School Run IV - Waking up with Kim Van Oncen and her family

In this edition of The School Run, we’re diving into the daily world of Kim Van Oncen, the familiar face on TV who’s equally at home juggling entrepreneurship, family life, and style. Alongside her husband Niels and their two spirited kids, Jack and Stella, Kim orchestrates a household filled with warmth, routine and those little moments that turn an ordinary day into something special. From her morning school runs to designing a holiday-inspired home and building a fashion collaboration, she shares how she keeps everything in balance. Proof that with a bit of structure and a lot of heart, you really can have it all.

Kim, most of us know you from TV as an actress and presenter. But tell us a bit more about yourself: who is Kim behind the scenes? And what about your family?
First and foremost, I’m a mom. I try to do the school runs myself, as often as I can, dropping the kids off and picking them up. Balancing that with a busy career isn’t always easy, as any mom will tell you, but somehow we make it work every day. They’re only little for such a short time, so right now I’m choosing to stretch myself a bit to be there for them. It means sacrificing some me-time, but honestly? These moments with my family are my me-time now. That’s what makes me happiest.

How did you actually get into acting?
It all started very casually…I did small commercials while I was a student to earn some extra money. That landed me in a casting director’s database. One day, they were looking for someone to play “Saartje” in the series Dertigers. I was invited to audition, and before I knew it, I was on set. The show became a hit, and just like that, I was off!

You’re not just active in media, you’re also a born entrepreneur. Can you tell us more about that side of you?
It’s definitely in my DNA. I come from a whole family of entrepreneurs. I think I naturally gravitate toward variety, challenge, and a sense of freedom, and entrepreneurship gives me exactly that. All the projects I’m involved in allow me to keep things dynamic and exciting. And the best part? I get to do it all together with my brother. That really is the cherry on top!

Let’s talk house! What does a typical weekday morning look like at your house?
Very structured and predictable, just how we like it! I wake the kids up, help them get dressed and ready for the day. If my husband Niels is home, he’s usually on lunchbox duty while I’m upstairs with the kids. By the time we come downstairs, everything is pretty much prepped. While we set up breakfast, the kids get a few minutes to play, usually something simple like tossing a ball or cuddling our dog Baloo. But once breakfast is served, it’s time to eat and go. I keep the mornings pretty focused: no screens, and not much room for distractions. That predictability really helps things run smoothly. I ’m also the one making sure any extras - like a swim bag or something special for school - are ready by the door. But I let the kids take responsibility for grabbing their own things before we leave. It’s important to us that they learn to be independent, even with the little stuff.

Fashion clearly plays a role in your life. You even collaborated on your own clothing line. What does fashion mean to you, and is it something you like to share with your kids?
Absolutely. Fashion has always been part of my world. My grandmother and mother are both very elegant, stylish women, so from a young age, I was taught the value of taking care of yourself and expressing who you are through the way you dress. I’ve always had a healthy interest in fashion, especially in beautiful Belgian pieces, which is why my collaboration with JBC, a Belgian family brand, means so much to me. I truly appreciate that kind of local craftsmanship and family spirit.

As for my kids, I don’t push them in any particular direction, but I do encourage them to take care of themselves. Basic hygiene is a must. Beyond that, I want them to feel free to express themselves. And they definitely do! My daughter, for example, always notices when I wear something special, she’ll immediately say, “Wow, that’s pretty!” So I know she’s picking up on it, even if it’s subtle.

They’ve both started developing their own sense of style, which I love. Jack is less concerned about fashion as long as it’s comfy and sporty. In summer, he’s all about shorts,I can barely get him into long pants! Stella is more expressive: she loves pink, purple, and glitter. Very much the “typical” girly girl at first glance. But the fun part is that she’ll be climbing trees five minutes later, coming home in sparkles and dirt, with ripped knees in her leggings. I love that balance. I’m not super girly myself, so it feels very real and authentic.

How did your kids react to the Jeune Premier items?
They absolutely loved them! I surprised them with everything, and they were genuinely excited and grateful. They don’t get brand-new school gear every year, so I think it’s important that they understand it’s something special, not something to take for granted. This year felt like the right moment: Stella is starting first grade, and Jack’s old things were really worn out. For me, it’s a bonus that the items are Belgian and high-quality. For them, it’s all about how cool and beautiful they look. They’re over the moon with it.

What’s their favorite Jeune Premier item, and what’s yours?
For the kids, it’s definitely the school backpacks; the it-bag midi pet-à-porter and and the puffer pop backpack.. No doubt about it. As for me? I’m obsessed with the weekend bags,I think they’re just fantastic!

With such busy schedules, how do you manage school pickups, and do you have any daily family rituals or special moments at home?
School pickups really depend on the day. Our calendars are constantly changing. Sometimes it’s me, sometimes my husband, and other times my parents step in to help. We just stay flexible and make it work.

With the pace of our days, there’s not much of a set routine, but we do hold on to one special moment: bedtime. That’s sacred. We take time to talk, share a cuddle, reflect on the good and not-so-good parts of the day, and always end with a reminder of how much we love them. It’s our way of making sure they go to sleep feeling safe, heard, and loved; ready to recharge for a new day.

We also carve out time for little things that bring us joy, like family walks or grabbing an ice cream on a warm summer evening. We enjoy being active together too: sports are a great way for us to connect.

Our home really reflects who we are. Since we don’t travel often, we wanted our house to feel like a holiday destination in itself. Especially in summer, our garden becomes a little slice of paradise. It’s without a doubt our favorite family spot. As for me, I treasure our bathroom. Now that the kids are getting a bit older, I can sometimes sneak in a quiet half hour just for myself. That little pause means the world.

Designing the house was a passion project. I love beautiful spaces, and together with my friend Sara Belaich, a fantastic interior architect, we created something that feels both stylish and deeply personal. It’s also a kangaroo home, which means my parents have their own space here too. That mix of beauty and togetherness is exactly what we dreamed of.

To finish: where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Honestly, I hope not too much has changed because I’m genuinely happy with how life is going right now. Of course, the kids will be teenagers by then (Jack nearly twenty, yikes!), and I can only hope that our home will always remain their safe haven. A place they can return to when life gets confusing or overwhelming, knowing they can count on us no matter what.

I picture lots of laughter around the garden bar, with friends and their stories filling the space. And maybe, just maybe, Niels and I will get to enjoy a bit of that rediscovered freedom. More time for ourselves, and for each other. But no rush… let those 10 years take their time (wink).