about the 37-year-old reality star.

We’ve watched some of the most intimate moments of her life play out on screen, from her tempestuous 10-year relationship with Scott Disick, 33, to giving birth to daughter Penelope, now four. The couple also have sons Mason, six, and Reign, 23 months.

But for all of the drama the Kardashians readily serve up for public consumption, one topic is strictly off limits during our chat: sister Kim Kardashian West’s recent robbery. Details of how thieves stole millions of pounds worth of jewellery from the 36 year old in France have filled news channels for weeks. However, we’ve been warned three times by Kourtney’s publicist that if we bring up the incident in Paris then our interview will be “immediately terminated” – and, indeed, this does actually happen at the end.

So today it’s all about “Queen Kourtney” (as she refers to herself). Arguably the most underrated member of the Kardashian-Jenner crew – which includes Khloé, 32, as well as half-sisters Kendall Jenner, 21, and Kylie Jenner, 19 – Kourtney is known for her sarcastic one-liners, dislike of “awkward” confrontations and love of coordinating outfits with her kids.

Alongside being a mum, Kourtney runs the Dash clothing boutiques, has designed a clothing line with Kim and Khloé and set up her own lifestyle website and app. We caught up with the star to find out how she handles being both a businesswoman and a member of the most famous family on the planet.

Kourtney, your life is so full-on! How do you juggle it all?

My biggest struggle is finding the balance. I know my kids are my main priority and I make sure I keep as much consistency as possible. I set aside certain times for filming so their lives stay as calm and normal as can be.

What’s the one thing you wish you’d been told about motherhood?

I think it’s nice to figure it out on your own because everyone has a different experience. Before I had Mason, my mum [Kris Jenner, 61] would always be asking: “Is the room ready? Are the walls painted? Do you have the crib?” I’d just say: “Look, people had babies in caves. I think we’re going to be OK!” So don’t stress about the small stuff, as that’s not important.

Is your parenting style quite different from your mum’s?

I think I’m more of a hippy mum. My mum raised us in the 1980s when life was different. I’m very strict about what my kids eat. My mum thinks I’m crazy because we’re gluten and dairy-free. I like to teach my children about taking care of the planet. But my mum did teach us how to celebrate life – she always made the most of every occasion. She still does.

What are your favourite things to do with your kids?

I love to read them books every night. I still have some of the exact same books that we had when I was little, like the Dr Seuss stories, Shel Silverstein and Beatrix Potter. It’s such a nice way to end the day.

You’ve spoken openly about having anxiety. How do you control it?

I like to work out when I’m stressed because it kills my anxiety. I make it part of my morning every day. It sets an example to my kids that taking care of yourself is important. It’s much harder to work out when I’m feeling anxious, but once I get through it I feel so much better mentally.

How do you stay motivated to work out?

Exercising with someone else is great – I love working out with Khloé because it’s more fun. I used to go to the gym and roam around aimlessly, but now I always see a trainer. If I’m going to spend an hour exercising, I want it to be the best it can be.

You always look amazing on Instagram – what are your best beauty secrets?

Me and my sisters have been putting oil on our eyelids and under our eyes since we were 13. I feel like it’s better than an eye-cream and it’s good for lashes too. I love the consistency of the Manuka Doctor oils and I put them on my hands and neck too. I’ve been sleeping on a satin pillow case since forever which is great for your skin and I drink tons of water. I have two big bottles every morning after I work out, then I try to keep it up all day.