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Educational

At Play:Date , we want to give all the families the tools for navigating parenthood. With all the new choices that are involved, it is sometimes difficult to know what the best thing is to do in certain circumstances. That’s why we have teamed up with Nevena Bazalac, Dubai’s #1 Harmonious Family Expert and Coach  and CEO at L.A.K.E Consulting. Check out her top tips for raising confident and independent children!

Confidence and Independence is the ultimate goal when raising our children. Why? Because when children learn at the earliest age to solve problems, overcome the obstacles, and grow their self-belief on how resilient they are, they are set for success in life. They will grow up as adults ready to follow their dreams and ambitions, conquer the fear and most importantly be happy.

In this article, I wanted to share with you 3 tips on how you can build confidence and independence in your child:


1. Give children choices

From the earliest age make sure to give children choices. Let them decide for themselves. This can start by offering them 2 snacks and letting them choose which one they want to eat. Or offer 2 toys and let them choose with which one they want to play. Decision making is a skill that every successful person has developed.

 

2. Do not solve tasks for your children

It is very important that children find solutions on their own. However, if your child struggles with a task, instead of solving it for him/her, give a tip or guidance. For example, if they can not finish a puzzle, ask them to try turning the peace another way, or change from left to right, etc. This will help children on the way to the solution while building confidence at the same time. 

 

 

3.Teach children the consequences of their behavior

Children love making their own decisions and when we say “no” to them they usually rebel. However, we want children to become decision-makers and for that reason, we need to explain to them the consequences of their decisions and then let them choose to proceed or not with the same. For example, your child is rocking on a chair. You told them a few times not to do it and it didn’t work because they want to be their own decision-makers. Instead, explain to them that they have a choice. They can continue rocking on the chair and risk of injuring themselves. Explain to them that if that is their decision, they will have to deal with the consequence of the pain and they should not come over to you crying because of what happened. This way you have passed the responsibility on your child which will help them understand that they have control over their actions. 

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Awareness Play Dates

The new school year is well in swing, but there will always be multiple fears. Especially now with the pandemic, parents have reservations and concerns for their child’s wellbeing while at school. The fears of your child’s safety against the virus. The fear that your children will adjust the new strict rules. And also, the fear that the cases will get out of control, and the schools will be forced to shut down.

Having said that, what do kids need this year to get back to school routine and be safe at the same time? The list looks quite different to previous years. But small changes, can make a big difference!


1. Their own school supplies

It might be clever to send your kids to school with their own set of stationery and have them all labelled! This simply helps reduce the chance of spread of any other virus, not just Covid 19!

 

2. Hand Sanitizer

Even though hand sanitiser should never replace proper hand washing, always include hand sanitiser in your kids’ bag, or in easy access, so they get into the habit on their own of sanitising their hands frequently. This will help in case they touch their face unknowingly, so they can be better protected.


3. Face Masks

Face Masks have become a part of our life now. Whether we like it or not, it is one of the most efficient ways of both protecting ourselves and others. Let the kids choose their own face mask to make them feel more comfortable wearing it for extended periods of time. Just remember to have a few available so that you can wash them frequently!


4. Personalised Mask lanyards

These lanyards and cute and inexpensive. These help in keeping the mask off the ground and they also help kids so as to not lose masks. They make wearing a mask at school just that little bit more fun!


5. Clean school uniform daily

The virus can potentially stay on your clothes for extended periods of time, so it is clever to invest either in a dryer and dry uniforms quicker, or a spare set. Every day when the kids come home, they should change immediately into clean clothes and put their uniforms straight in the washer.


6. Headphones

If your child is one of those who is still learning online, now might be a good time to invest in some good headphones, that are comfortable and unique. It also might be a good idea to get wireless headphones, just in case children decide to get off their chair and wander, without pulling off the laptop or tablet!


7. Lunchboxes

The rules for kids’ lunches may be stricter now with Covid 19, so make it a bit easier by buying them a new lunchbox of their choice and offering a varied choice of snacks. Our favourite choice for lunchboxes is @citrondubai. Do you own one of their lunchboxes?


8. Keep them home if they are sick

It is recommended to keep your children home if they feel under the weather. It may be tough for you (i.e. needing to take a day off work), but in the long run it will help their immunity, by reducing their chances of getting sicker at school. Having said that, make sure you up your kids’ vitamin intake and make sure they have adequate sleep and vegetables in their diet to maintain their immunity during these different times!

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Editor’s Pick

Before Covid – 19 affected everybody’s lives, online learning was present in quite a few households. Whether it was because parents made the decision to completely home school their children or simply because their kids needed extra support outside of their regular school. Either way, a multitude of app and websites to help and support your child’s learning journey are available.

We have made a list of our favourite apps for different age groups and aims of development.



Best for Babies

Name: The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Friends First Words
Ages : 1 and up (although 2 if you’re super strict about screen time!)
What’s  it about? If you kids love the classic Eric Carle book, they will love this interactive app also with swiping and listening to the animal sounds. It teaches them also to listen to instructions. It really brings the story to life!

 

 

Best for Toddlers

Name: Khan Academy Kids
Ages: 2 to 7
What’s it about?: The activities are fun and engaging — and seemingly endless. Including stories, tracing letters and phonics. There is even introduction to simple math and reading exercises.

 

 

Best for Quiet Time

Name: Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Ages: 
3 and up
What’s it about?: This is all about mindfulness and calm breathing techniques. It helps the kids calm down and cope with problems. The App even has a section for adults with further advice also.

 

Best for Thinking

Name: Build a Truck – by Duck Duck Moose
Ages: 
3 and up
What’s it about?:
Kids get to design their own truck by selecting inventive parts with which to construct trucks, spray-paint and decorate and then they choose a race course, complete with obstacles.

 

Best for Math & Older Kids

Name: Coolmath Games
Ages: 13 Plus
What’s it about? It features various math activities and games and is also a brain-training app, where logic & thinking meet fun and games. It includes lots of challenges and (fun ones too) so you don’t even realise you are giving your brain a workout!

Best for Teaching Numbers

Name: Fish School

Ages: 2 and up

What’s it about? The app exposes your preschooler to important concepts like letters, numbers, shapes, colors, matching, and more. Kids can make the fish swim and do funny things with a simple touch and drag.

Best for Phonics

Name: Phonics Ninja
Ages: 4 and up
What’s it about? Kids can splash and slash all and even choose different levels of difficulty as your child progresses. You can even record your voice to help your child along the way!

Best for Learning about Science

Name: Science360
Ages: 12 and up
What’s it about? The National Science Foundation’s Science360 app, brings cutting-edge science and engineering news, images, and video right to your child’s fingertips. All content is either produced by the NSF or gathered from scientists and universities around the world, ensuring your child is receiving the best quality information out there.

 

Best for Learning Coding

Name: Scratch Jr.
Ages: 5 and up
What’s it about? It is all about teaching kids the basics of coding. Designed by researchers at MIT, your kids will not only learn to code but also learn all about problem solving, design, and how to create their own stories.

Best for Learning another Language

Name: Duolingo
Ages: 6 and up
What’s is about? Want your kids to learn Spanish (or French, German, Portuguese, or Italian) in no time, then this is the app for you!  It is full of mini lessons for visual learners and revolves around repetition. The kids (and adults too) can earn rewards, and some languages even include speaking practice with the Duolingo bot.

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Awareness Play Dates


Tantrums can come in all shapes and sizes, and often take parents by surprise.  Most commonly seen in kids between the ages 1 to 3 years old, tantrums do still happen as they get older, due to slightly different reasons. The important thing to note is that every child is different and that some have them more often than others. Remember that it is one of the most normal aspects of child development.

Reasons for the tantrum can range from, hunger, fatigue, or simply not getting what they want. Another reason could be children not being able to express their needs or feelings verbally.

There are many ways to tackle a tantrum, no matter the age or the situation, these methods and common coping mechanisms will help you handle the situation better.


1. Acknowledge and keep communication open

One of the most important aspects of tackling a tantrum, is to firstly acknowledge that they are having one! Acknowledge that they may be feeling emotional and perhaps overwhelmed.

If they are unable express their emotions into words, offer them the words: ‘’Are you upset because someone took your toy?’’ or ‘’I know you are sad because I switched off the cartoons, but these are the rules’’.

Amanda Morin, a teacher and early intervention specialist states that parents should help them understand that it is ok to be upset and that their feelings are valid and common. Use the opportunity to also set rules and standards for their behaviour.

Older children may have tantrums because an event is cancelled that they might have been looking forward to. Offer an alternative solution to the reason they are upset. Always let them know you are there for them and that you understand them, and no matter what happens you will always support them.

Even long after the tantrum is over, keep the praise strong, and acknowledge that they were able to overcome their tantrum and take control of their feelings, suggests Lauren M. O’Donnell, a child Psychologist.

 

2. Keeping Calm is Key

No matter what you do, always try to remain calm. Of course, this can be easier said than done, but finding a way to keep yourself calm will reflect on the child’s behaviour as well. It could be as simple as sitting down next to them and remaining quiet, while taking deep breaths. You may find your little one calming down themselves and sitting next to you and imitating your breathing pattern.

 

 

3. Look for Triggers

Take some time to figure out what is making them upset. Is it fighting with a sibling? Is it homework that they are struggling to accomplish? Maybe it is something as simple as switching the TV off. Understanding what is making them upset is one of the most important steps.

Tackle these issues by breaking down your questions and giving options. Toddlers for example like to have control so don’t just ask if they are hungry; ask if they want a yogurt or a biscuit for a snack. For older children, give them time limits, and set their expectations.

 

4. Ignore it

Sometimes the only thing you can do is to ignore the tantrum. Let them go through the tantrum in a safe place and don’t get involved as it can make it worse. Once they calm down, talk to them calmly at their eye level and try to understand what made them upset in the first place. This will help them take a different approach next time it happens and give them coping mechanisms also.

Another important thing is simply to also ignore people in public who look at you. They may not have children or have forgotten what it is like to have kids! If ignoring them isn’t an option, and you find yourself getting frustrated, there’s nothing better than a distraction for your child. Offer them something new and more interesting.

 

5. Always Remember

Tantrums do not last forever (and you will get better at dealing with them over time). They generally stop on their own, once children are able to gain self-control and can communicate better.

However, if you do feel like your child is having them more often than usual, and all possible reasons for the tantrum have been dealt with (e.g. hunger, fatigue or emotional control), then you could always talk to your paediatrician for further suggestions and professional advice. Everyone wants to have a happy child and in turn happy parents!

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There are some Mums around the world that we consider Boss Moms. They are either world leaders, celebrities, or CEO’s of large-scale business. They seem to have it all together and are inspiring women around the world to take charge and own their professional, personal and social lives.


1. Jacinda Aden

She became a mum at the age of 37 with her partner, while being the Prime minister of New Zealand for Just under a year. One of the most notable things to mention is that she is the first world leader in nearly 30 years to have a child while in office. She shows that women can have it all (with a little help and a little planning!). One such situation that stood out was when she took her took her young daughter to the United Nations General Assembly meeting. Since becoming a Mum and being Prime Minister she has changed her way of running the country as she claims “To me, leadership is not about necessarily being the loudest in the room, but instead being the bridge, or the thing that is missing in the discussion and trying to build a consensus from there.”


2. Serena Williams

Everyone knows Serena Williams as one of the top tennis players of our time with 23 Grand Slam titles, but did you know that she finished the 7th Australian Open while pregnant with her first child? She has become the epitome of #momgoals. Not only is she honest with her struggles of being a Mum and world champion with grueling training session and travelling the world, but she made an epic come back that few people expected once she had her child.
She once said, “Most of you moms deal with the same thing. Whether stay-at-home or working, finding that balance with kids is a true art,” and that she also has bad days, just like every other mum around the world.

 

3. Sheryl Sandberg

Not the most common name heard in every household, but Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook! She also wrote an award-winning novel called ‘’Lean In’ about individual growth and empowering women around the world to achieve their full potential, by combining professional achievement with personal fulfillment. One tragic and yet notable thing about her is that she sadly lost her husband suddenly in 2015, leaving her as essentially a single mum with 2 kids and a demanding career. She aims to help women understand that they can have it all with the help of a supportive partner, as well as how a supportive partner has an effect on your success in your career.


4. Angelina Jolie

Who doesn’t know Angelina Jolie for her beauty, movies, and also humanitarian efforts? Despite all of these roles and hats she wears; she comments that being a mother is her most important and favourite role. Amongst travelling the world for her work with the United Nations, to places such as Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, she still manages to find time to film and direct movies and be the best mum possible to her 6 kids! That is what we call #bossmum


5. Michelle Obama

Most of us know her as the former First Lady of the United States, but did you know that she also boasts two Ivy-League degrees from Princeton University and Harvard Law School? She has launched many organizations devoted to health and education such as the Global Girls Alliance in 2018, including being an advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, by changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives. During her husbands’ time in the Oval office, she managed to raise 2 young girls in the spotlight, while instilling in them values of being down to earth and giving back to their community.


6. JK Rowling

Who doesn’t love the story and magic that the Harry Potter series brings to every household across the world? But did you know that JK Rowling was famously a single mum living off state benefits when she wrote her book series and thought up the whole story on a 2-hour train ride. She even also famously gave away so much of her earnings to a charity that she no longer holds the billionaire status yet continues to build her fortune from almost nothing. Through all her success and struggles, she still claims that being a mother is her proudest achievement.

 

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Ever had to drag your child to the shops, because you were low on supplies, or because you maybe just needed a change of scenery? Do you dread taking them to the shops, but have no other choice, either because you have no help at home, or your husband is working long hours?

Fear not! Simply follow our simple do’s and don’ts to make the experience that much easier and smoother for you.

The aim is to try make the shopping experience, a time for being together and maybe even make it into a learningexperience and get home in one piece (without forgetting items on your list!)

Do: Make it fun. Let them push the cart, let them race around finding all the items that you need. Sing songs as you are walking around, and make it into a fun number of games such a spotting certain numbers in prices, or even play ‘eye spy’ for specific vegetables

Do: Practise reading the shopping list. If your child is starting to learn to read, use this as a reading opportunity. As you pick out each item, ask them to tick it off.

Do: Ask them what they would like to buy before you head out of the house. The same goes for when you are in the store – involve them in choices. It could be as simple as which yogurt to buy. If you have an older child, ask them to write the list, and if they are younger, try drawing small pictures of the items to help them follow the list.

Don’t: Take the kids to the supermarket when it is super busy – try going in the early morning and avoid public holidays and weekend mornings if possible.

Do: Let them talk to the butcher or fish monger so they understand their food better. Use this as a time to build on their social skills and at the same time persuade them to ask questions about where the food comes from.

Don’t: Go shopping when you know they are hungry! Schedule trips for after mealtime. This will help with reducing impulse purchases and reduces the tantrums if they can’t get their favourite cheese sticks or biscuits.

Do: Play games in the store: this could be as simple as finding the word – Discount/Sale or choosing healthy food for snacks or maybe even making a game of “who can collect the most different types of potatoes within 1 minute”.

Don’t: Rush. If you have a long list of groceries, consider going without them to the shop. If you have some free time and are not in a rush, then take them along and enjoy the experience.

Do: Set expectations before you leave the house or the car, explain to them what is happening. For example, they are not allowed to ask for extra items that are not on the list, or that if they help out and behave they can have a small treat (maybe a new snack bar) at the end of the shopping trip.

Don’t: Expect them to understand all the rules. Teach them patience by standing in line to ask for help nicely and to be respectful.

 

Have you found anything that helps with your shopping trip? This could also be appropriate for other types of shopping such as clothes shopping. Always try and see the positive side of the outing and enjoy your time together.

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Looking for Inspiration for things to do with the kids at home? Does your child like to get messy and learn at the same time? Why not give our top picks a try and see how you get along? Use them all as learning experiences and get crafty in the process to make it entertaining for the little ones.


4 Ingredient Homemade Paint


Have you ever had your kids wake up one day and announce that they want to paint a masterpiece? Only one problem – no paint in the house! We have all been in this situation
so we found a super easy and safe paint that you can quickly make at home!

Materials needed:
  • 1/2 cup plain/all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tablespoon Fine salt
  • 2 Cups Water
  • Food colouring
  • Few drops of Washing up liquid (Optional –*Do not use this if you want to make non-toxic
  • paint suitable for babies age 6 months plus. If your little ones might put the paint in their
  • mouth, don’t add the washing up liquid.)
  •  
Method:
  • Add the flour and salt to a large pan, then Put on a low/medium heat and slowly add the
  • water.
  • Keep stirring with a whisk until you get a thick smooth texture, then take it off the heat
  • and allow to cool.
  • Separate into tubs and add food colouring (and washing up liquid if using.) then slowly
  • add water to get the consistency you want. Voila – you have paint!
  • Store the new paint in sealed tubs in the fridge, it will last for a few days.

Top Tips:
  • Add a bit of water if the paint dries out, or flour if it’s too runny.
  • No food colour – no problem – give turmeric powder a try to get a yellow paint!
  • No Paintbrush – no problem! Get creative and use spongers, make up brushes or just let
  • them go crazy with finger paints.
  • Use this as a teaching opportunity – mix yellow and blue to make green and red and blue
  • to get purple!

Courtesy of : @thecareymum


Play Dough


Play dough is one of those things that you can always guarantee will keep your children entertained long enough for you to make dinner (maybe even longer sometimes!)
But did you know that it doesn’t always have to be store bought? It can just as easily be made at home! We have found a super easy 3 Ingredient recipe for it, that will give unlimited hours of fun!

Materials Needed:
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 3/4 cup water
  • optional: 2-3 drops of essential oils  
  • optional: 4-5 drops of food coloring

Method:
  • In a saucepan with NO heat, add the cornstarch, baking soda, water and stir.
  • Place your saucepan on the stove top and turn your heat to medium.
  • Continue stirring the mix constantly. It will start to bubble slightly and that’s when it happens really fast. It will begin to turn solid. Once a ball starts to form (4-5 minutes) take your pan off the heat.
  • Take the dough out and let it cool on baking paper.
  • Once your dough is cool you have the option of adding in a food coloring or a scent. Option: add 2-3 drops of essential oil , we used lemon, and knead it into the dough. Option: add drops of food coloring to your desired colored, even 1 drop will give it some color.
  • Now it’s time to play.

Top Tip:
  • Use cookie cutters and kitchen utensils to let the kids create!
  • Make a competition to make the funniest face or see if hey can recreate an animal with play dough!


Courtesy of: Make and Takes


3 Ingredient Slime


What child doesn’t like to get messy! We have found the perfect solution in this super fun (and sticky!) slime recipe – its quick and inexpensive too! Let us know if you make it with the kiddies
at home this week!

Material needed:
  • • 8-ounce bottle Elmer’s white school glue 9 or any white glue you have available)
    • 1 1/2 – 2 Tablespoons contact saline solution, more as needed
    • 1 Tablespoon baking soda
    • Food coloring, optional

Method
  • • Squeeze the bottle of glue into a bowl and at this point ddd your food coloring if you are using it and stir until combined. Then mix in baking soda
    • Add 1 1/2 Tablespoons saline solution and mix until combined. If it’s too sticky, add 1/2 Tablespoon more solution at a time. The more you add, the thicker it’ll be. The less you add,
    the slimier it’ll be!
    • Using your hands or a spoon again knead the slime until it holds together. It will be wet and gooey at first, but just keep kneading until it all comes together.
    • Keep the slime in a container with lid, or in a zip top bag. And use it for the next messy play time!

Top Tips:
  • Try make the Slime in an area that you don’t mind getting messy! Otherwise you can
    end up with slime everywhere!
    Use plastic bowls and spoons
    Try adding extra like glitter to make it more magical
    Double or triple the recipe to make more Slime
    There might be some slime stuck in your hair so use some coconut or olive oil on top
    to get it out.

Courtesy of: I Heart Naptime

 

 

Have fun and let us know which is your kid’s favourite!

 

 
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It is highly doubtful that anyone expected 2020 to turn out the way it has. But ever since COVID- 19 has entered our lives, we are forced to reassess everything. These include holiday plans, lifestyle choices and even our parenting style.

Many parents are now beginning to worry about the effect that social distancing and quarantine may have on their child’s social development. For younger children the effects may not be as long lasting, as they could outgrow it and forget about it quickly, but for older children, peers and classmates are an integral part of their life.

Younger children may begin to love having their parents around 24/7, and form an even stronger attachment, while older children who are in the process of figuring out who they are and what they like, often need their friendships to help them develop and grow.

Instead of overthinking about this, try looking at this lockdown as an opportunity to reconnect as a family.

Give a few of the below ideas a try, and let us know how you get on:

  1. Set up a weekly cooking theme that the whole family can be a part of. It could be Mexican food night, Italian Pasta and Pizza or even a Baking Challenge! This way everyone has an event to look forward to.
  2. Try setting up video calls for your children with their friends. Simply leave the laptop in the living room at eye level with one of your child’s friends on the other end. You will see them interact in ways that you probably didn’t think possible. It doesn’t matter the age of the child, as each one will find their own way of new social interactions.
  3. Have a weekly game night. Each week one member of the family chooses what to play.
  4. Keep in touch with friends and families by doing online quizzes – you could have some questions that everyone in the family can do no matter their age.
  5. Let the older kids have some time for themselves, while they miss their peers, they may also feel some stress by constantly being surrounded by family.
  6. Maybe schedule an online exercise class with your child’s friends or help them set up mini challenges. Then, let them show it off to each other and talk about their experience.

Try some of these things and see if there is a change in your children’s behaviour and mood. If you find some ways that are your personal favourite hacks – share them with us!

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Getting dinner on the table each day can be a huge challenge for a lot of parents. Kids eat dinner early, which means you don’t have time to play around in the kitchen. They can also be makes it difficult to serve food the whole family can enjoy.

 

Kids love to have some control over what they eat – they like the feeling of some power over their own lives. Including them while making a shopping list or simply asking for suggestions could make a big difference.

 

Children have a developing palette, they may hate a certain taste but may develop a liking for it in the future – Introducing kids to new flavours and cuisines can be extremely helpful.

 

There are many ways that children of different ages can get involved in the process of cooking or even just helping out in the kitchen. Check out our easy tips for different aged children to involve them in your kitchen chores: (note: each step should be done with adult supervision)

 

  • Little kids of age 2 years and above will happily help add and stir the ingredients for you, just make sure it is supervised so nothing raw goes in their mouth!
  • Let them wash fruits and vegetables for cooking or eating. They can even break broccoli off the stems or tear up lettuce. Take it a step further and teach them about food safety and cleanliness.
  • Teach them how to crack an egg and then whisk it up for you – but always remember to teach them to wash their hands afterwards!
  • Most kids will happily squeeze a lemon, so get them involved in this process when you need to make a sauce or a marinade. You never know it might turn into a lemonade making competition!
  • During the whole process, let the kids do a taste test – who doesn’t remember growing up and licking the bowl or the spoon during a cooking session with their mum and dad. Ask them if they think it tastes good or if it needs something extra!
  • Make it fun by asking your kids to cut shapes using cookie cutters – they can help assemble the dish into a picture. It could be anything from a clown face to a dinosaur! Experiment and try making a funny face by using broccoli as hair! Or take it a step further and help children learn about various shapes them food!
  • Why not try letting them plan their own meal and theme? Maybe it is related to something they are learning about at school? They may come up with an amazing dish by using their taste and creativity. Using bread, fruits or raw vegetables would be ideal for a project like this.
  • You can always use cooking as a chance for educating them – whether its math or science. Older children often enjoy the measuring aspect of baking.
  • Got a child at home over 10 years old? They can do almost ANYTHING. Help get them excited about cooking by giving them their own apron or plastic knife. You never know they could grow into the next Michelin Chef!

Whatever you decide to whip up with your kids in the kitchen, just remember to make it fun! Cooking teaches a variety of life skills, including healthy eating habits, time management and allows kids to spend quality time at home.

Its about spending time together and creating memories, and that “food-time” is family time.  

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It is common for us to feel, that mum’s have everything under control. However, “mum’s guilt” is a real thing and there is nothing to be ashamed of it. If you don’t have everything figured out, from the right amount of love, attention and education for your children, to the potentially extra housework, cooking and general life administration, it is important to know that you’re not alone and it is okay.

Simply put, Mum’s guilt is the persistent feeling of not doing enough as a parent, not doing things right, or making decisions that may “mess up” your kids in the long run.

One of the main aspects of mum’s guilt comes from society due the million different contradictions thrown at us by society and other professionals, which can create feelings of inadequacy. This could range from – Limiting screen time, but showing educational apps, letting the kids go outdoors daily, but also have a clean house and prepare dinner each night. The advice can often get confusing, leaving mums unclear about prioritizing.

Every mum is doing her best to make it through the day and juggle a million tasks, so we have tried to make this quarantine period a little bit easier for you by sharing some tips and tricks to handle the “Mum’s Guilt” and be the best you can be, in every aspect of your life.

  1. Compartmentalise your time: Try to make a plan the night before about when you will work and when you will play with or educate your child. It helps to have a rough plan in your head, or even written on paper, so that you have some guidance during the day.

 

  1. Prepare your child: Communicate your expectations with the child. Explain to them that you may need to work from home or do the washing up or even cook. And that during these times, they need to be able to entertain themselves and keep busy.

 

  1. Involve them in tasks: If you have set aside time to cook, try involving them in the cooking. This could be as simple as washing vegetables or stirring the pot. Of course, try and make it age appropriate and be extra careful as there are many hazard and sharp objects in the kitchen that younger children may not be aware of.

 

  1. Ask for help: and don’t be afraid to ask for it. This can be in the form of having your husband play with them for an hour after they finish work, or maybe asking your own parents to talk to them or read them a story over Zoom/BOTIM. If the help gets you some time to get on with what needs to be done – then ask for it.

 

  1. Ignore everybody else: Some mums appear to have it all together and are constantly sharing new crafts and activities they have done with their children on social media while you may be the mum who has struggled to do even one successful activity this week. That is OK! Do what is in your power and ability and ignore the so called #momgoals that you see on social media.

 

  1. You don’t have to be Superwoman: It is normal and an expected reality to have both good and bad days. When kids grow up, they dont remember a perfect mum, they remember a happy and present mum!

 

  1. Cry it out: It’s okay to cry ever so often when all the daily tasks and emotions become too overwhelming. Some studies say that it releases any stress and anxiety you may have about being perfect at everything.

 

  1. Make it quality time: If you are trying to juggle a multitude of things, including online distance learning (which is a new challenge in itself), then try set aside time for doing something fun together. This could be baking a cake together, trying a new recipe, or introducing them to different genres of music and having a dance off in the living room. Make quality time something that you enjoy as well!

 

  1. Take time for yourself: Being a good mum also means being a relaxed mum. Sometimes you need to just take a long bath or read a book alone, in order to have the inner strength to be better. Mums have a talent for being kind and nurturing to others but always tough on themselves. Let’s change that and indulge in a bit of self-care.

 

It’s okay to not make fresh meatballs daily or have a new craft to do each day. It’s okay if the learning for the day doesn’t work out, if the television takes over, and the dinner comes from a box.


Whatever you are offering your child right now is enough. Whatever the plan is for today, it’s enough. Whatever the plan is for tomorrow, it’s enough.

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