Are health assessments for the family important or necessary? The truth is that we mums are fantastic at making sure our little ones and husbands are healthy,that they eat well and are up to date with all medical checkups. Unfortunately, we do not pay as much attention to our bodies and to ourselves.The reality is that our children and husband need a healthy mum to continue to do those things that we mums do best. It is therefore important that we look after ourselves and we know “our numbers”.

In this series, we will be looking at those assessments that everyone in the family needs to do. The key benefit of a health assessment is to tell you what your health status is now and where it might be heading. Regular health exams and tests can help find any problem areas before they start. It is best if there are going to be any health problems, to find out when your chances for treatment and cure are better. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to find out more information as necessary.

This list is in no way exhaustive, always speak to your Doctor first before undergoing any tests and to understand your particular Health profile.

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 Is it worth spending money on organic food, beddings and lotions? Statistics show that more than four in 10 people in the West now buy organic products despite its higher price so why are we in Nigeria, where the items are sourced locally and probably cheaper still holding back?

It is true that every now and then a new fad comes along and everyone jumps on the bandwagon but in the case of going organic, the wagon might actually be more like a sleek convertible and you probably should flag it down and hop in.

Here’s why-

The Soil Association, UK’s largest organic organisation recently revealed that 500 chemicals are routinely used in conventional farming, these chemicals used to prevent insects and pest damaging the crop gets into the food and can damage our health.

Dr Janie Axelrad, a specialist in neurotoxicology at University of Liverpool believes the combination of these chemicals spread on fruit and vegetables makes it more dangerous. It has been said that more than 3,800 brands of insecticide, herbicide and fungicide are approved for use in many societies and some fruits and vegetables we buy and eat could be sprayed up to ten times. “When I looked at the effects of cocktails of chemicals on our nerve cells and saw how much more powerful combinations of pesticides are – the potential health risks are worrying,’ she says.

There are even proven studies that show these chemicals once in our body will take up to ten years to remove which can lead to a variety of health risks including cancer and developmental problems in children.

Read more here

Tomi’s Treats Organic Baby Food, we are dedicated to providing healthy, organic and tasty treats to children. 

Tel: +234 (0) 815 597 6959
Email: enquiries@tomistreats.comm

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How to stay ahead using your mind – Your mind is the most important tool that you will ever need to stay ahead.

I am currently reading “Why we want you to be rich” by Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki and a light bulb has come on! So it could be this simple that the way to stay ahead, to be successful in life is to learn the art of using your mind. Your mind is the most important tool you have and God gave it you free and clear of doubts. It is not really about the education, the family name and the neighbourhood you grew up – yes these certainly do not hurt but it does not appear to account for as much as we think.

Donald and Robert (I feel like we are friends now) discuss that through the development of humans there has always been innovation and improvement. They spell it out in a very simple way – we already have the only tool we need to move ahead in life and that is our mind (free from God) and the second aspect is our leverage (how we use our mind).

One way to ensure that you are not a victim of global changes is to develop your mind – the greatest lever of all. Through the ages man has always invented such as fire and the spear, everyone had to learn how to make their own fire and how to use the spear to protect and kill animals for food.

Human beings have continued to learn and innovate and we see this though the use of horses – for transportation, tiling the soil and for warfare. Just as we can imagine that wealth probably increased with the ability of men to adjust to the times by learning to use horses and leverage them to plant and harvest faster, it is no different today. Further innovations brought about the automobile and airplane. History always repeats itself and human beings have always had to move ahead by learning how to use new tools and inventions of their times.

In the same vein the introduction of the radio, television, computers, the internet are all innovations which led to man upgrading his skills to stay relevant.

Man always looks for ways to make things better, to invent ways to improve the condition of man kind. So also in todays day and age all the inventions should be seen for what they are - tools to make life easier to live. The people who are “early adopters” and then work on improving their understanding by studying, learning and practising are the ones who become masters and are able to usually translate these into wealth and success.

We cannot afford to miss being on the cutting edge.

I attended a session today as part of the Social Media Week: Social Media as a Tool for Business Expansion: Twitter As a Case Study. It is clear that if anyone thought social media was somewhat of a fluke – they have a lot of catching up to do. The internet made waves when it became widely adopted. It is the same way that social media has come to change the landscape of things, you are certified as a late comer if you have a business who is not on the internet or does not have a social media presence. To start with you need at least Facebook, Twitter and Instagram before we talk YouTube, Pinterest etc. As the presenter in the session said – If you are not online, you are not in line

There is no cap on success and just as our fore-fathers had to learn how to drive a car to stay competitive, so also do we have to stay engaged and learn effective ways to use the tools and innovations of the day.

Truly the only thing that separates you from learning, exploring and upgrading is your mind! The barriers to staying ahead and relevant are much lower today. What you need is to be aware of how to stay ahead by using your mind – the greatest tool you have.

Get a copy of the book from Konga 

photo source: horsewebsites.co

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In a truly inspiring story a teacher donates kidney to her student. A first-grade teacher Lindsey Painter at Hoffman Lane Elementary School in New Braunfels, Texas got a phone call that informed her that she alone had beaten unbelievable odds and was a match to donate a kidney to Matthew Parker, 6, a gravely ill student in her class. According to Yahoo Parenting that there was only a one-percent chance of  such a match.

It means the world to the Parker family that the mother of two has decided to donate one of her kidneys to Matthew next month. “There’s no words that can say anything because it’s more than thank you,” mom Lisa Parker tells CBS News. “It’s deeper.” Matthew had no words either. “When I found out Mrs. Painter was a match,” he says, “I went up and gave her a big hug.” 

There were lots of tears,” says the teacher, when she discovered that she could help Matthew. His parents were notified, and mom Lisa “immediately emailed me,” Painter says. “She apologised for writing but said she wouldn’t be able to get through a phone call, there were so many tears of joy.” 

In the video, the teacher considers herself lucky to have been a match to provide her student. – she is truly an inspiration.  The student was so ill that before this transplant he was only going to school a few days a week. His teacher looks forward to Matthew living a normal life and attending school everyday like everyone else.

Read more of the story on Yahoo Parenting 

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For many children and teenagers, electronics are a way of life. Parenting tips in the digital age is a necessary need. Children spend a lot of time staring at screens and these include video games, smart phones, tablets.

There is a lot of conversation about whether the electronics are good or bad for children, is it a good or a bad thing? According to Doctors Gene Beresin and Ellen Braaten work at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Clay Center for young healthy minds, there is no evidence – yet – that technology is turning kid’s brains, as some parents fear, to mush.

Technology and electronics have benefits and there are lots of great things they can be doing with it. Younger children can use technology to learn about colours, math and reading skills and even coding. older children can use it to learn about their world, research and explore different industries.

Since there is no getting away from the influence of the internet and technology, there are some general guidelines and advice experts have for parents and caregivers raising kids in the digital generation.

• Become more computer literate – If you are computer and internet literate you have a better chance at staying one step ahead of what your kids are doing. If children feel that you do not know what is going on and you are computer illiterate they will have no desire to discuss this medium with you. However if you are also technology savvy, it is easier for you to have an open discussion about the pros and cons of technology. Gone are the days when a parent can say they do no understand how twitter or Instagram works.
• Interact with your child - There are many ways for you to integrate technology and the use of electronics into your family life. When children see that there is no mystery, they are more likely to use the internet and technology in a healthy way.
• Limit screen time – Just as moderation is key with most things in life it is the same with the use of technology and electronics. Screen time should be limited based on the age of the child.
• Security control – Children can end up being victims of technology or the internet if there are no controls put in place. Victimisation can include becoming addicted to the internet or being exposed to inappropriate content. As a parent being responsible in this digital age includes instituting security controls to protect your child.

Technology and access to information at your fingertips is incredibly positive things for connecting children with the world and for learning but  there has to be constant focus and energy on harnessing it the right way such that technology does not become a vice.

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Diary Adventures of LagosMums: DALM | Fast Food and Music Videos

I do not watch music videos at home. Not because I don’t enjoy some of the music but mainly because of the videos themselves. The videos seem to be competing for the title of the most obscene. I have a problem with women being portrayed  like objects to be put on display with a switch button that says scantily dressed and gyrating.

I also have children I am raising and I do not want them watching these videos. I do not want my daughter thinking it is okay to dress or dance this way. Feeding on these types of videos translates to the children in some form, have you seen how some girls dance at birthday parties? It must be because they watch these videos (or are learning from their aunties who watch these videos). Side note – You will be surprised at what your nanny might have on her phone and plays for your children when you are not there.

As for my son I do not want him thinking he is supposed to see girls as objects for his entertainment while twisting their waists.

Is there an agreement between fast food and music videos? Over the past week for some reason I have found myself at fast food restaurants and have been assaulted by these types of videos – Yes I call it assaulted because I look up from placing an order and I see quite endowed women in short shorts backing the camera and shaking it for all it’s worth. I am only exposed to these when I go to fast food restaurants it seems, why exactly do they only have channels perpetually turned to these music video channels? what about news?

This is one of the reasons why fast food restaurants are not family outings for us – we would rather do the drive thru. It does not make sense to work so hard at home to avoid the children watching these videos only to have then soak it all in over 30 minutes if we go to a fast food place. The more they watch the more it almost validates that this is the way every song and they start to associate songs with raunchy dance. Once though I had to ask the manager of the fast food restaurant to change the channel to a cartoon channel while we were there.

What happened to vides that just sell the song without the R rated aspects? I long for the videos like “I’m every woman” by Chaka Khan or “One Love” by Onyeka Onwenu. When you do find nice current feel good songs and videos like “Happy” by Pharrell Williams or “All the Way” by Eben you want to put it on repeat.

So we need some artists to think about their younger audience, just as there are some songs that have bleeped out swear words, can we get some videos that have bleeped out the obscenity?

For now the only television we watch is on the weekends and for music videos we are tuned to Kingdom Africa (channel 345 on DSTV). It gets our vote for good music that is inspirational, godly and PG. I know I was winning the day my daughter said “oh wow godly music can be fun” this was after listening to “If he did it before” thanks Tye Tribbett.

Parents we can also start to make changes by asking the DJ at children’s birthday parties to play clean PG songs and you will still have fun! Email me if you need a clean playlist for a birthday party!

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Budgeting Plans For When a Child Comes into Your Life – Contributed by Tokie Laotan-Brown

When a child comes into your life, you are guaranteed a whirlwind ride, from baby showers to naming ceremonies – it is a constant flow of advices, best practises from moms, moms in law and well wishers. It is definitely a time to rejoice, but it can also be really overwhelming. There’s so much to cope with, including the stark realisation that a full night’s sleep will probably elude you for “centuries” to come. In those dazed and confused early days of parenthood, it’s no wonder so many new parents are prone to making financial mistakes. But you don’t have to — with a bit of foresight and planning you can reduce some over the top money mistakes:

Buying too much baby stuff is a definite no, no!!! From over the top buggies to that expensive hand-knit baby cap (in warm countries), you can end up spending a ton of money on things you will never use. When it comes to getting ready for baby, a little careful planning can help you avoid spending hundreds on items that will merely gather dust in suitcases or wardrobes. Before the baby is born, you don’t actually need much to get started.

Buying everything new- Your new baby won’t stay tiny forever — no big surprise there, but it does mean that they’ll go through their sleepers really quickly. And their needs will change constantly. That’s why hand-me-downs are a new parent’s best friend.

A savings plan for your new baby…which leads us to yet another mistake new parents tend to make: Ignoring education savings.

It is never too soon to start putting money away for your child’s education.

Ignoring your own financial needs - Having a new baby is a huge life adjustment — and often it means a reduced income when one parent leaves work to stay home. There are a couple of things parents tend to ignore when their kids are young, and retirement savings is a big area of neglect. Planning for your retirement is part of being a parent — do you really want your kids to have to support you financially when you stop working? Don’t lose sight of your financial plan just because you have small children to take care of.

Not having a will – A will doesn’t just spell out who gets what when you die — it also sets out what would happen to your children if you and your spouse died at the same time. Without a will that names your child’s legal guardian, the court will appoint one, no matter what your wishes might have been. The same goes for your money — if you die or your spouse dies without a formal will, your estate might not end up going where it should (to your spouse or kids!).

Now that kids are in the picture, you need to make sure your family is covered in the event something happens to you. Even if you already have a life insurance policy, you need to make sure it’s enough to cover the new expenses that come along with parenthood, like childcare and education. How much should you have? As always, it depends on your situation and where you reside.

And don’t forget to plan for a little bit of fun — being a new parent is a huge life adjustment. Sometimes you need a break. Whether it’s money for someone, so you can go to a movie, or money for a pedicure, try to make a bit of room in your budget for a few treats for you too.

Below is a list of what you will need to have on hand for the early days with your newborn

Clothing

• 8 undershirts or onesies (mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve)
• 5 nightgowns (for use until the cord falls off)
• 8 one-piece stretchy sleepers (go for ones with zippers; new moms swear by them!)
• 5 pairs of pants
• 2 newborn hats
• 8 pairs of socks or booties, to wear with nightgowns and outfits
• 2 pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face
• 2 cardigans or jackets, more in winter
• Bunting bag or snowsuit for winter baby
• Laundry detergent for infants
• 4 outfits for dressing up (optional)
• Blankets
• 3 large cotton blankets
• 8 receiving blankets (they also make handy burp cloths)

Feeding

If you’re breastfeeding, you don’t really need any equipment.

Some nursing mothers like to have these items:

• Lots of bibs
• Burp cloths
• Breast pump
• Milk storage containers
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing bras (if buying before baby is born, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)
• Breast pads (disposable or washable)
• Lotion for sore nipples

If you are formula feeding:

• Lots of bibs
• Burp cloths
• 8 four-ounce bottles with nipples
• 6 eight-ounce bottles with nipples
• Bottle and nipple brush
• Formula (be sure to check expiry date and note the lot number in case of recalls)
• Thermal bottle carrier

Diapering

• If you are using re-usable cloth diapers/Nappies:
• Several dozen (4 or 5) cloth or re-usable diapers
• 8 waterproof covers
• 1 diaper pail
• Changing pad
• Baby ointment or other barrier cream to prevent rash
• Snaps, Velcro or safety pins to secure re-usable diapers
• Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom

If you are using disposable diapers:

• Two boxes of newborn-size diapers (it’s better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly)
• 1 diaper pail
• Changing pad
• Baby ointment or barrier cream to prevent rash
• Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom

Bathtime

• 1 plastic infant tub (or use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you)
• 12 washcloths, not used on baby’s bottom
• Baby soap or cleanser
• Baby soft-bristled hair brush
• 3 soft-hooded towels

Bedtime

If you are using a crib:

• Approved crib and crib mattress
• 3 waterproof mattress covers
• 4 fitted cribsheets
• 4 light blankets that fit in the crib
• Sleep sack

If you are co-sleeping:

• Firm mattress (not a waterbed)
• 3 waterproof pads to place under baby
• Light comforter (keep away from baby’s head)
• Sleep sack

Other necessities

• Approved infant safety seat for car
• Stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat
• Nail clippers or scissors (or just bite off baby’s nails as needed)
• Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous
• Baby thermometer
• Eye dropper or medicine spoon
• Medication in case of fever
• Nice-to-have items
• Change table (or just use change pad on top of dresser or bed)
• Rocking chair for feeding and swaddling
• Playpen
• Sling or baby carrier
• Diaper bag
• 1 or 2 change pads
• Plastic hangers for closet
• Sun shade for car windows
• 2 or 4 pacifiers (if you choose to use these)
• Rattles and other baby toys
• Mobiles
• Night light

Written by Tokie L Brown
About The Author - Tokie Laotan-Brown is the author of the book “10 Steps to Managing your household budget” which provides readers with useful financial management tools to assess how their household expenditure is utilised. Get a copy of her book on Amazon.com and visit her website www.tokielaotanbrown.com | Twitter – @tokielbrown

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LagosMums Fashion Looks – Burst of Colour

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Mums can certainly continue to breastfeed after returning to work with some proper planning and a little help. Read on for some tips on balancing work and breastfeeding.

While many new mums have the best intentions to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, a survey found that nearly one-third of new mothers who breastfeed stop prematurely due to work-related difficulties. These difficulties include having no designated place to pump (57%) and no place to store pumped milk (27%).

“While the health benefits of breastfeeding for baby and mother are undisputed, returning to work can leave breastfeeding mums feeling overwhelmed and frustrated,” says Sue Huml, international board-certified lactation consultant and member of the Lansinoh Breastfeeding Advisory Board.

“While many mothers may fear returning to work will disrupt the breastfeeding routine they’ve worked so hard to establish, it is possible and common for women to breastfeed and return to work outside the home. It does take planning, commitment and flexibility, however,” advises noted pediatrician Dr. James Sears.

Here are some tips to help mums successfully ease the transition back to the office and continue to breastfeed

• Invest in a quality electric breast pump: Many women find that using an electric breast pump helps to keep up their milk supply better than manual pumping allowing them to have enough milk to have on hand while they are at work. “Look for a pump where you can control the speed and suction, which can enhance the milk flow by mimicking your baby’s natural sucking pattern,” adds Huml. There are certain brands that are quiet, which is good for being discreet. A good electric pump adds to the convenience of breastfeeding and storing milk. Find some on Konga here

• Stock Up: If possible, mothers should start pumping and freezing their milk about a month before returning to work. There are several reuseable breast milk storage bags that can be bought to help with easy storage of the expressed breastmilk. These storage bags are specially designed for freezing expressed breast milk safely.

• Talk with Your Employer: It is important to talk to your supervisor or Human Resources about your desire to continue to breastfeed and your desire to work out a designated area that is safe, clean and private, where you will be able to pump without being disturbed. You can also point out the many benefits of breastfeeding for the employer, such as reduced absenteeism. Most mums suffer in silence because they do not ask for what they need, many times once you ask and state your reasons and requests clearly you will usually get the support you need.

• Storage: Many times the concerns with pumping while at work is the concern on how to store the milk till you get home in the evening. Invest in a freezer bag and get additional ice packs. Once the milk has been pumped directly into the storage bottles or bags you can place these in the freezer bags and usually this will preserve the milk till you return home. If you are in a really supportive environment you might be able to store the milk in the fridge at work.

• Smart clothing: It is useful to continue to wear breastfeeding friendly clothes with easy access such that it is easy to discreetly and conveniently get access to express at work. This is not yet the time for overly complex clothes that will make the task of expressing more painful.

• Breast pads: Breast pads are necessary to avoid spillage and staining your clothes with breastmilk. You should invest in these because you will likely be on a pumping schedule and could be unavoidably stuck in a meeting or with a client when you are meant to pump – Nature will take over and it is possible that your body will automatically start to produce breastmilk. Breastpads are useful to reduce staining. Buy Breast pads on konga here 

• Do not be apologetic: Do not be apologetic or feel like you are doing something wrong when you need support to assist you in your breastfeeding your baby. Breastmilk is best milk so do everything you can for your baby to feed on the necessary steps to be able to work and breastfeed.

Most mums create a pumping schedule that mimics their baby’s feeding schedule. As a general rule, it is best to pump every two to three hours that you will be away from your baby. It is advisable that “whenever you are not working and can be with your baby you should breastfeed exclusively in order to maintain and build up your milk supply,” adds Dr. Sears.

You might also want to read 10 tips for naturally increasing breast milk supply

photo source: everydayfamily

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Welcome to March and it is the time to march forward and make it happen. You entered the New Year with Thanksgiving for seeing another year. January usually comes with setting some new year resolutions and goals for the year. Sometimes the New Year can start slowly as you ramp up or you started the year with prayer and fasting to set the year on the right course.

Perhaps with February you spent it planning to put in place what you prayed about in January. In my church we took a position of praise and decided to praise God for the whole month. You know to Praise God in advance takes a measure of faith. Am sure there are very few people who can feel that by February God has already done all you are expecting him to do for you for the year 2015. So we were praising in spite of situations and with an expectant heart.

If you are living in Nigeria the atmosphere is tense, there is the unfolding drama and intrigue around the elections, there is the economic pressure with low oil prices and devaluation of the Naira. Yes there is a real sense of uncertainty in the air. Most people have some form of gloom and doom story to share and you can count how many people are upbeat or speaking positively. In real terms you will be making adjustments because in reality things are more expensive seemingly overnight.

As you enter March you must enter with a different attitude. You cannot just sit and wait it out any longer. You cannot afford to wait passively till all the things you need to get fixed happens. You cannot just continue to wait on the Lord, there is time for prayers and then there is time for action and to make it happen.  March should see you take a position of action, a position to march forward to your next level.

Yes the economic situation seems gloomy – but guess what there will be people who will start businesses during this time, how are they different? You should not let fear or uncertainty paralyse you, have you forgotten that we have not been given a spirit of fear?

Yes election uncertainty looms but you can march forward trusting that you have prayed and that God is in control afterall there is no situation he cannot change. Take actual steps to make a change – go and vote, pray for the country and your leaders. Leave the rest to God, it profits you in no way to fight your friend over which party you belong to or to spend time speculating on various conspiracy theories. Rather pray and believe there will be no violence. Pray and declare that whoever wins will have the right support around him to change Nigeria for the better.

Now it is time to focus on you. What vision do you have for your year, you must have heard a word from God regarding your life, business, family, career, plans. Now it is time to speak it into action – time to take a step and make it happen. We know we cannot please God without faith. We also know faith without action is dead. We have to make things happen. We need to march forward. It is time to take our resolutions, prayers, fasting, praise and mix it with faith and take a step to move ahead. God does not equip us and hear prayers without us taking action.

Life falls into two buckets – things you can change, like your attitude or job and the things you cannot directly change like will oil prices rise again or will the Naira appreciate?

The one thing you can do is to march forward and make it happen – whatever your “it” is. So sisters, brothers let us enter March with a declaration to march forward and make it happen dropping all the weight that slows us down.

photo source: michaelhyatt

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Contributed by Ayo Iyilola-Olumide

The age-old discussion of stay at home versus working mum never seems to end. In recent years, more women are delegating their primary roles as mums for the white collar jobs to make ends meet. Times are changing and expectations at work are a lot more demanding and with the standard of living skyrocketing, the society is gradually redefining our values and whispering the lie to us that only dual income families will survive these challenging economic times.

Half a century ago, mums were like mother birds, staying back in the nest with her chicks while ‘daddy bird’ combed the neighbourhood from dusk to dawn looking for scraps to feed them. Mum cleaned house, folded laundry and prepared hot meals for exhausted husbands and kids as they returned after a long and weary day.

These days, with many house chores now automated washing machines, dish washers and vacuum cleaners, one might hardly use up any effort to be a homemaker. Online deliveries defying all odds are bringing pins, pants and pillows with only a click away. I guess all that’s left is for a robot to get us out of bed, have our bath and get us dressed to begin our day.

If you can’t afford the luxury, you can hire a nanny or babysitter to process all of this manually. All of a sudden, mums realise they are doing almost nothing; they want to work, get busy, earn and spend their own cash. Many more women are brushing up their skills, going back to school, writing more professional exams and as a result, they have abandoned the ‘chicks’ in the nest.

There is no right or wrong answer; everyone’s got a unique situation driven by varying goals and objectives. Whatever your choice, it’s up to you. However considering what the pros and cons are, what if you are losing a lot more than you think you are gaining. Our kids are our future, they still need us.

Someone has said that being a mum involves a lot more than having a womb and breasts. You are your child’s playmate, teacher, friend, confidante, role model, and refuge just to name a few.

Partially or completely delegating your core duties as a mum should be short-term and dependent on the situations surrounding your choice to abandon the nest to work outside the home. With no plan in place, you could end up working throughout all your active life and not being there at all for your kids. You don’t want to regret you decision later and wish you had been there for them.

Kids are getting independent much earlier in their childhood than their peers did decades ago. This could be largely due to the fact that many parents are abandoning the nests much earlier than their own parents did. As a result, kids have been exposed to the harsh realities of life and are forced to adjust overnight.

For some mums, giving their kids the best is taking a year off work and providing all the maternal support for the first year of the baby. Others want to continue to provide more support by homeschooling for the first five or ten years. A few others want to cling to their kids till the day they walk down the aisle.

A large number of women do not even allow their kids interrupt their lives at all, marriages and ambition, they provide the financial support and physical interaction when they can and that’s it. In a number of countries with policies providing lots of family support, a mum would have a year of paid leave to raise her kids, she isn’t worried about so many questions her counterparts in other countries struggle with. With only twelve weeks of maternity leave in most countries, women are forced to make a harsh decision between money and their kids. As a result the crèche and after school care businesses are flourishing. Most men aren’t excited about an underage stranger providing care for their kids but they are clueless to fix the problem and allow things be for the sake of peace.

Both the Working Mums (WM) and the Stay-At-Home-Mums (SAHM) struggle with a fair share of guilt from time to time. The WM regrets she’s compromising on what’s most important to her and getting less than the best but consoles herself saying she will buy whatever she can with her hard earned money for the kids.

On the other hand, the SAHM surviving the constant pressure of raising kids and tending the home regrets not putting her education to use and not being able to do more for her kids in terms of what money can buy. You need to remind yourself what your priorities are and why you made your choices in the first place.

Stay tuned for Part Two of the Stay at home versus working mum discussion.

photo source: thoughtswithaccent.wordpress.com

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Our recipe for the week covers how to peel beans with a blender. Most people love to eat anything made with beans (Akara, Moin Moin, Gbegiri etc) but the stress of peeling beans to make the food discourages them. For me, I get worked up even imagining peeling beans.

I discovered how to peel beans with the use of a blender from some other wonderful food lovers with this new method, making of Akara or Moin Moin has been made easy.

All you need is a blender, beans and water.

Method

Pour the beans in the blender (with sharp blades) and add enough water to cover the beans. Soak the beans in the water for 3 minutes (make sure it doesn’t pass 3 minutes in order for it not to be too soft).

Turn the lowest button of your blender on for two seconds then stop it.

Do this process two or three times till the skin of the beans have separated from it.

Pour into a bowl and rinse using your sieve and there you have your peeled beans.

Note: make sure you peel the beans in batches if you are peeling a lot of beans or use a food processor that can contain a lot of beans.

You can blend the peeled beans with pepper in the blender to make your Akara, Moin Moin, Gbegiri (bean soup) etc.

More easy food tips that can be used with your kitchen gadgets like pounding yam with a blender, making jam filled pancakes, healthy puff puff, Akara etc. with sandwich maker will be coming your way.

Contributed by Abimbola Oki, Food enthusiast | naonuel2012@gmail.com | @fabbimzy

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Here are 5 habits to be a happy working mum that are worth considering. There is always talk and debate about being a working mum or not. Mums need to cut themselves some slack and figure out ways to stop the guilt of not being there enough, or good enough. If you do not have guilt as a working mum then you are a minority.

1. There is only one you

Much of our stress and irritations with motherhood comes from trying to live up to the “perfect mum” standards created by the images we see around us. Play up to your strengths and do not compare yourself. Who determines what is perfect anyway? It is better to do what works for you.

2. Find your solitude

Take a walk. Keep a journal. Read a New York Times best-selling book. These are ways you can raise your daily happiness quotient. Take time for yourself. Even in all the activity and noise find ways to create quiet time for yourself.

3. Make your family slow down for you

Slowing down the rush of your family life will be one of the keys to your happiness. Learn to slow everyone down a bit including yourself. Rushing around does not make you more effective, rather it just leaves you and everyone else flustered.

4. Start dating your best friend again

The best way to help get your smile back is by picking up the phone and calling a friend. Good old phone calls not just a ping or whatsApp message. You will be amazed how mush better you will both feel when you spend time quality kid free time with your friend.

5. Create a Weekly No-Work Day

Do you remember when Sunday was strictly a day of rest?  Implement, a regular “No Work Day” into your family’s weekly routine and instantly decrease household stress levels. You need rest time, you cannot work all the time so do not get sucked into the lure of wanting to prove you are a hard worker.

To read the full post visit chicagodefener

What other tips do you use to make sure you are a happy working mum?

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Mother and Child Expo 2015….. Exhibitors Secure your Booths and Enjoy Discounts!

The Mother & Children Expo is back!

The first edition of “Nigeria’s Biggest Pregnancy and Parenting Exhibition” held last year and was attended by various brands and over 2,000 visitors who had a memorable experience. This year, Kristal Stone (the organizers) wants to recreate and even boost its presence in the Nigerian market.

This year’s event is scheduled to explore a mix of top products and services for maternity, babies and toddlers alongside an inspiring line up of speakers and demonstrations from beloved figures in the world of pregnancy and parenting. It will also play host for a lot of multinational and national brands in the industry; and will have a combination of music and comedy to ensure guests have a great time.

So come ready to Learn, Shop, Relax, and Unwind at the Mother and Child Expo 2015

Who should Exhibit?

If you are in any of the following businesses, the Mother and Child Expo is the Right Market for you and your Organization.

Mother’s Products

Maternity wears & fashion |Antenatal books & CDs |Hygiene products |Cosmetic & toiletries | Obstetrics, special Spa’s |Prenatal & Postnatal care |Travel accessories | Photography

Newborn’s Products

New Born wears & accessories |Diapers & Wipes |Baby Bedding & Furniture’s| Baby Outing |Electronics & safety products |Nursery products | Soft Toys and more

Children Products

Garments & fashion Accessories | Shoes & accessories | Room Interiors & Furniture’s |Health care products |Health drinks & foods |Stationeries & School accessories | Sports & recreation products |Safety devices & child monitoring | Investment plan | Insurance, saving plan & education | Books and more

Booth Information

Note: Fees for the booths cover the entire exhibition.

Shared Booth: N50, 000 | Standard Booth: N100, 000 | Preferred Booth: N170, 00 | Premium Booth: N350, 000

Book a booth before Monday 30th March 2015 and get a 15% discount.

Here’s how;

1. Call 08022650105 or 07066467783 | Send an SMS to 08028108877 | Add BBPin: 7F14E0DA

2. Pay into Kristal Stone Pro Co Ltd Account;

Bank Name: GTBank

Account Number: 011423129

2nd Bank Name: Sterling Bank

Account Number: 0026505728

3rd Bank Name: Access Bank

Account Number: 0694629712

3. Get a confirmation of your payment.

Remember you can book your booth with a deposit so hurry and do that today!

To sponsor and own any of their Special Feature Zones like the Diaper Changing Area, Children Play Zone, Mother’s Lounge, Baby Feeding Area or Father’s Lounge; Call 08028108877 or 07066467783 or send an e-mail to Toyina@motherandchildexpo.com.ng, segunopebi@motherandchildexpo.com.ng

Watch Highlights of 2014 edition.

Date: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th May 2015

Time:  8AM – 6PM

Venue: The Haven Event Center, GRA, Ikeja, By Arch Bishop Vinning Church, Lagos.

To book your booth, please call 08022650105 or 08028108877 | Add on Whatsapp: 07030117995 | Add via BB Pin: 7F14E0DA

Follow them on Instagram: @MotherandChildExpo | Find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MotherandChildExpo | Follow them on Twitter: @macexpong | Add them via BBM: 7F14E0DA |Add them via Whatsapp: 07030117995 |

 Visit: www.motherandchildexpo.com.ng for More Information.

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For 8 decades, over a billion people in 114 countries and 37 different languages have passed “G0” and collected a salary. The iconic Monopoly Board Game celebrated its 80^th Anniversary in February 2015. To mark this landmark year, HASBRO is releasing a world edition of Monopoly; Monopoly Here and Now, and is inviting fans the world over to select which great cities around the world should be featured on this special edition to be released later this year.

Powered by BuzzFeed, the MONOPOLY HERE & NOW property space vote, includes a special “Wild Card Week” which runs from March 3^rd to the 9^th, 2015. Fans can pick from a list of global destinations that will be featured in the MONOPOLY HERE & NOW: World Edition game to be sold globally this summer.

In December 2012 Bestman Games launched the City of Lagos Edition of Monopoly; the first African City edition of Hasbro’s board game. With your support, we would like to see Lagos take its rightful position on this special edition.

From the 3^rd to the 9^th of March 2015 get your family, friends and colleagues to visit www.VoteMONOPOLY.com by voting “LAGOS.” Please visit www.bestmangames.com or our Facebook page for updates on how to vote for Lagos.

Bestman Games is the African Distributor of customized editions of Monopoly for 48 African countries. On December 2012 the City of Lagos Edition, the first African city edition, was launched by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola. Subsequently, the Nigerian Centenary Edition was launched in Feb 2014. Other exciting Nigerian state editions as well as other African editions will soon be rolled out in 2015.

Bestman Games has hosted two annual Monopoly Inter-School Competitions, had its first Monopoly City of Lagos Bus Tour in November last year, and hosts regular Monopoly games nights on the last Thursday of each month with more exciting events and products on the way.

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Girls are doing better than boys academically. According to an Economist article the question is are we facing a “boy crisis” when it comes to education. A situation probably unheard of an unimaginable is now happening where girls are more likely to do better and to go further in their education than boys. Until the 1960s boys spent longer and went further in school than girls, and were more likely to graduate from university. In just a couple of generations, one gender gap has closed, only for another to open up. 

What is Happening?

• Boys do not seem as interested in education compared to girls and some boys do not think it is cool to be smart and do well in school.
• What seems to be a fact based on research is that girls are staying in school, getting better grades and are also enrolling for more typically male dominated courses.
• Boys are jeered at and made fun of socially if they do take on activities that are known to enhance education such as music, art and drama according to Time.
• Girls spend more time doing school work and reading for pleasure while boys seem to spend more time glued to screens and video games.

According to a report published on March 5th by the OECD, a Paris-based rich-country think-tank, girls are outperforming boys when it comes to reading and literacy.The study puts weight on reading and literacy because this is the basis for further learning. The average 15-year-old girl devotes five-and-a-half hours a week to homework, an hour more than the average boy, who spends more time playing video games and trawling the internet. Reading rates are falling everywhere as screens draw eyes from pages. All factors adding to the boy crisis. 

Only a few decades ago men more men were enrolled in higher institutions, we are seeing a boom worldwide with an increase in women’s enrollment almost twice as fast as men’s. Women who go to university are more likely than their male peers to graduate, and typically get better grades. The reality is that with birth control, having children later and having fewer children more women are being educated and are joining the work force. Rising divorce rates and unmarried women is encouraging women to decide that they must be able to fend for themselves. These days girls nearly everywhere seem more ambitious than boys, both academically and in their careers.

So what can we do as parents and teachers? We need to increase the standard and expectations for boys and girls equally. We should not perpetuate reverse discrimination where girls are pushed to excel in their academics to guarantee a future where they can earn while boys are seemingly ignored.

Do you notice a change in the performance between boys and girls in school? Are girls excelling while boys are relaxing?

photo source: parent24

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LagosMums Fashion Looks – Black and Yellow 

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At FUNdamentals K!DS Club, children participate in hands-on creative learning programs, Each program is uniquely designed to keep your children creating, playing and learning though hands-on Science, arts, crafts and other enrichment classes.

So If you are looking to keep your children active and engaged during the upcoming weekends FUNdamentals K!DS Club’s monthly SATURDAY FUNDAY is the place to be! Best of all they are offering LagosMums these exclusive discount

20% OFF: Science, Arts and Crafts Saturday FUNDAY Classes

10% OFF: Little Princess workshop (14th March)

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LagosMums meets and talks with mums who are wearing many hats, here we are introducing “A Little Girl Inspires” written by Olufunke Adio.

Tell us about yourself?

I am Olufunke Adio and I’m a Mum, writer, communicator, teacher, designer, wife and homemaker. I enjoy the art of acquiring knowledge and dispensing it [a.k.a teaching]. I am a perpetual student of communication and I’m relentlessly fascinated with the idea of creating new things.

I focus my creative energies mostly on designing interactive applications for learning and business with delivery via LAN, CD-Rom and the web. I am a facilitator for groups and organizations on management, administrative and productivity strategies.

I was a previous author and creator of ‘I CAN MEMORIZE!’ a unique creative learning resource for young children.

I am married with children and an occasional blogger, you will find some of her writings and interests at www.olufunkeadio.com

Educational Background?

I obtained a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Ibadan and a PGD in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management also from the same University. I am an Associate of The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Nigeria [CIPM] and obtained several certifications including a certification in Customer Service from the Rockhurst University Continuing Education Center, Inc. USA. Am also a member of the Church Administrators Society of Nigeria [CASON].

When did you start writing the book ‘A Little Girl Inspires”?

I started writing ‘A Little Girl Inspires’ some three years ago. Prior to this time, I had been documenting conversations with my then three year old daughter, because of her amusing and intriguing qualities but especially because I wanted to make certain I did not miss the sequence of our conversation when I relayed them to her dad.

In no time, I realized I had filled a few dozen loose sheets of paper with these dialogues and then an entire booklet! The chats soon became an obvious source of inspiration for the budding writer in me.

What inspired you to write the book?

Simply put, my daughter’s astute curiosity was the inspiration for the writing of this book. The other would be the desire to have other parents focus more on enjoying the quirky side of the little ones in their lives as opposed to being perpetually critical and uptight.

What have you learnt through the process?

The greatest lesson I have learnt from writing this book [and which I wish to project] is that children can indeed inspire us with their unique outlook to life as well as with their utterances – and it doesn’t matter if these come off as ridiculous, witty, or outright outrageous. I mean, my little daughter’s utterances inspired the writing of this book!

Any advice for Mums and their daughters?

My advice to Mums would be for them to give careful consideration to their parenting styles with a view to ascertaining what truly works for them as opposed to merely insisting on a parenting pattern based solely on how they were raised. I encourage parents to choose to shed off being constantly critical of their child’s outlook to life and rather just relish the gift of a young child. I hope that this book will also give them a chance to de-stress and have a good laugh as they relive moments of interesting conversations they have had with their own children.

Yes! I believe there is a special relationship between Mums and their daughters. In my experience, this is the case and it is a relationship I hope will continue to blossom in very special ways.

“A Little Girl Inspires” Review -“This is humorous. It is a big reminder of the innocence and curiosity that children have. I am reminded to stretch my imagination to match that of my children as we only limit ourselves as we get older, it doesn’t have to be so. Thank you for taking the time to put this together and for sharing with us. Everyone who reads it will definitely remember how they used to dream as a child, they will also relieve the conversations they’ve had with children around them” – Yetunde Williams, Founder, LagosMums.com 

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Prayers I prayed, praying for the little things.

There was something I did not forget with these two pregnancies, something I got right; I prayed. There are many prayers I prayed. I had a book that I wrote down the things I wanted to see in my children’s life, excerpts from the Bible, dreams I had for them, people in the Bible I wanted to them to emulate, God’s standards I wanted them to abide by. I learnt to pray for the little things. My husband had a good laugh when he saw my book. Why? You ask.

I prayed for their complexion, their hair, their heights, and their speech. I prayed that they would know God. I prayed that they would have an excellent Spirit like Daniel, have a heart that pants after God like David, wise like Solomon. I prayed about their destinies. I prayed about how I wanted my labour to be. I even prayed that they would be left handed. I can hear you asking why? It’s so terribly cute when you see left handed people eating or writing with their left. I just wanted my kids to be cute.

I prayed for their nannies to be. I prayed that God would send me someone with a teachable heart and who genuinely loved my kids. I prayed for the driver, I prayed for everyone that would work with me or be a part of my household. It seemed funny but I prayed as often as I could.

Now, I’m sure you want to hear if all my prayers got answered. It depends on how you look at it. It was either No, Yes or Wait. I can tell you though that majority of my prayers got answered.

Nemi came out cute with loads of hair, started sleeping through the night early. He was an easy baby. (I realized this when I heard other people’s stories). But he was not chubby as I prayed him to be. My labour was not pain free.  Fedo, on the hand came out with almost no hair, but was chubby. I was able to breastfeed. She refused to sleep at night and had a voracious appetite. My labour was forty-five minutes and No! They are not left handed. Nemi’s nanny was incredible. She was like his mother and I could trust Nemi with her. I had a few run downs but she was not bad. I almost had a fit when she didn’t come back after Christmas. The nanny I have now is incredible. At first I was standoffish because I could not believe Nemi’s old nanny didn’t come back, but my husband encouraged me not to let anyone stop me from being who I really was so I loosened up. She has been Heaven sent and I’m grateful. I got someone else to assist her and they make a good team.  The drivers I had before then were one story after the other but the one I have now is a work in progress but incredibly loyal. The people that work for me are not perfect, but they are God sent to me and I think we are becoming a family. Fedo’s hair has begun to grow and she is so pretty.

Now, what am I saying? God answered my prayers. Some were immediately answered, some weren’t. But there was a difference because I prayed. Sometimes even though I was disappointed, I held on and somehow God compensated for it. My journey so far has been made a lot easier because of the prayers I prayed.

I fear though that I’m beginning to make another mistake. I think because I prayed so much then, those prayers  should somehow cover my children for the rest of my life. I’ve found out that I’m wrong.  I’m entering another season. My children are no longer babies, they are growing pretty fast. Their destinies are beginning to take shape, their personalities are coming out. Each day, I see a new display of a battle for relevance and importance. How do I teach obedience? How do I teach that you can’t always have your way? How do I teach the value of hard work or ethics?

This new season requires new strategies especially in prayer. With raising children, prayer is a lifetime commitment. It’s down to the serious stuff. We’ve gone past cute faces, we’re dealing with destinies. Therefore I have decided to pick up prayer where I left it because to raise this little army, I’m definitely going to need it.

You know what my assurance is? If God could indulge me and answer my seemingly ridiculous prayers about my children, silly things like the length of their eye lashes just because he loves me, then the big things that have to do with destiny is a given if I ask Him. So guess what? I won’t stop asking.

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