Diary Adventures of LagosMums: DALM | Our Mums Don’t Spend Time with Us

The other day I was in more of a playful mood than usual – it was just one of those highly positive days. I guess it was rather obvious because mini-me then used that as an opportunity to get a request in. She said “Mummy since you are in such a good mood…..”

I dealt with what she asked me for, but my mind latched on to the prefix “mummy since you are in such a good mood..“. 

I didn’t realize that the way I was feeling that day was radiating out and she could sense it. So I asked her how she knew I was in a good mood. To which she answered by saying “oh! you are spending time with us, playing with us and you are smiling”. In my mind of course I think I spend a lot of time with them so was quite surprised.

She went on to say that alot of her friends say the same thing that their mums do not spend time with them. She started reeling off her classmates who have said the same thing. What I realized was that the people she mentioned mostly had mums who have their own hours, either because they were working for themselves or have flexible hours. Many times people embark on such flexible roles and working for self because one of the benefits is to have “more” time for their children and families.

A little confused (and feeling I must defend the other mums) I said but you know when we don’t spend all the time with you it is because we are working, trying to make money to buy you nice things, send you to school and do other things. She was like “yes…but when you do have time to spend with us you should put your phone on silent, put it away and really spend time with us”. She said you are always answering a call, or writing an email, or checking whatsapp/bb/twitter.

Could it be? Our children are growing up to see our phones and devices with a love-hate lense. They see it as something that intrudes into what should be their quality time with their mum and dad.

Hmm…..Right on the head…..spot on….problem solved….Allaboutsolutions

That is it in a nutshell! she is intelligent and understands the relationship between working and our need to earn. However in her view when we are supposed to be spending time with them, then we should really spend time together. I asked her how her dad was doing and she said well “he is improving”.

When he got home we both put our phones away and ended up really talking and doing what they wanted to do during that time – this particular night they wanted to do some exercise together. They even suggested a timetable for me – spend time with them when they get back from school, maybe for an hour and then spend time with them again when it is time for bed – use it to exercise and read a story to them.

Quantity of time and quality of time spent with our children are very different things. Mindful parenting is a journey and always under construction because we are always learning. So to all the parents out there our children want us to spend quality time with them, when we are with them let it count! Put away the distractions and truly connect.

This just reminds me to take my advise check with our children and review how we are doing in our parenting – according to them. If we listen to them we can improve and pick up things we might need to do differently.

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LagosMums Fashion Looks – Ankara Dress Up

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Our recipe this week is how to make boiled plantain and peppered snail sauce. Are you watching your weight and conscious of what you eat? Boiled Plantain and Peppered Snail Sauce is a healthy meal you would enjoy .

Ingredients

• 6-8 Snails
• 4 medium size greenish-yellowy plantain (not too hard or too soft)
• 1 Garlic clove
• 1 large onion bulb
• 3 large tomatoes (fresh tomatoes)
• 2 medium Scotch Bonnet pepper (Ata Rodo. If you want it more spicy, you can add more)
• 5 table spoons of oil
• 2 cubes of Seasoning (I prefer Knorr)
• A pinch of curry and thyme

Method

• Snails
  The snails should be cut into halves, properly cleaned with lime and alum, and then put into a pot.
  Pour in enough water into the pot to boil the snail and add salt. Let the snail boil to your desired tenderness.
• Plantain
  Peel off the plantain skin and cut it into round pieces.
  Put the plantain into a pot, add enough water to boil it and add salt. Let the plantain boil to your desired tenderness. Make sure it does not get too soft.

Peppered Sauce

• Place a clean pot on the fire. Make sure it is dry to avoid the oil from splashing on you while cooking. Then pour the oil into the pot.
• Add the grated garlic and sliced onions (let it stay on for about 2 mins while you stir). Then add the pepper (let it stay on for another 2 mins, stir occasionally)
• Add the diced tomatoes and let cook on medium low heat for another 10 mins (stir occasionally)
• Reduce the heat to low, then add the curry, thyme and cubed seasoning. Ensure you stir to mix in the ingredients.
• If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to the mixture.
• Add the snails in the pot and increase the heat to medium low to allow the snails get infused with the sauce for 10mins.
• Let it simmer and voila! It’s ready. Enjoy it.

Photo Source: www.eatsrus.com, www.whiteleycreek.com

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Dear Friend, it is every couple’s delight to bear their own biological children, but some couples experience unexpected and undesired challenges with conception and fertility issues which may lead to delayed child birth and other related issues.
Good news is here! Church of God Mission Int., Church4Real Parish, in conjunction with Nordica Fertility Centre present: “NONE SHALL BE BARREN”. A 2 day program organised to help couples achieve their desire to have their own baby. We believe with prayers to God and appropriate medical attention, every medical related issues shall be resolved. Information brings transformation. There is no issue bigger than God.
Program Details:
THEME: “NONE SHALL BE BARREN” …(Exodus 23:26)
DATE: Sat & Sun, 13th and 14th June 2015
TIME: 10am (Saturday); 8am (Sunday)
VENUE: THE REAL PLACE, 3 Afisman Drive, Off Akinremi St, Anifowoshe (opp. Computer Village) Ikeja, Lagos.

Come hear experts from Nordica Fertility Centre as they enlighten us. Also hear Rev. Laurie Idahosa’s divine testimony in this area, how she was told she won’t be able to conceive but today she has 3 biological children. She will be speaking and praying with couples on the issue. Let’s trust God for divine healing and miracles.

You will receive free consultation with experts from Nordica Fertility Centre at the event.
For further details, contact: Bola: 08034025880 and Osas: 08033960556.

This program is free!

Register here: https://goo.gl/vkFP2K

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School Feature: Pinefield Schools Lekki

LagosMums interviews Mrs Barbara Morayosola Fadipe, the founder of Pinefield Schools Lekki. She discusses the school curriculum, ethos and more.

Please introduce yourself and your background?

I am Barbara Morayosola Fadipe (Mrs). I am an educationist with a Montessori background. I decided to be a school owner many years ago when I had my first two children and they were not doing well in school. They went to a typical Nigerian Primary School and they had difficulties in retaining, assimilating and comprehending. Then I just wondered what the problems could be and that was when my interest in education started and I started researching into different methods of education.

What is the name of the School and when was it founded?

The name of my school is Pinefield Schools (Montessori Nursery, Primary and College). The Primary was established in September 1999 while the College was established in 2007.

Where is the school located?

The school is located on 1.8 hectares of land, purpose built on Christ Avenue Off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Nigeria.

Please give details of your staff/administration?

Teaching Staff

Primary- Eleven (11) teachers.

Basic Qualifications – B.Ed, B.Sc, M.Ed, PGDE.

College- Eleven (11)

Basic Qualifications – B.Ed, B.Sc, M.Ed, PGDE, CIE Certification.

Admin Staff: Ten (10)

Support Staff: Twelve (12)

Ratio of kids to teachers?

EARLY YEARS: 1:4

Primary:  1:15

College:  1:3

Number of children in the school and the capacity?

Capacity: 15 – 20 students per class.

What age range are your students? And classes?

Playgroup and Montessori Nursery – Ages 1-4

KS1 & KS2 – Ages 5-11

KS3 & KS4 – Ages 12 and above

What is the curriculum/teaching methodology?

We run the English National Curriculum with emphasis on Nigeria and Africa in Geography and History. Yoruba, the language of our environment, is taught from Age 3.

Extra-curricular activities available? School Hours and any after school services offered?

Extra-curricular activities:

• Art & Craft
• Baking
• Dance: Ballet, Calisthetics
• Gymnastic & Salsa
• Taekwondo
• Drama & Jazz Club
• Chess
• Elocution
• Computing Club
• Jet Club
• Literary & Debating

School Hours: 8.00a.m -3.00p.m for Primary, 8.00a.m – 4.00p.m for College.

What is the admission process? Deadline? Is it rolling?

PRIMARY:   An Assessment Test in Literacy and Numeracy

COLLEGE:   Entrance Examination which holds between January and March each year. Parents’ and Students’ interview will follow the examinations.

The school will admit students based on the following criteria:

Students seeking admission into Year 7 at the start of a school year in September must reach the age of 11 years by the 31st August in that same year. Admission into the years above Year 7 (JS1) depends upon vacancies in those years. Students seeking admission into other years will be required to provide character reference from previous schools regarding their conduct and behaviour and the last two school’s reports.

Students seeking admission into the school must pass our entrance test and interview.

Tuition? Is there a payment plan for parents?

It is in our financial policy that all fees must be paid on or before resumption of a new term. A two (2) weeks grace is given after school resumption.

How do you assess students’ progress?

Through Topic Tests, Mid and End of Term Exams, Debate and Quizzes.

Discipline methods?

This depends on the level and degree of the offences committed. However, the school has a code of conduct and punishment for contravening the code of conduct.

Do you offer a school bus service? Yes.

What should parents be looking for to decide if your school would work for them/their children?

Our learning environment is warm and homely with small class sizes that enable teachers give individualized attention and support to children. We also have the following facilities:

• State of the art air conditioned classrooms
• Science laboratories
• Computers with internet connection
• Interactive whiteboard room
• Language laboratory
• Music studio
• Art studio
• Design and technology room
• Swimming pool
• Multi-purpose sports court
• Football pitch
• Clinic
• Library

How is your school preparing children for learning and operating in the 21^st century?

We ensure the continuous provision of modern 21st Century technologies and the exposure and training of our teachers in modern teaching and learning skills.

Any other information you would like to share?

Pinefield Schools desire a qualitative education within a purpose built school environment.

The school sits majestically on a 1.8 hectare site located in a serene part of Lekki phase 1. Visitors to the school are awestruck by the spacious environment that is undoubtedly conducive and essential for the social and academic development of the young minds we nurture.

How do we contact you for more information? Or to schedule a visit to the school?

Contact: Christ Avenue, Off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Nigeria.

Tel: 01-2705959, 7751596, 08023158055.

Website: www.pinefieldschools.com

E-mail: pinefieldschool@yahoo.co.uk

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Dealing with Do What You Do

The most challenging aspect of raising a toddler is the fact that at that age they are more “do what you do” people, rather than “do what you say”. Every attitude, gesture, habit, facial expression and utterance is promptly copied; whether you realize it or not.

Most of the children in my neighbourhood attend the same school; and naturally the parents preferred that they joined the school bus – it was a way for the kids, and the parents to get to know one another. In the third week of the new term, the school suffered an unfortunate event. The school bus for our route had been involved in an accident – a pretty bad one. Thankfully it had not been when the children were on the bus, but the driver had sustained very serious injuries and the car was quite in bad shape.

We parents met and decided to car pool until an alternative was provided by the school. On the day I was scheduled to take the kids to school, I woke up earlier and ensured my little girl was ready in good time. I then proceeded to pick up six more kids, as we had a mini bus and could accommodate more children. They obviously likened my car to their school bus, as they proceeded to sing nursery rhymes and barney songs on the way. As I drove out of the gated community and joined the work day traffic, I noticed that the children would let out some expressions if I had to maneuver through traffic to get ahead.

I heard expressions like “shuooo”, “stop there”, “you no go wait?”, and the worst, “oloshi” as I drove. I was a bit bothered by these expressions and wondered where they had picked them up from. I asked my daughter where they had heard all those words they were saying and she promptly belted out, “from Mr. Sani”. The children then proceeded to fill my ears with their various opinions on Mr. Sani’s driving. How fast he moved, how he maneuvered- with the sound effects. I was shocked. No wonder he had had an accident.

As I drove into the school I made a quick call to the office to let them know I would be in a little late because I had to have this “Mr. Sani” issue sorted out. I met with the head teacher and brought to her notice all that I had learned on our drive to school. She was very apologetic and promised to look into it. I advised that all the school bus drivers be appraised, since they spend time around the kids, it was important to ensure they were good influence. I made a note on my phone to bring this up officially during the PTA meeting; not just about drivers using bad words; we also needed to be certain these men are not reckless, or child molesters, kidnappers or robbers.

The school had to put in place a more stringent means of appraising their staff to ensure the safety of our children. I would make sure of that.

Photo Source: www.allisontransmission.com

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As we look at the right of the African Child we remember the schoolgirls from Chibok in Nigeria still missing more than 60 days since they were abducted from their school. They deserve a right to be free and to be educated. We will not stop praying for their safe return and demanding action from the people who need to act to make this nightmare end.

Below are some facts you should know about the Day of the African Child and why children’s rights in Africa are so vital.

1. The June 16 annual event honours the memories of students who were massacred in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976 for protesting against education injustice and inequality in the apartheid regime.

2. It was designated as Day of the African Child in 1991 by the African Union and every year events are organised to promote children’s rights.

3. This year’s theme is “Right to participate: let children be seen and heard”.

4. Thirty million of the world’s 57million children out of school are in sub-Saharan Africa.

5. The biggest event this year is a youth takeover of the Africa Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by 500 young people from countries all over the continent.

6. On June 16, there will be 560 days left until the Millennium Development Goals deadline of the last day of 2015 – MDG2 was to ensure that all children in the world are in school and learning.

7. The Day of the African Child theme last year was “eliminating harmful social and cultural practices affecting children: our collective responsibility”.

8. One in six children born in sub-Saharan African do not live to their fifth birthday – even though child mortality fell by 45% between 1990 and 2012.

9. More than 100 events in more than 40 countries are being held around the world to mark Day of the African Child and Youth Action Month.

10. A campaign to end child marriage across Africa was launched in May by the African Union. One in three girls in low and middle-income countries are married by the age of 18.

11. One of the aims of the Day of the African Child is to highlight harmful practices such as genital mutilation. Thirty million girls in Africa are in danger of undergoing FGM in the next decade.

12. The poorest children in sub-Saharan Africa are four and a half times more likely to be out of school than the richest children.

13. By the year 2050 almost one in three of the world’s children under 18 will be African.

14. The children of African women with at least five years of schooling have a 40 percent higher chance of survival.

15. UNICEF and partners have secured the release of more than 1000 children from armed groups in the Central African Republic this year, more than five times the total number of children released in 2013.

16. There are wide variations in school enrolment between African countries – ranging from 37% for boys and 34% for girls in Eritrea to 98% for both boys and girls in Tanzania.

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Who says you cannot achieve your dreams? Read the story of a 93-year-old who graduates.

Bonnie ‘Çhuck’ Gould a 93-year-old got his master’s degree in education in 1954 from Stanford University but was able to graduate formally 60 years later this year. He attended the commencement ceremony with his wife, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He got a standing ovation from other graduates.

He did not take part in the 1954 ceremony partly because he was busy teaching in elementary school and raising his children. He felt it wasn’t just priority back then that other things should come first. Gould pursued his career to become an education superintendent. Gould who is also a decorated World War II Veteran expressed his joy that at his age he is glad to be where he is today. He feels honoured and fulfilled.

Photo Source: wn.ktvu.com

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The Lady Realtors presents Demystifying Real Estate Investment for Women. Have you ever wondered how to get on the real estate ladder, how to invest in real estate, start a real estate business or how to navigate real estate as a woman? Then you want to attend this first in the series on ‘Demystifying Real Estate Investment for Women”. It is limited seating to secure your seat click here to register.

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Are We Raising Men?

As we raise our boys we should ask ourselves if we are raising men? It starts with having the right vision for the men they are meant to become. Men will be boys if they are not trained the right way and are not given a place in the company of men. There are some skills and traits that boys learn best only from the men in their lives and their fathers.

Many boys are growing up to be too soft, easily frustrated and no scars literarily (they don’t get scratched from childhood that involves climbing trees).

Many of our boys have women all around them – between mum, nanny, sisters, girl cousins – it seems for every boy there are more girls being born.

Where are the men? Between being busy at work and being consumed by the concerns of the daily grind they are not there to inculcate the masculinity that so many boys nowadays need.

Our boys are meant to grow up to be strong, to be providers, to have positive influence, to be prophets to Nations, have a deep understanding of spirituality and how to pray, spend time with God and engage in warfare when they have to.

The skill set that boys need to become the men they ought to be includes having leadership skills and learning that life is not all about them. We need to raise leaders who think about what they can do for the world rather than what can they get from the world. This training starts from home, are they being made to take responsibility?

Th ability to solve problems starts from a young age, learning not to throw tantrums when things do not go their way, learning not to hit and definitely not to hit women around them. Real maturity includes solving challenges and disagreements with communication, discussion, taking action and not with your fists.

Parents should be careful not to nurture boys out of their natural calling to be men. The little boy you see today came with his destiny for the future mapped out, we need to help him bring it into fruition.

We should not nurture them into dependent people unequipped to face life because they have spent all their lives having things done for them. If as boys growing up they are not faced with challenges that they overcome, they become fear weathered and crumble when they face challenges as men.

They should not be treated like princes – which many mums are actually guilty of as he gets his every whim. Some of it is because women have been let down and their marriages are not what they expected, so they have poured and redirected their love and focus on their sons – trying to turn them into the picture of the perfect man that they wish their husbands were.

The apron strings need to be cut for our children, especially for our boys so they can grow up to be independent men who will provide for their families, nations and impact their sphere of influence. We want boys who will grow up to be leaders, protectors and to have courage. Men who have self-control and are not violent but yet know how to get their point across. Men who understand that life is bigger than material goods and learn work ethics that come with doing their jobs well. Men who have the fear of God.

Men whose future wives and families will thank us for raising them so well.

So lets remember to raise our boys to become the men they are meant to be. Women cannot father boys, that is the mans’ job. In the situation where there is no father in the house, it is best to develop and find a support system that would have positive role models to show boys the “manly” way to do things.

We wish our boys and the men they will become they best!

photo course: themighty, mariashriver, boystomen

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LagosMums Fashion Looks – Serious and Fun

A fun way to rock iro and buba for that owmabe and still look fabulous!

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LagosMums, let’s talk about health and wellness for dads and face it, dads are just not on top of their health. As we take care of our babies and ourselves, let’s not forget the dads. They actually need our help here. If needed, make the appointments for them, send reminders to them and possibly even go with them to their appointments to make them feel more comfortable.

It is important to see the doctor for regular medical check-ups to help you stay healthy and to pick up early warning signs of disease or illness. Cardiovascular (heart) disease, diabetes and some cancers can often be picked up in their early stages, when treatment may be more successful.

So you know how to help the men in your lives,  you need to know what health assessments they need to be doing. So, below is a list. Note that this list is not exhaustive and each individual may need more (or less) tests. Always check with your doctor.

Health Assessment/Screening

Blood Pressure test

When

• Ages 18 and above
• Get tested at least every 2 years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80)
• Get tested once a year if you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 or a family history of high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack. Discuss treatment with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you have blood pressure 140/90 or higher

Why

• The only way to identify hypertension is with blood pressure screenings

Cholesterol test 

When

• Starting at age 35, check your cholesterol level every 2 years. Begin screening at age 20 if you smoke, are obese, have diabetes or high blood pressure or have a family history of heart disease and check once a year.

Why

• Treating cholesterol abnormalities can help reduce your risk of heart disease

Diabetes screening – Fasting Blood Glucose

When

• Every three years starting at age 45; more often or earlier if you’re overweight or at risk for diabetes
• Get screened for diabetes if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medicine for high blood pressure

Why

• To provide an early warning sign of high blood sugar levels, which could mean an increased risk for diabetes

Body Mass Index (BMI) & Waist Measurement

When

• Check your body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement once a year from the age of 25

Why

• Being overweight is a significant risk factor for many health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes

Vision Tests (Eye Examination)

When

• Women should have an eye examination at least once from ages 20 to 29; at least two eye examinations between ages 30 and 39.
• At age 40, women should get a baseline eye disease screening. Based on results, follow ophthalmologist’s recommendations until age 65.
• After that, complete eye exam every one to two years

Why 

• To test your vision and screen for glaucoma and macular degeneration, two common, often age-related conditions

Hearing test

When

• Beginning at age 18, then once every 10 years until age 50, after which it should be once every three years

Why

• To make sure you’re hearing all life has to offer

Dental Examination

When

• At least once a year; twice a year is best starting from age 18

Why

• To remove plaque and bacteria that could lead to tooth and gum disease; to check for tongue and mouth cancer. Problems with your teeth can indicate osteoporosis

HIV Test

When

• Get tested for HIV at least once. If you have new or multiple sexual partners, get tested once a year

Why

• HIV can only be detected through testing

Chlamydia test

When

• Get tested for chlamydia yearly from the age of 24 if you are sexually active, especially if you have new or multiple sexual partners

Why  

• STD’s can only be detected through testing

Gonorrhea test

When

• Get tested for gonorrhoea yearly from the age of 24 if you are sexually active, especially if you have new or multiple sexual partners

Why 

• STD’s can only be detected through testing

Skin Tests

When

• Check your skin every month for moles that have changed or look abnormal. You should also look out for sores that won’t heal. See your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
• Men at high risk (for example, those who work outdoors) need a yearly examination by their doctor or dermatologist.

Why

• Melanomas (a type of skin cancer) is highly curable when diagnosed early

Colorectal cancer screening

When

• Annually starting at age 50 for the fecal occult blood test or the fecal immunochemical test; stool
• DNA test may be given at intervals recommended by your doctor
• Talk to your doctor about which screening test is best for you and how often you need it

Why 

• To provide an early warning sign about colon cancer

Testicular Examination

When

• Testicular examination should be done once a month from the age of 20 to check for any abnormal lumps or masses it is sensible for men to become familiar with the usual level of lumpiness of their testicles and to see their doctor if they notice a change.

Why

• To provide an early warning sign about testicular cancer

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

When

• PSA can help detect early prostate cancer. Men aged 50 and over should get this test done once a year and those aged 45 and over with a strong family history of prostate cancer

Why

• The results of this test are accurate; however this is not a reliable test for prostate cancer and may miss and/or suggest the presence of a cancer where there is none. It is therefore important to do this test in conjunction with a physical examination and/or biopsy. Discuss this with your doctor.

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LagosMums wishes all our fathers a Happy Father’s Day

Enjoy some quotes about fathers and fatherhood.

“It is a wise father that knows his own child” – William Shakespeare

“I’m a strong person, I’m a strong family man, I’m a strong husband and a strong father” – David Beckham

“I have never been a material girl. My father always told me never to love anything that cannot love you back” – Imelda Marcos

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother” – Theodore Hesburgh

“There’s really no point in having children if you’re not going to be home enough to father them” – Anthony Edwards

“Quality of time is more important than the quantity of time spent together” – LagosMums

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It is important to pay particular attention to passing on key life-transforming principles to our children in their foundational years when habits are formed. Teach them the way they should go includes focusing on raising successful children and instilling life-long values in them and not just being focused on providing for their welfare and educational needs.

If a child forms the habit of saving for the rainy day early enough, it would go a long way to determine how he handles his or her finances in the future. For instance, whenever such a child receives cash gifts from family, friends or as an award, he/she would be anxious to put such funds in his piggy bank, ask mummy or daddy to save the money in his kiddies saving account in a bank or an investment management firm, or those children that are savvy would ask their parents to buy them shares.

Recently I listened to a programme on a local radio station and the guest on the show was actually a 10 year-old girl who is presently working as a volunteer at a renowned bookstore in Victoria Island. Her proud parents who accompanied her to the show informed the presenter that they chose to encourage their children to take this path so early in their lives so that they become confident and responsible adults in the future. The children also took sewing and cookery classes. To deter the children from squandering the little they earned, their father promised to double their pay if they did not spend it for a certain period. Afterwards, they started consciously educating the children on the various investment options available to them especially buying shares and also the possibility of receiving dividend income in the future. To their surprise, after a while the children stopped making frivolous financial demands which reduced the pressure on them as parents.

The story above may be met with mixed feelings by a number of us. With insecurity and kidnapping looming, there is also the fear that the children would lose their childhood so fast they might become ‘uptight’. Of course, your parental instincts would kick in naturally and before your child ventures into such, you would ensure that the environment is a secure and non-abusive one. That said, the key take home for me was that the parents were decisive and most especially had a united front; mummy and daddy were speaking the same language with regards financial discipline. The children also found it easy to inculcate this value because their parents demonstrated same. Our children learn so fast, most especially in the little things we do. If for instance, you give-in each time they want something or you are more of a spontaneous buyer then they would simply copy that as a value – a way things should be done.

As we celebrate our children, let us be deliberate about teaching them financial discipline early enough and make them realise that delayed gratification is not a ‘punishment’  rather assures them of getting more than what they consciously set aside today when tomorrow comes.

Written by Tope Omojokun, Asset Manager

For more information on opening an investment account with our partner Investment Company send an email to contactus@lagosmums.com 

Photo Source: www.50shadesofblack.com, www.featurepics.com

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Final Tips on Parenting Etiquette

Contributed by Janet Adetu

We have come to the final tips on parenting etiquette, as mentioned earlier these are not in any way conclusive and will still let you know more as they come to me in future. Read more from the earlier posts 

• Chores

Many children enjoy being looked after by a nanny or older relative, so most times  get a lot done for them. To keep their bedroom clean  becomes a huge issue for most teenagers and a burden to parents. Your child is never too young to learn the art of responsibility. Exercise the art of giving your child a sense of responsibility by giving him or her regular daily or weekly chores. This will nurture them into a regular routine assignment and alleviate laziness traits that may be cultivating.

Find ideal chores for your child to do willingly and not grudgingly. Start with their room, bed, bathroom, clothing, shoes. Washing plates, emptying out the trash, washing dad’s car, cooking Sunday lunch, making up the bed, putting dirty laundry in the washing machine are but a few ideas you may practice with.

• Health and Hygiene

It must not go pass without mentioning the need to teach your child personal  hygiene no matter the age. Waking up to have a good shower,  brush teeth, groom hair, use of body cream and deodorants is mandatory.Ensuring that clothes worn are perfectly clean and odourless must be taken seriously. Your child could exhibit leadership traits, therefore must acknowledge that image and appearance is the number one criteria.

• Share the Spirit

Teach your child the need to give to the poor and the needy. Let them recognize that generosity and charity is very rewarding, the spirit of giving must be shared. Take your child with you to charity walks, shows and events, to appreciate that the less privileged have a life to live too. Everything in life is not gold.

Good luck in your mission as a parent. These tips should be read over again and again to make this journey smoother. Are there some more tips you would add to the list?

Photo Source: Google

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There are different thoughts on how to spend the summer break. Some parents believe children deserve to rest and laze about during the summer. Other parents believe that children should be kept busy during the summer. 

According to the research of Entwisle, Alexander, and Olson (2001), students who are not provided with summer learning opportunities start each school year with a learning deficit, compared to students who enjoyed experiential opportunities for summer learning. These experiences include organised sports, day camps, swimming lessons, and trips to local attractions.

There are many ways to think about how to spend the summer and to keep the children occupied without it being academic.  See some ideas below –

1. Summer Camps– There are various types of summer camps focusing on many different types of activities which could be school work and revision, swimming, arts and craft, cooking, drama etc. There is an increasing number of Summer Camp options in Lagos, check out the LagosMums Summer Camp Guide here.
2. Internships – Depending on the age of your child, summer is a good time to have children get some work experience. They could volunteer and spend a few hours a day in an office which enables them pick up necessary work experience skills. It could also be a good way to help a child see areas of interest, a child interested in being a doctor could spend time helping in a doctors office. Lastly this could be a way to build financial skills by letting her earn and see how long it takes to save.
3. Reading – This is a good time to encourage children to brush up their reading and to expand their knowledge. Encourage them to read books on various topics and materials such as books about famous inventions, nature, biographies and other materials that broaden their minds. Here the use of the internet could be encouraged to research and learn about different topics (however be sure to monitor their internet usage).
4. Summer Project – All children have skills and interests which might not be explored appropriately during the school year, so summer could be a good time to pick a project based on their interest. They can be encouraged to complete this project and present to you by an agreed time. A child who likes to write can write a play or a story that you read together by the end of the summer. You could also encourage children who are old enough to journal their summer experiences.
5. Relaxation and Exploration – All children need time to relax and to explore their thoughts, their surroundings and their interests. This should be encouraged all the time but more importantly during the summer children should have ample time to explore in a more relaxed setting.
6. Build a Hobby – This could be a good time for children to explore their hobbies or interests. A child who is fashionable and likes to put clothes together can sign up for sewing classes over the summer. Someone who likes to code, could sign up for coding classes and spend time around techies and maybe build an app. 
7. Travel – If children are privileged to travel, let the travel be a learning experience. Children should not sit home and watch television all day. They should spend time exploring, learning about the Country they travelled to and engage in something different. Most places will provide access (and sometimes free) to museums, libraries etc.
8. Explore Home Town – Even if children do not travel there are many things that can be explored locally. For example in Lagos, there is Badagry,  Lekki Conservatory Park, Beaches along the Lekki Expressway and other places to explore. They could drive around their city and see developments planned for the future (budding developers might be born)

No matter how you decide to spend it…summer should be fun!

So you can decide whether you leave the children to their own devices, or you sign them up for different programs or plan other ways to keep them learning and busy.

Are there other ways that you encourage children to explore during the Summer?

photo source: cmslearning1

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Esther Okade, is a 10 year old Nigerian-British and an undergraduate. Read her story below and be inspired.

When you take a look at Esther Okade a 10 year old British-Nigerian, she will strike you like the average young girl of her age. What then makes her exceptional is that this young whiz is presently an undergraduate at the Open University, a UK based distance learning college. We had previously featured her as one of Nigerians talented children.

Esther who is from an industrial town in UK’s West Midland region, is one the youngest college freshmen. She recently scored 100% in a recent exam. The talented 10 year is so in love with maths that she says “she finds it so interesting and super easy and that her mum taught her in a nice way”. She hopes to finish her course in two years so she can also do her PhD in financial maths when she is 13. She then own her own bank when she is 15 because she likes numbers and people, and banking is a great way to help people.

She is quick to let you know that her parents did not push her into starting university early. “I wanted to start when I was seven but my mum said I was too young”. She begged her mum for three years before she agreed to explore the idea.

Her mum noticed her flare for figures after she started being home schooled at three. At four, Esther was eager to move to algebra and quadratic equations. Esther has always been ahead of her peers. She sat for her first Math GSCE exam, a British high school qualification at six, where she scored a C grade. A year later, she scored an A grade which she had always wanted. Last year, she scored a B grade in her math A level exam.

Esther, who is not resting on her oars is also writing a series of maths workbooks for children titled “Yummy Yummy Algebra”. In case you are wondering, Esther is not the only maths genius in the family. Her younger brother Isaiah who is six, will be sitting for his first A level exam in June.

Good luck from LagosMums!

Photo Source: www.thereblution.com, www.telegraph.co.uk

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Summer Camps Guide Lagos 2015 edition compiled by LagosMums is here…

LagosMums brings you a listing of some of the summer camps being offered this Summer in and around Lagos. So read on for ways to keep the children busy this summer. Are you offering a Summer Camp for children in Lagos this summer? Do send us an email to contactus@lagosmums.comto be listed.

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CIS offers four weeks of amazing Summer Camps for boys and girls between the ages of 5-16 in July 2015. Each camp is one week long and will be packed with skill acquisition, character building, and lots of fun activities! All camps meet Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you’re a parent looking for a fulfilling and safe summer program for your child, then this is surely something you won’t want them to miss.

Where: Children’s International School, Funke Zainab Usman Street, Off Admiralty Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

Times: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 6th– 10th July or 13th – 17th July or 20th – 24th July or 27th – 31st July

Price: N25, 000 (Twenty Five Thousand Naira) per week per camper.

For more information visit the CIS website 

• Ages 3 years to 11 years (2 hour playgroup for Under 3’s)
• 20th July to 14th August 2015 (possible extension to 21st August, depending on demand)
• 9am – 3pm.  Extension classes until 5pm for additional fee
• At Libra House Montessori School, 2b Adeyemi Lawson Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.
• N22,500 per week (N5,000 per week for Playgroup)
• All bookings must be made by 26th June.  10% discount on sibling bookings.

• Between 3pm and 5pm, qualified teachers supervise your children doing school projects / homework or other academic work set from home at our Leapfrog Sessions.  N2,000 per day.
• We have a playgroup where children under 3 years can come with you (or nannies) from 9am to 11am.   N5,000 per week.
• We have also invited external providers to run their extra-curricular clubs (e.g. Lego Robotics and musical instrument) between 3pm and 5pm at Camp.  *Providers charge their own rates.

Contact Abiola Okubanjo for inquires and to book your spaces: tlilynigeria@gmail.com / 07035 922 335 | Registration deadline 26th June

Are you offering a Summer Camp for children in Lagos this summer? Do contact us to be listed contactus@lagosmums.com

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Women of West Africa Entrepreneurship Festival is here again. Join the next generation of influential, ground-breaking and distinguished leaders of business at the only event dedicated to women upliftment and the creation of powerful networks. Sponsored by Ecobank, the only venue to be at is the Landmark Convention Centre, Lagos, Nigeria from 25 – 26 June 2015.

What to expect at the 2015 Exhibition show

• Globally renowned, innovative and industry leading products
• Revitalised strategy and lively panel debates with Q&A sessions
• Extensive Networking Opportunities
• Over 60+ Speakers
• Dedicated and interactive seminar programme with regional and local experts
•  10 opportunities for registered delegates to pitch their business plan to investors who will fund their business for  up to NGN 1 Billion

In celebration of 3 years WOWe will host an exclusive cocktail and dinner for speakers, key partners and select delegate delegates, the dinner will provide an intimate and enjoyable setting for leaders in entrepreneurship across Nigeria and globally to network.

Register now or be sorry! VIP guest passes are selling out fast!

You will not find or go anywhere else for a larger gathering of women entrepreneurs.

Email tori.abiola@montex.co.uk for an opportunity to exhibit.

Visit and register at www.wowenigeria.com or call +234 809 5050 568.

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Diary Adventures of LagosMums: DALM | Women In Business

There are many women in business, either as entrepreneurs, career women or business women. I think that every woman is in business somehow, even women who are not in your typical 9 to 5. The internet and social media provide very low barrier to entry, anyone can have a brand and advertise their business, products or services globally.

For example someone who likes to do makeup can take pictures of her work, pictures of before and after makeup transformations, get an instagram account and that is it she is in business (whether or not she knows it). She is bound to come across people who will patronize her and need her services for an event or for a photo shoot.

I personally enjoy attending events that are targeted at women, either seminars or conferences. There is hardly any better way to learn from other people that to hear from women who have been there and who are on their various journeys there. Every womans story is unique and yet so similar at the same time. Many women who make it in a new industry or in a “mans world” have certain things in common. They have a plan, they are consistent, they do not take no for an answer, they keep trying, they are flexible and they encourage other women along the way.

I have been attending the Women of  West Africa Entrepreneurship Conference today and I am always inspired and love meeting other women who are striving, getting things done and making an impact in their industries.

For me one of the highlights of the session i attended was hearing Wana Sambo speak about her brand and her experiences as a designer. She reiterated that it is important to have a plan and then to work towards that plan. She made it clear that though you can just start business, it is advisable to have a plan as it is easier for this plan to then become reality. She talked about knowing what you want to do and how…for example with her as a designer it is important for her to know who the celebrities are and what they are wearing. Based on this she was able to follow certain celebrities on instagram and contact them to wear some of her ready to wear lines. By the time she contacted them though, they were already aware of the brand and so were happy to wear her clothes. She had a plan to get her brand known. 

While there are some women who have had experiences where other women did not help them, I believe that the cases of women helping each other is more prevalent than not. It is important to find like minded women who are looking to improve themselves and grow their businesses. Network with these women as there will always be something to learn from them.

I like the saying that says Failure is feedback…the point being that we are all learning everyday and we should stay flexbible so we can try, learn and adjust as necessary. Flexibility is the main ingredient to achieving your goals.

So lets keep networking with each other and mentoring each other through our journeys. Wowe is still on tomorrow at the Landmark center VI.

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