Category: parenting

15 Funny Mom Sayings (for moms with a sense of humour)

Let’s live on the lighter side of parenting, we don’t need to take everything so serious. I have previously confessed that I am a bad mom  and that I have parenting double standards.

I am also a self-confessed Pinterest addict (follow my Pinterest boards here), and I love looking for quotes and jokes.

Here are some recent funny sayings I stumbled across!

 

Here are 15 Funny Mom Sayings

funny mom sayings sa mom blogger pins

 

 

1. I love it when I find myself screaming “STOP SCREAMING” to my kids

Yeah, setting a great example.

 

2. Hey train wreck. This isn’t your station.

Yeah, keep it moving.

3. Have you ever looked at the last few loads of laundry and considered throwing them away?

I have thrown laundry out the door before. I can be a bit temperamental. Not kidding!

 

4. If I ever go missing. Please follow my kids. They can find me no matter where I try to hide.

Every. Single. Time.

5. As kids we wondered why our parents were always in a bad mood. Now, we’re like ‘ooohhhh’

For reals! 

via GIPHY

6. I hate it when I play with kids for 7 hours, then it turns out it was only 20 minutes.

True story!

via GIPHY

 

7. When I tell my kids I will do something in a minute, what I am really saying is ‘please forget’

via GIPHY

 

8.  Interviewer: Tell me about a time you once dealt with a difficult situation. Mom ‘I once had a four year old’. Interviewer ‘You are hired’.

My absolute favorite. As someone who does interviews a lot, I will totally accept this as an answer.

via GIPHY

 

[bctt tweet=” Interviewer: Tell me about a time you once dealt with a difficult situation. Mom ‘I once had a four year old’.  Interviewer ‘You are hired’. ” username=”cherralle_”]

 

9. Dear Monday: My Momma dont like you, and she likes everyone

No further caption needed.

10. So it turns out, being a parent is mostly just googling symptoms your kid has.

via GIPHY

[bctt tweet=”So it turns out, being a parent is mostly just googling symptoms your kid has.” username=”cherralle_”]

11. That awkward moment when  you’re not sure if you actually have free time, or if you are just forgetting something.

Pretty much my life, that is why I use a planner, my template can be found here.

 

12. To hell with this shit. I am going on maternity leave. See ya!

Just a little bit of this right?

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via GIPHY

 

13. Parenting is basically whispering FFS under your breath before answering to your name.

 

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via GIPHY

14. A worried mother does better research than the FBI!

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via GIPHY

15. Parenting was much easier when I was raising my non-existent kids hypothetically

via GIPHY

Share this post if you had a little laugh!

[bctt tweet=”Let’s not take everything so serious, have a little laugh at #momlife!” username=”cherralle_”]

 

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5 Tips to Maximize Playtime With Your Kids: Plus *WIN* with My Little Pony and Play-Doh [CLOSED]

One of the habits I have adopted for 2018 us to be less busy on weekends. Allowing me time to play and be more available to my girls. I feel that when I have too many ‘plans’ I just do not get to everything or get to spend quality time at home.

Whatever amount of time we have with our children, let’s make it count!

Related Post: Don’t Call My Daughter Shy (or any other kid for that matter)

Here are five tips on maximizing play time with kids

Get on the floor with them

Nothing beats getting on the floor with your kids and playing with them. You are at their level and you can engage and participate fully.

Manage screen time

We love watching TV in our house.

Therefore, it is even more important that we strive to create a form of  balance.

To maximize play time with your children, get off your screen. If they see you on your phone, or laptop, they will want to watch a screen too. Trust me, our family loves TV – but I do keep an eye on it. We have our TV sessions but I make a point of switching off the screens.

When you forget about your screens, so will your children.

 

Let your kids take over

Allow your child to direct play time.

Let their creativity shine through as they use their imagination. They might just surprise you!

When we read books these days its a full on ‘play’ and my four-year-old LOVES acting out book characters.

Go Outside

Nothing beats just stepping outside and playing a game.  I get grumpy when there is too much running around, but I give it a go!

My daughter discovered ‘tag’ – oh man, that game leaves me huffing and puffing like an old woman.

Set time aside for play

Very often, we get caught up in doing what we ‘need to do’ by the time we look again the day or weekends is over.

Don’t be afraid of setting time one side and ‘scheduling’ play time. For me, I try to keep my weekend as open as possible so I know I will have enough time to just ‘be’ at home. You know what I mean?

 

GIVE AWAY!

In the spirit of playtime, I am giving away a My Little Pony and a Play-Doh toy to two lucky readers.

sa mom blogger play-doh and my little pony

 

 

My Little Pony Princess Twilight Sparkle and Spike the Dragon Friendship Duet

Princess Twilight Sparkle and Spike the Dragon always stick together, especially when they sing a song.

Press the Cutie Mark button on the Princess Twilight Sparkle figure to hear her sing by herself, or hold the Spike the Dragon figure next to her while she sings,  to hear them sing a duet. Music sounds best when friends sing together. For more information please visit My Little Pony, My Little Pony Facebook Page or the My Little Pony YouTube Channel.

 

Play-Doh Sizzlin’ Stovetop

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations sa mom blogger

Have fun with the Play-Doh Sizzlin’ Stovetop that makes real sizzling sounds as soon as the skillet or saucepan are placed on the burners. Listen to how the sizzle gets louder when a Play-Doh creation is placed in one of the pans, almost like a real stove.

Want to know what’s on the menu? Use the Play-Doh stamps to create pretend steak and eggs, crazy burgers and even fish.  Add some Play-Doh veggies with the half mould and use your tongs and spatula to flip and grab your creations before displaying them on the plates provided. For more information visit Play-Doh, Play-Doh Facebook Page or the Play-Doh YouTube Channel.

 

To Enter Follow This one Easy Step

  1. Comment on the Facebook Give Away Post or the Instagram Giveaway post  whether you prefer the My Little Pony or Play Doh toy and tag one mommy friend.

That is it, you are in! Good luck!

Increase your chances of winning. For extra entries do the following – note each action is one additional entry:

  1. Share this post on facebook and tag (@mydailycake)
  2. Subscribe to our mailing list (form posted below)
  3. Share this post on twitter

Rules: Competition is open until Thursday 1 March. Winners will be announced by latest 5th March. Only open to SA residents. Prizes will be shipped by the agency.

Good luck!

XXX

Enter This Giveaway!

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Disclaimer:  Toys sponsored by Hasbro.

Bad Mom Confessions: My Child Swallowed a Birth Control Pill and 9 Other Parenting Fails

Bad Mom confessions do not make us neglectful moms. It means we are not perfect.

We make mistakes and sometimes things just happen!

Raising my girls is the toughest and the best part of my life.

So, my three year old swallowed a birth control pill! This is how it went down.

 

Last year, on a regular weekday morning my daughter kept on saying her tummy was sore. I brushed it off because she always says her stomach is sore.

Now looking back I feel terrible for not paying more attention.

As we arrived at school, she said: “mummy I want to throw up.”

Which she did.

After wiping her down as best as I could, we drove home immediately and she stayed home that day. We assumed she had a tummy bug. My husband stayed home the morning (took her to the doctor), and I took the afternoon off. As working parents, we made a plan.

I turned to Google in my time of need – Is this normal?

My daughter received medication from our family doctor.

By the time I arrived home at midday she was tons better. Eating and playing, almost back to her usual self.

As I was tidying the bedroom that same day, a few things clicked into place:

  1. My husband asked her the previous night if she had eaten a pill. He found a birth control pill packet on the floor. I couldn’t tell if any were missing as I stopped using them at that point. Anyway, we were satisfied she did not eat it and went on with things.
  2. Then on this day, I found half a pill lying on the floor as I was busy tidying up
  3. Add up the two previous points along with the nausea it became clear that she swallowed a birth control pill

As this realisation dawned on me, I did what any self-respecting parent does in that situation. I Googled the LIVING DAILY LIGHTS OUT OF ‘my child swallowed birth control pills’. It turns out, this has happened to quite a few people!

[bctt tweet=”I Googled the LIVING DAY LIGHTS OUT OF ‘my child swallowed birth control pills'” username=”cherralle_”]

We also checked in with our doctor.

Everything turned out fine – no harm was done.

Epic parenting fail! Here are 9 other Parenting Fails

Don’t judge! Tell me yours in the comments so we can be bad moms in solidarity.

 

1. Using the incorrect number of scoops

I made a milk bottle for my little one. Instead of using 5 scoops for 125 mls, I used 8 scoops. I remember this clearly. I was like – oh well!

2. Forgetting to send stuff to school

Forgetting to send show and tell on numerous occasions when my daughter was at playschool. I always missed the reminder from school! Playschool is not real school anyway.

3. Forgetting to pay for stuff

Forgot to pay our daughter’s drop off service for two months in a row…terrible. Luckily we have a good relationship with the company.

4. (Super) early bedtime

I put my kids to bed as early possible (the little one sometimes before 18h00), so I can be off ‘mommy duty’ and chill out

5. I lie about needing the bathroom

Sometimes when we are with the kids, I tell my husband that I need to go to the bathroom quickly when I don’t need to. I go to the bathroom and play on my phone.

bad mom confessions mommy blogger

 

6. Let them play in the cot

Sometimes when my Daughter wakes from a nap, I let her play in her cot. If she is okay I leave her. I can get sometimes another 30 minutes to an hour out of this situation.

7. I pretend to not notice the poo nappy

Sometimes when my daughter makes a number I pretend I don’t notice. I then ask my husband to check. As he discovers she made the poo, he must change the nappy.

8. When nap time turned dangerous

When my Daughter was between two and three years of age, she started dropping her nap. Nap time was challenging as she was sleeping in a ‘big kid bed’ meaning more freedom.

One day I put her down closed the bedroom door.

I went to relax in my bedroom. I felt so chuffed as I managed to get her to take a nap!

About 30 minutes later I heard something on the balcony. I walked to check, and guess who is playing on our balcony. Standing on a chair. Leaning over the railing! Having a field day on the freaking balcony! With a flimsy rail (well, any rail is flimsy when your two year old is standing on a chair, leaning over it). I was so frightened because she could have easily fallen over.

9. Bribery

When my child refuses to leave places, I bribe her. I promise to give her a sweet in the car.

There you have it, I am a bad mom

Being a parent is  NOT what we put out on Instagram. It is beautiful, exhausting and nasty at the same time.

Join me! Tell me in the comments, what is your bad mom moment?? 

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20 Things I Want To Tell My Twenty-Something Self

I have been reflecting on what I have learned so far in my thirties ( I am thirty-two years old). One of the most important things I have discovered is the importance of energy. What I spend my energy on: is it the right things for my family and me? And constantly evaluating what drains and gives me energy. That is probably a whole blog post on its own.

I have also started thinking about the last decade of my life, my twenties!

Previously I wrote about tips that can boost your careers in your twenties. Here are 20 things I want to tell my twenty-something self with regards to health, life and career.

[bctt tweet=”I have reflected on my twenties and here is what I would tell my twenty-something self.” username=”cherralle_”]

 

Here Are 20 Things I Want To Tell My twenty-something Self

twentysomething_mydailycake

 

 

1. Embrace your body

You are a size 6 (or a size 30) that will never happen again. Stay healthy and embrace your body.

2. You have fantastic skin now, look after it

Start some form of skin care regime now! Your reign of ‘Break out free skin’ comes to an end after you birth your first child.

3. Travel

Travel more; it becomes challenging when kids are in the picture.

4. Save

Make it a habit to learn and apply good, solid financial practices.

[bctt tweet=”Here are 4 out of 20 tips my twenty year old self: Look after your body; take care of your skin; travel and save..” username=”cherralle”]

5. Take a career risk

Trust me; it is okay. Just because you studied on thing does not mean you cannot explore other paths. A career is not a one-track road; it is a jungle gym.

6. Speak up and own your voice

All those times you kept silent, you had something to say. Always respect others, and speak your mind.

Related Post: The Side of Motherhood That We Don’t Post On Instagram

7. Physical Health

Maintain your fitness levels, build healthy eating habits into your lifestyle.

twentysomething_mydailycake_cherralle

8. Continue learning

Don’t be afraid to pick up a new course or anything you find interesting. Having a completed qualification does not mean you have to stop (unless you want to).

9. Don’t Overwork

Work will always be there. Your health, fitness, and relationships are important too.

10. Travel

A repeat because I cannot stress this enough.

 

11. Network

Say yes to networking opportunities even if you do not feel like it. You never know who you might come across.

12. When inspiration strikes, take notice

Pay attention to your body, mind, and soul. When you find something that brings you energy, excitement, and joy…pay attention. It is your own being (or the universe, or some higher being) telling you what you are passionate about. Listen and pay attention.

13. Cut out things and people that don’t serve you

Pay attention to things and people that drain you and remove it from your life.

14. Life is not a destination, but a journey

Enjoy and be present within each phase of your life.

15. Stop worrying about what others think

Actually, no one is thinking about you. People are too busy and involved in their own lives. Do you, and move swiftly along.

twentysomething_mydailycake_mom blog sa

16. Hangovers will be painful in your thirties

Hangovers are just not the same in your thirties. So, if you must go drinking, enjoy your young self. You can bounce back from pretty much anything at this age. In your thirties, not so much.

17. Do something with your hair, for goodness sake!

It took me to get to thirty-one years of age to finally colour my hair.

I know you want to.

So go ahead and experiment.

18. It won’t kill you to slap on some lipstick

Have fun with lipstick and makeup.

19. Always be you

Although, you are a bit strange. The people who matter will still want to hang around you.

20. Oh, and go ahead and marry that guy you are dating. He is a keeper.

And I did!

CHIME IN: What are your key take aways from your twenties?

Are Antenatal Classes Worth It? Real Moms and Experts Weigh In

Antenatal classes empower parents to navigate the pregnancy journey, birth and beyond. The classes cover pregnancy, childbirth and certain child care elements (like how to bath a baby).  However, are antenatal classes  worth it?

February’s Pregnancy Education Month campaign highlights how childbirth education empowers parents for a better birth experience.

My husband I attended antenatal classes at our local hospital.

We learned:

  • Different ways of giving birth and pro’s and cons of each (natural, C- Section, etc.)
  • Pain Management during the labour process
  • How the clamping of the cord (which my dear husband was ecstatic about)
  • Breastfeeding tips
  • How to bathe a baby
  • Things that will happen immediately after the baby is born, such as:
    • Assessment of baby’s vital signs after birth. And my husband was tasked to not lose sight of our two little girls during this time (paranoid first-time parent).
    • Skin to skin if no issues are at hand
    • Breastfeeding etc.

 

Here are perspectives from mothers and experts on the question of antenatal classes.

[bctt tweet=”Attending antenatal classes gave us solid information from experts and trained professionals #PregnancyEducationMonth #EmpoweringBirth ” username=”cherralle_”]

Are Antenatal Classes Worth It? What Real Moms Have to Say

are antenatal classes worth it

Shanne, mom of two.

How did pregnancy education classes empower you for your birth experience?

My husband and I attended antenatal classes when I was pregnant with our first child. We were provided with information on the different birth options (natural vs. c-section). As well as all the options for pain management such as epidural, hypnobirthing, etc. It was good to be provided with objective information on both options so that an informed decision could be reached. It was also useful to be equipped with practical examples of what to expect during birth and after that (the 4th trimester). We also learned about how to handle your newborn baby safely.

 What is one thing you remember from your education class?

I was surprised by how scary a c-section looked on video. Which reaffirmed my decision to have a natural birth (which I did x 2). I also remember the Sister soaking a nappy in water and being surprised by how much water it could hold.
[bctt tweet=”Antenatal Classes play a key role in understanding different birth options and how to prepare, for mom and dad. #PregnancyEducationMonth #EmpoweringBirth ” username=”cherralle_”]

Cherralle, mom of two (this is me!)

How did antenatal classes empower you for your birth experience?

We attended antenatal classes when I was pregnant with our first child. The classes shed light on the various pain management techniques that are available from breathing techniques to medication. Pain management was a big issue for me as I did not believe I had any pain threshold (little did I know!).

We could also practice how to bathe a newborn (with a life like ‘baby doll’). It is astonishing how tiny babies are when you hold them. My husband loved these classes as well as gave him a sense of involvement and he is proud of his role as an equal parent.

You can also read here, how all hell broke lose when we came home with our second!

What is one thing you remember from your antenatal class?

I remember the breathing technique they taught us in class. I remember practicing it and using it during my labours (in between crushing my husband’s hand).  The breathing technique came in handy for my husband. It came in handy for me as well, as I could not get epidurals for both my births. And I realized I had a very high pain threshold after all.

Sarah, Mom of One.

How did antenatal classes empower you for your birth experience?

We attended antenatal classes, and I would highly recommend it to any mom who has the means. It taught me the different options I have for giving birth. I wanted to give natural birth, but the classes educated me on a c section as well. I ended up having a C-section unexpectedly, and so I knew what to expect!

 
What is one thing you remember from your antenatal class?

I remember the video they showed us of a woman giving birth, and it looked so scary!

Are Antenatal Classes Worth it? What Experts Have to Say

‘There is a link between a lack of knowledge, fear and the experience of childbirth,’ says Lynne Bluff. Lynne is the national co-ordinator for the Childbirth Educators’ Professional Forum (CBEPF), which is partnering with Bio-Oil and hospitals nationally for the ‘Empowering Birth’ Pregnancy Education Month campaign.

Good childbirth classes, says Bluff, will equip parents with the pros and cons of all the available childbirth options. As well as practical tips and techniques for the birth and afterward. Childbirth educators are usually nurses and midwives and parents who can share both professional expertise and personal experience. Classes are on offer at many hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Pregnancy Education Month

Over 300 private hospitals and clinics around South Africa are running Pregnancy Education Month activities in February. For details, or to find a childbirth educator in your area, visit www.PregnancyEducation.co.za.

Share this post to add your voice to the Pregnancy Education Week Campaign!

Disclaimer: Content developed in collaboration with Childbirth Educators’ Professional Forum. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Dads Want To Change Nappies Too – Why We Need Family Restrooms

We are out having lunch somewhere and our toddler needs a nappy change. My husband takes her for a change but comes back quickly.

He can’t. Another changing station that is in the women’s bathroom. Dads want to change nappies too, but we are standing in their way.

When I told my husband I am writing a blog post on this topic, he was into it. “Finally, I have been waiting for you to write about this as it is a big issue for me,” he said. Okay dear, my blog exists to please you! He previously wrote on this blog about his parenting role in our home.

Related Post: Don’t Call My Daughter Shy (or any other kid for that matter)

Why a family room and not a changing station in men’s bathroom?

Establishments that cater to families need to get with the times and get family restrooms. Don’t put a changing station in the women’s or men’s restroom, just add a separate little space.

Why a family restroom though?

  • Dads who have young daughters, need to take them to the toilet and need to accompany them.  These are little girls who are not old enough’ yet to go alone into a public bathroom
  • Moms, who have young sons need to take them to the bathroom. I see a lot of moms take their little boys to the women’s bathroom (this looks okay, moms with sons let me know)
  • Men’s bathrooms have urinals which are open – not hygienic and not appropriate to look at.

[bctt tweet=”Establishments that cater to families need to get with the times and get family restrooms” username=”cherralle_”]

One family restaurant we visited recently has unisex bathrooms + a small separate open area with a changing table. It is perfect, nothing fancy, it is not even a room, but it meets the needs of parents. It has privacy as when you change a nappy you completely block the view.

We have two daughters

Dad and baby _ father changing nappies

When we go out, 95% of the time my husband cannot take our four-year-old to the loo or change the nappy for our one-year-old without it being a mission. As a father, this is an issue for him. For any father this should be an issue.

If you are a father and this is a non-issue for you, then you need to take a good look in the mirror and reflect deeply on this.

Wanting to partake in basic care giving of your children and being prevented from doing this, should be your issue.

[bctt tweet=”If you are a father, and you are not able to change your own baby’s nappy at a mall or restaurant, it is an issue.” username=”cherralle_”]

Ways my husband had to sort out our daughters’ basic needs while out and about

  • Threw a towel over my little girls head and took her into the men’s bathroom to a stall where she could use the toilet (it was urgent). The towel was because he did not want her to see what was happening in there.
  • To change a nappy: waited for men’s bathroom to clear. Then took our toddler into the men’s bathroom. She had to stand on the flat part of the basin while he did a ‘standing nappy change.’ You guys know what a ‘standing nappy change’ is.
  • Use the disabled bathrooms to take our daughter to the toilet
  • Changed nappy in car
  • The last two are not bad options

Should we be okay with this?

Turn a blind eye and just carry on?  Accept that this is ‘just the way things are?’

These were only one father’s experiences.

There are always messages going about how ‘dads should be more involved’.

Well, if we think about it, society subtly (or not) discourages dads from getting involved in raising small children. And some go”oh well.”

Examples are:

  • changing stations in women’s bathrooms
  • Mom and Babes / Mom and Tots Playgroups (I know, I know, dads can go too, but clearly who is the target market?)
  • Three days paternity leave. Although, changes are coming about with the passing of the new ten days paternity leave bill. Plus progressive companies have already increased paternity leave)

Related Post: Dear Working Mother – Here is How To Leave Work On Time

It is encouraging to see family restrooms popping up all over Johannesburg

Places such as Sandton City Mall and Fourways Crossing have family restrooms.

In my view, establishments who cater for families  (especially newer establishments) who keep on placing changing rooms in the women’s bathrooms are not being customer-centric. Look at what families (your customers) need and give it to them.

Let’s give fathers space to play the role they want to (and give moms a break)!

I started my own business to create my own flexibility – Interview with Lushia

Introducing the first interview series on My Daily Cake! Sharing life and career stories of working mothers like us.  In the interview style blog post, when you see italics in pink, this is me chiming in.

I met Lushia a few years ago when we worked together. Lushia is an energetic and spunky young women and when we met I admired her commitment to a healthy lifestyle. After a while we connected again on LinkedIn.

Lushia is a working mom who owns her own business, recruiting firm Luelle Consulting. Here is what Lushia had to say!

Lushia and son working mother interview series1) Tell us about yourself

I am a 35-year-old coloured female who also happens to be a single mom to a beautiful 7-year-old son.

What I do

I currently run my own recruitment agency in Broadacres with a friend and business partner. In Dec 2015, I registered a company while working in corporate. I had been toying with the idea for about two years.

Feeling isolated in this massive multinational, I knew my voice was too small to be heard. And so I made what I thought was the dumbest decision I had ever made in my entire life. I resigned.

I had some cash to carry me for a few months, and so did my business partner. However, we were not 100% convinced we even knew what a rough ride awaited us. On 15 Dec 2017, my company celebrated its 2nd anniversary and 4 employees later. I can honestly say, this was the hardest thing to do but so worth everything.

Related Post: The Side Hustle - 6 Things You Need To Get Your Game On

Our Routine

I currently live in Johannesburg and commute 12 kilometers to work every day. My son goes to a wonderful private school just 1 km from my office. I get to spend so much more quality time with him now.

I love being fit and healthy. So after my prince gets dropped off at school, I get to hit the gym and waltz into the office at between 9 am and 9:30. Wow, I love that you waltz into work! I also love that you have found your own rhythm that works for you.

Since I can have the office transfer calls to me while I am on the go, I also leave early some days to spend more time with my boy.
I returned to work ten weeks after my son was born, and so I was robbed of bonding time and maternity leave. I am now making up for all that lost time.

2) Tell us about your career journey and how you landed up where you are now?

Starting out in retail sales, I always had a passion for serving and helping people. I ended up in recruitment by accident in 2006. I had applied for a corporate sales position and the next thing you know I was hired. It was corporate sales of people. I had no idea I would be selling people.

In my first year of recruitment, I won the best newcomer of the year award. I took to recruitment as they say ‘like a duck takes to water’. After working in recruitment for over 10 years I now own a recruitment agency. Mic Drop.

I was never book smart so even if my parent had the means to send me to university, I doubt I would have managed to complete a degree in anything. Recruitment is sales. I am good with people, and I am great at selling them. Great example of building upon your strengths, (which are people and sales).

I opted to start my own business because I wanted to be more flexible in my own life. Also, I wanted the flexibility
to tailor make how I add value to a company.

[bctt tweet=”Starting my own business gave me flexibility to tailor make how I add value to a company – says Lushia” username=”cherralle_”]

3) What is the ONE THING you love most about your job?

There are a few, but I love that I know a little bit about almost every career without having to read books or study. I learn through interviewing people. I ask questions and gain a thorough understanding of what his/her role entails. Simply interviewing and talking to people is an important way to learn and gather information. 

So I love that I get to learn something new almost every day just by sitting in an interview with someone. Being in the company of people excites me.

[bctt tweet=”‘I was never book smart’ she says – here is how a young woman started her own recruitment company” username=”cherralle_”]

4) Share with us your two top tips that help you to manage your work life integration (balance) that would help other working moms?

I don’t think I have my work life balance down to a perfect T. Being my own boss helps a lot because I get to decide how hard I am willing to work on any given day. My motto is “Health and family first.” 

Once you are in good health and your family is happy, you are in a better space to perform at your optimum level. Eat well, sleep for 8 hours and work out.

Related Post: 10 Things A Working Mother Needs to Survive

5) Looking back share with us to pieces of advice you would give yourself as a new mother?

Nothing is more precious than time with your baby. Bond and keep a journal of all the special moments.

When you are a new mom in a stressful job, you can sometimes put too much focus on your career and not enough time being a mom. Remember that you may not have all the time in the world to spend with your kids but, use the little time that you do have and ensure that it is quality time. Quality beats quantity hands down. Thank you for these awesome pieces of advice. Its true that time flies by so quickly, and they are only this little once. It is important to focus and be present in each stage they are in.

6) What do you do to kick back? (relax?)

I read thrillers and biographies, and get lost in them completely. I also love sleeping, so I catch up on sleep whenever I can. Yes to reading and yes to sleeping!

*****************************************************************************

Thank you Lushia for sharing your story with us!

To connect further with Lushia, you may found her on LinkedIn, which she uses for networking. Lushia actively shares updates on LinkedIn, you may check her out here!

Don’t Call My Daughter Shy (or any other kid for that matter)

My daughter started a new school this week. One day, when I came from work, I asked her casually about her day. She replied ‘Mommy, I am shy.’

My daughter is a child who takes a while to ‘warm up’ to people and situations. That is just how she is.

She does not respond immediately to a greeting nor does she proactively greet new people. I researched this behaviour. Oh, and by research, I mean I GOOGLED THE CRAP out of this topic (as parents do!)

Related Article: 7 Reasons Why We Are Only Having Two Kids

I discovered that little kids are not necessarily shy, sometimes they just need more time to warm up. That is okay.  When I walk into a room, I do not want to talk to everyone immediately either. Even if she is introverted, that is fine, but I don’t want to her to carry the ‘shy’ label at this tender age.

[bctt tweet=”Labels have power. Here is why I do not want my daughter to be referred to as ‘shy’.” username=”cherralle_”]

Don’t Call My Daughter Shy (or any other kid for that matter)

shy kids

The world favours the child who is openly boisterous and talkative. Not the child who needs time to warm up before she shows her personality. My daughter is smart, witty, helpful and has a crazy weird laugh! But she will not show that side to anyone immediately.

Labels have power

The fact that my daughter takes long to ‘warm up’ is okay.  I know her. She is funny, smart, talkative, has developed friendships, and is a feisty one. She actively seeks out social settings where she can play with others.

What is not okay is her adopting a label of ‘I am shy.’

When she told me, she is shy I mentioned she must take her own time. I also told her what I always tell her when I don’t know what to say ‘You are Strong and Smart.’ When I am in these ‘teachable parenting’ moments, I never know what the hell to say, so I always remind her  that she is ‘strong and smart’.

[bctt tweet=”If she must carry any label, let it be that she is strong and smart (which she is). ” username=”cherralle_”]

Related Post: Dear Working Mother: Here is How to Leave Work On Time

Not shy, but thoughtful or slow to warm up

So when we enter new environments, and the moment comes when she doesn’t greet or respond when asked her name, I let it go. I casually say to the other person, ‘she just takes a while to warm up; or ‘she likes to observe her environment first.’ Pressuring her and covering up by saying she is shy, will not help my child.

While we are on the topic, I also do not make her hug or kiss anyone if she does not want to (it is her body). You will get a high-five at best.

I do chat with her alone about greeting and that it is a nice and friendly thing to do, but I do not make a scene about it.  At her previous (play) school, she settled in well although it took a while.

However, now that she is at a new school, she will need a little time to warm up again. You know what, she is four. It’s fine. Calm down.

I stopped telling people she is ‘shy’ two years ago but it still gets used by others. I prefer to say ‘she is thoughtful; she takes a while to warm up; she likes to observe first.’ Which is the truth! I prefer to look at it in the positive.

Related post:  7 Things a Working Mother Wants To Tell her Boss

Give them the right label to live up to

Next time a little kid does not want to greet and anyone says they are shy, don’t leave the ‘shy’ label hanging over their heads. Keep it casual but don’t let it slide if someone says they are shy, say they ‘take some time to warm up’ or something along those lines.

Do not apologise for who they are, it makes them feel small.

The shy label may keep a child from trying new things, or from reaching out to connect with someone. Labels have power!

Here are 10 Reasons Why You Should Not Call your Kids Shy from an article that appeared in the Huffington Post.

‘Mommy,  I am shy.’

I don’t want this to be her internal voice.

That is why I tell her, ‘you are smart, pretty and strong’. That is a better internal voice.

Can you relate to this? Do you have a ‘slow to warm up’ child? Or were you an ‘introverted child’?

How To Not Lose Your Cool Over the Festive Season

Did you know that the festive season can be one of the most stressful time periods on the calendar? Creating many scenarios where you can lose your ish!

Stress, anxiety and lots of FOMO is the order of the day.

Over and above the emotional effects there are also:

  • Financial stressors, caused by all the gifts and food you ‘need to buy’. Keeping up with a festive season social calendar comes at a cost too. Up for leisurely, boozy lunches anyone?
  • Physical stressors, caused by exhaustion. Come back from your holiday exhausted?

How do you handle all of these scenarios without losing your ish? Don’t worry I got you covered, here are five scenarios that will make you want to lose your ish but how to handle it so that you stay calm.

[bctt tweet=”#1 Being invited to every. single. social. event. But you need time to recharge” username=”cherralle_”]

How To Not Lose Your Cool Over the Festive Season

Christmas party drinks

How to deal with the pressure of being invited to every single social event (when you need time to recharge)

You do not ‘have’ to do anything. Respectfully decline.

Remember to look after your well being.

People who care about you will understand.

TIP: Try to set aside specific days that you will be entertaining, attending parties, and days you will stay at home. This way you will have time set aside to relax and recharge.

[bctt tweet=”Carve out time to recharge over the holidays, be careful of ‘overbooking’ yourself. #restup ” username=”cherralle_”]

Being volunteered by well-meaning friends and family to ‘host functions’ because you have the nice backyard or pool

Almost always a result of a WhatsApp group conversation gone wrong. You check your messages, 166 messages unread on the group, and you see ‘oh I have been nominated to host the next Braai/Barbeque at your house’.

TIP: Think through whether you want to do this. The cost involved in time, money and energy. If its too sensitive to decline, then make it a joint venture and ask each person to bring something and to come help set up.

Traditionalism this holiday – where only women may work in the kitchen

Sensitive topic.  Just bear with me for a moment. If you are okay with this, then this is fine.

If you are not okay with this –

You may choose to overlook the fact that all the men are relaxing, whereas all the women are working in the kitchen. That is okay as it’s only for the holidays.

TIP: However, if it bothers you just ask one of the guys to come and lend a hand to a particular task. Example, to help peel potatoes, or serve the drinks. If you invite a guy to help with a specific task I don’t think anyone will decline!

My husband and I have developed a communication style. I give a ‘ help me’ or ‘save me’ look, and that usually does the trick!

Handpicked Related Post: 22 Things I Really Want for Christmas as a Mom

How to entertain the kids during the the holidays

It is a good idea to have a few activities mapped out ahead of time. You can do this by researching events in the area.

girl blowing bubbles

Outside the home activities:

  • Local Zoo
  • Trampoline Park
  • Library
  • Botanical Gardens or National Parks

 Home activities such as:

  • Picnic in the garden,
  • Puzzles, colouring in, blocks
  • Movie afternoon (a lot of these!)
  • Assisting you with cooking or baking

TIP: Have a couple of options, write them down and post them on the fridge and then at least you know what you will be doing to keep the little ones entertained.

How to not overspend during the holidays

The simple truth is that we are not meant to touch our December salary until the end of December. Splurging your December salary on gifts, eating out, and holiday festivities will cripple your finances in January.

If you get a bonus in December, first pay off any debt (or make a significant dent) and put money away for your goals. I like to pay school fees as soon as possible.

TIP: Set up a budget for your holiday spoils and stick to it.

= Share this post if you are prone to losing your ish over the holidays! We don’t judge…
 

22 Things I Really Want for Christmas (as a Mom)

I love the December holidays.

It’s festive. It’s my birthday month. It’s sunny. Warm. And all round a fabulous time of year.

However, I will admit, it can get quite busy with the kids (I have two beautiful daughters, and I wrote here  about why we are only having two kids). 

I am always very grateful for any gift I receive.

And yes, I want my friends and family to be healthy, happy, blessed and all those good things.

However, I am playing open cards with you now. Here is what I really want for Christmas (keeping in mind I am an introverted soul).

[bctt tweet=” Here are 22 things I really wants for Christmas #2 someone to pack my cupboards right” username=”@cherralle_”]

Here  is what I really want for Christmas (as a  mom)

 

christmas socks

  1. Someone to come clean my house during the holidays (we manage though)
  2. Someone to pack my cupboards right.
  3. Someone else to cook Christmas lunch.
  4. Someone else to brave the shops to do Christmas shopping.
  5. A day alone. To read a book cover to cover in one day.
  6. A morning alone to sleep in. How does it feel to sleep until you naturally wake up? A faint memory of years gone by. [bctt tweet=”What I really want for Christmas. To sleep in! A faint memory of years gone by #momlife ” username=”cherralle_”]
  7. A pre-schooler who bathes without making a scene (since she turned one years old, this is just how it is for the last three years).
  8. To finish a cup of coffee without it getting cold.
  9. A massage.
  10. A hair treatment.
  11. A cooked meal every now and then over the holidays – where I don’t need to cook or clean the kitchen.
  12. Someone to teach me how to use make up properly
  13. A variety of snacks that is just for me, that I don’t need to share with anybody. I wrote here how important snacks are in my life and other parenting double standards.
  14. Cute but practical Pyjamas. Come on, who does not like pyjamas!
  15. Cute socks. Come on, you know you like cute socks too!
  16. A Voucher from my husband that runs for  year. The voucher gets me coffee in bed each morning – no questions asked (I do have this now and would like it to continue). One can really get creative with a personal voucher, you can ask for all sorts of things.
  17. Randomly tell me ‘wow there is something about you, you look so beautiful’ – at least once a day. This can be another voucher as per #16
  18. No hosting of anything. I am just ‘mom’ tired right now. I will use the ‘I have two kids under five’ card. Not sure if that’s a thing but I am playing this card. I know you get ‘two under three’ – but two under five must also be a thing. If not, I have declared it is a thing.
  19. A picnic in the garden (restaurants are not working out right now with two. Again playing the same card as #18).
  20. An afternoon nap with my girls in my bed.
  21. Watching my girls enjoy each others company and laugh out loud together. I was reminded in this post from Mom of Two Little Girls how quickly these special years fly by.
  22.  Watching my husband and my two girls play. Then I sneak off to have a moment alone, until they realise I am missing after five minutes and come find  me. (But i secretly like it when they come look for me and follow me around the house).  The three of them make me proud in little ways.

Whatever happens over the Christmas holidays, remember to value the special time with your loved ones. Material things can be replaced. Special time with your loved ones is the true gift.

[bctt tweet=”Each day is a gift. Open it. Celebrate It. Enjoy it. Parenthood (and alone time) is a gift” username=”cherralle_”]

 Tell me in the comments below, what are you looking forward to most this Christmas?

Further Reading:

10 Things a Working Mother Needs to Survive