LagosMums to be, get a life before you get a man
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www.worldslastchance.com

I actually thought it was me. Maybe it was the way I viewed it or maybe I am biased because I am single.

Someone even said it is because I am jealous of those in a “society approved” relationship that I have strong ideas about the way relationships are in our generation.

But I really am not sorry, neither do I mind any queer reasons thought up by anybody.

I believe I have valid points that have been tested and proven by time and I’m about to share them.

LagosMums to be, get a life before you get a man. Figure yourself out first before you get into a relationship. Love yourself first before you commit to loving someone else.

You have heard these lines a lot abi? You know where this is going to yeah?

No I’m not judging you. I’m actually talking from a wealth of experience. There were times in my life that in my “new year” resolution list, the item that always made the top 2 was “Get into a relationship with my man” and boy did I get into them? The wrongest ones. I had some nerve wrecking heartbreaks and felt that I had so many things wrong with me. I kept trying to change what I thought was wrong. I talked less, wrote less, tried to change my appearance and did stuff I wasn’t comfortable with… but they didn’t cut it.

It was when I found me that he found me. I had to discover who I am, what I stand for, what I am comfortable with, what I can and can’t stand. I had to pursue my own dreams, I had to discover the things that make and keep me happy. It was not until I could define what I stand for and answer the question “Who are you” that I knew I was ready to meet someone else.

I was not bothered by the society’s dictates anymore. I was concerned about finding me, the reason for my existence. Instagram couples didn’t freak me anymore neither did people’s perfect looking pictures. I was happy for those who were happy because they had their better half with them but I didn’t speed up the growing and healing process to fit what was around me.

Was I perfect in these decisions? Of course not. I still had my human moments when I felt I was the strangest girl that existed, I still felt lonely at different points, I still cried at different times especially when I saw others really happy with their own boos and baes. Lol. But growth is painful so the pain was welcome.

You can do same. Let’s stop idolizing what we think love is and get the real picture of what it is. Do not start the journey if you have not counted the cost.

If we have whole ladies, half baked men would run out of business.

Written By : Ariyike

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Determined to bring joy and sensitize Nigerians and Africa in Diaspora about the deadly disease, “LASSA FEVER”, Junior Chamber International Nigeria, Ikeja THE LEGACY BUILDER, will on Friday January 29th, Join hands with renowned Nigerians and world health authorities to educate on good health and well being. The interactive segment is scheduled on Twitter for easy communication.

In its commitment to expand global sensitization of Lasa Fever, contribute good health and well being according to SDG GOAL, the Local Organization President of Junior Chamber International Nigeria, Ikeja, Olamide Akin Balogun Confirmed that #KickLassaFeverOutCampaign Online Campaign is being hosted by JCI, Global Impact Ambassador, Medicaid Diagnostics, Bring Back our Girls Group, Kebbi State, Host (health matters on NigeriainfoFM 99.3 ) to answer questions on everything LASSA FEVER.

The programme provides answers to unknown questions of the menace. Nigerians and the world at large will find out the causes of “LASSA FEVER”, how to aid it, how to manage the crisis period and many more.

The focus of this event is sensitizing about the fever and totally eradicates the deadly disease.

Among the contributors and moderators of the online discussion are agents of change, such as: Pascal Dike: Junior Chamber International World President, Amb. Olatunji Oyeyemi: JCI Nigeria National President, Amb. Olamide Akin Balogun, David Eka Jnr; Global Impact Ambassador: Local Organisation President, JCIN Ikeja, Dr Zainab Shinkafi: Wife of Kebbi State Governor, Juliet Offiah : Host,Health Matters on NigeriaInfoFM 99.3, Aisha Yesufu: Leader Of the BBOG Group, Amb. Henry Adedokun: Executive Vice President South West Nigeria, Amb. Adetola Juyitan: National Vice President, South West Nigeria and All Medic Aid Diagnostics center Doctors

Lassa Fever was first discovered in the 1950’s but the cause of the deadly fever was not identified until 1969. It is mainly found in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria and is spread by rats. Other neighboring countries are also at risk because the type of rat that spreads the virus is also found throughout the West African region. Due to the clinical course of the disease is so variable, detection of the disease in affected patients has been difficult but prompt isolation of affected patients, good infection protection and control practices and rigorous contact tracing can stop outbreaks.

Humans usually become infected with Lassa virus from exposure to urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. Lassa virus may also be spread between humans through direct contact with the blood, urine, faeces, or other bodily secretions of a person infected with Lassa fever. There is no epidemiological evidence supporting airborne spread between humans

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of Lassa fever commonly happen 1-3 weeks after a person has come into contact with the virus. For most of those with a Lassa fever virus infection; around 80%, symptoms are mild and under-diagnosed. Mild symptoms include: Weakness, Headaches, Slight fever, General malaise, Repeated vomiting, Respiratory distress, Pain in the back, chest and abdomen, Facial swelling

DIAGNOSIS

The symptoms of Lassa fever are varied and non-specific, clinical diagnosis is often difficult, especially early in the course of the disease. Definitive diagnosis requires testing that is available only in specialized laboratories. Laboratory specimens may be hazardous and must be handled with extreme care. Lassa virus infections can only be diagnosed definitively in the laboratory using the following tests:

Antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Antigen detection tests, Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, Virus isolation by cell culture.

TREATMENT/ PREVENTION

‘Ribavirin,’ is an antiviral drug that has been used with success in people affected by Lassa fever in its early stage.

Supportive care that consists of maintenance of:

Oxygenation, Blood pressure, Treatment of complicating infections, Appropriate fluid and electrolyte balance. Effective measures include storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households and keeping cats. Because Mastomys are so abundant in endemic areas, it is not possible to completely eliminate them from the environment. Family members should always be careful to avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.

Lassa fever should be considered in febrile patients returning from West Africa, especially if they have had exposures in rural areas or hospitals in countries where Lassa fever is known to be endemic. Health-care workers seeing a patient suspected to have Lassa fever should immediately contact local and national experts for advice and to arrange for laboratory testing.

JCIN IKEJA

Junior Chamber International Ikeja is an affiliate of Junior Chamber International – a worldwide federation of young and active citizen. Mission to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change’ and Vision to be the leading global network of young active citizens’. The Local Organisation was birthed in March 1983 in the boardroom of Pfizer Nigeria Limited with five foundation members namely:  Femi Ogunsanwo, Bukola Ogun, Sina Sobanjo, Tunde Ojo and Foluso Philips (of the famous Phillip Consulting) to affect our immediate community- this is our 29th year of existence with a strong history of achievements and legacy builders that precedes us. From a humble beginning of 15 members, we have grown to over 70 with our members from all works of life.

JCIN, IKEJA impact had been felt in the country positively as we propagated some of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’S) e.g. the Tree Planting Project that was initiated by our Chapter in 1989 and the TREES are still in place from Maryland to Alausa in the Ikeja community, Construction of a Bore-Hole to the Remand Homes in Ikeja, Donation of Hospital Beds to the Onigbongbo Local Government Health Clinic, Ipodo Village, Ikeja, Army Barracks, etc.

To be part of this life saving message, join us on Twitter through:

@jciikeja handle on Friday January 29th:

10am with Dr. Julz (@doctorjulz) Host, Health Matters on NigeriaInfoFM 99.3

11am with JCI World President, Paschal Dike through @obpaschal

12noon with Aishat Yesufu of BBOG through @AishaYesufu 

1pm with JCI Nigeria National President Oyeyemi Olatunji through @jci_nigeria

2pm with Doctors from Medical Aid Diagnostic Center through @MedicaidRad

3pm with JCI Nigeria South West Executive Vice President through @adedokunhenry

4pm with JCI Nigeria South West National Vice President through @adetola_juyitan

5pm with JCI Ikeja Local Organization President through @oakinbalogun.

6pm with Global Impact Ambassador – Amb. David Eka Jnr. through @ekajnr

The post JCIN Ikeja Kick Lassa Fever Out Online Campaign appeared first on Lagosmums.

Meet Our LM Mum Of The Month: Debo Adebayo

Our LagosMums of the Month series explores frank questions with LagosMums on motherhood, their philosophies on life among other things. We always learn when we read someone else’s story and they share their experiences with us. Meet Debo Adebayo, a wife, a mother of three children, and an entrepreneur. She is the founder of  Organic Baby Food Company ‘ Tomis Treats’

As our first 2016 LM Mum of the Month can you tell us some of your New Year goals?

My new year goals are split into four sections: spiritual goals, physical goals, professional goals and personal goals. Some examples of my goals are to grow stronger in Christ, to lose at least 10 pounds, to commence building a factory for Tomi’s Treats and to spend quality time with my family.

And any New Year message?

My message is ‘No Dream is too small’

Please introduce yourself and your family?

My name is Debo Adebayo and I am a wife, mother and founder of an Organic Baby Food Company called Tomi’s Treats.

How many children do you have and what are their names?

I have 3 beautiful children. Tomi age 5, who is my inspiration behind the Tomistreats brand. Keye age 2 going on 13, who is the princess/bosslady of the house and Korede age 1 who is the baby of house.

What are the different hats that you wear?

My hats are wife, mum and business owner.

Tell us about your business? Why/How did you start it?

After I had my first child, I visited Nigeria on holiday but could not find any indigenous organic food to buy for my baby. So on returning to the UK I decided to follow this idea up whilst studying for my Executive MBA and I created my own business, Tomi’s Treats.

Who are the products for and where can we get it?

Tomi’s Treats are organic fruit and vegetable purees that can be eaten from age 6 months plus.  Organic foods are foods that are produced using organic methods of farming.  So there are no modern synthetic inputs added into the raw materials e.g. pesticides or fertilizers.  Our products have no chemicals, or sugars added to them.  They are completely healthy and serve as part of ones essential fruit/veg 5 a day allowance. We currently have four flavours in the market and they are stocked in the supermarkets nationwide across Nigeria including Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kano.

Share some challenges of running a business in Nigeria.

Well in this current economic climate, the exchange rate and banks policies are challenges that we are facing.  Our products are manufactured in the EU so the exchange rate and international payments directly affect us. For information on her products visit www.tomistreats.com

What are 3 characteristics you need to run a business in Nigeria?

1. Patience is key. When things don’t happen as quickly as you expect, you need to be patient and not give up.
2. You need to be passionate and believe in what you are doing.  If you don’t then why should anybody?
3. You need to be determined and focused on your goals.  There are always going to be bumps along the way but you need to pick yourself up, learn from them and move on.

You need to be passionate and believe in what you are doing
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What support system do you have in place?

I have a strong support system with my husband, parents, mother in law and nannies.  My siblings and friends have children the same age, so they also provide a great support.

How important is a support system to a mum today? 

I think it is extremely important.  When I had my first child, I was completely clueless about motherhood and all that it entailed.  My body’s natural maternal instinct kicked in and I went through all the motions but it took a while for my mind to assimilate the fact that I was a mum.  It was my support system that helped me learn how to be a mum and adjust to my new role.  They supported me when I needed to take a break and spend quality time on my own or with my husband and friends.

Nanny or no nanny? How do you cope with nanny/house help issues?

With 3 kids age 5 and under, I am pro nanny.  I have some friends who are amazing earth mothers and do it all on their own but I have always had a nanny helping me out. Well the nanny issue is an ongoing issue but I am learning about managing my expectations when it comes to nannies capabilities.

What has surprised you the most about being a mother?

The utter complete joy.  I can be having a bad day and then my daughter smiles at me, gives me a cuddly hug or a kiss and it makes it ok.  Seeing things through my children’s eyes makes everything so much fun again.

How do you balance work and family? Does the word “balance” really exist?

I think it does exist.  I am big into time management.  We have feed time, bath time, homework time, playtime etc.  When I am at work, I am completely focused on work and at home I make sure I get quality time with my family.

What is the difference between the way you were brought up and today? (People tend to say children of nowadays are different do you agree?)

Well the world is different. With technology and social media, communication and information are easily accessible to children who perhaps are not mature enough to receive some of the information available. Also disciplining children in some Countries is now considered taboo.

What is the funniest thing you’ve heard your children say?

I was recently asked if there was another baby in my tummy to which I replied no.  I was then asked why my tummy was so big then?

What one thing do you think should never be missing from every home?

Communication is essential with everyone in your home from your partner, to your children and your nannies.

How do you relax?

My main hobbies are cooking and reading.  I love cooking, it relaxes me and I also love to read. I don’t get a chance to read as often as I would like too because my household is pretty noisy. I also love going to the spa and getting massages.  Whenever I go on holiday, the first thing I do is visit the hotel spa.

What’s the most important skill that a Lagos Mum needs?

Multitasking! LagosMums are under pressure to be superwomen.  I think in order to achieve this they have to multitask and take some time out for themselves.  This will help them be better mums.

What is your philosophy on parenting?

My parents did a great job with my siblings and I.  We had an amazing childhood and it’s my job to ensure my children have the same and they grow up as independent, decent people with good morals.

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Mattel releases three new body shapes for Barbie, the world’s best-selling doll. Inside the biggest change in barbie’s 57-year history–and what it says about American beauty ideals

Barbie gets three new bodies : petite, tall and curvy to add to the existing slim waisted barbie currently in the market. The new barbie body shapes reflect diversity, different body sizes and heights.

Photograph by Kenji Aoki for TIME

The creation was kept a secret and before the launch only 20 people in the world knew it existed. The designers while working on it even code-named the endeavour Project Dawn so that even their spouses wouldn’t be tipped off to her existence.

The new body was introduced while they took off the dolls clothes and tried to put on a new dress from the original line. The dress was a blue summery frock, cinched tightly at the waist with a black ribbon, the dress would not fit and everyone in the room wondered why? “Try going feet first,” the lead designer suggested and it still did not work. Her plump bottom gets stuck in the same spot. Yes, plump. Barbie’s got a new body. Three new bodies, actually: petite, tall and curvy, in Mattel’s exhaustively debated lexicon, and beginning Jan. 28 they will be sold alongside the original busty, thin-waisted form on Barbie.com.

They’ll all be called Barbie, but it’s the curvy one—with meat on her thighs and a protruding tummy and behind—that marks the most startling change to the most infamous body in the world.

It’s a massive risk for Mattel. Barbie is more than just a doll. The brand does $1 billion in sales across more than 150 countries annually, and 92% of American girls ages 3 to 12 have owned a Barbie, thanks in part to her affordable $10 price tag. She’s been the global symbol of a certain kind of American beauty for generations, with brand recognition that’s up there with Mickey Mouse. M.G. Lord, a Barbie biographer, once said she was designed “to teach women what—for better or worse—is expected of them in society.”

source: nylon.com

The company hopes that the new dolls, with their diverse body types, along with the new skin tones and hair textures introduced last year, will more closely reflect their young owners’ world. But the initiative could also backfire—if it’s not too late altogether. Adding three new body types now is sure to irritate someone: just picking out the terms petite, tall and curvy, and translating them into dozens of languages without causing offense, took months. And like me, girls will strip curvy Barbie and try to put original Barbie’s clothes on her or swap the skirts of petite and tall. Not everything will Velcro shut. Fits will be thrown, exasperated moms will call Mattel. The company is setting up a separate help line just to deal with Project Dawn complaints.

For the full version of this story view this link- Barbie’s Got A New Body

Source: Time.com

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The much awaited 2016 has begun and so has the inevitable belt tightening. With the exchange rate hovering around N300 for 1 US Dollar and crude oil at $30 per barrel, no one needs to be told to review their personal expenditure and look for ways to create additional income.

Adapting to The New ‘Normal’

A friend of mine ran through a quick calculation of her income and expenses and realised that even though she was earning the same salary, she was now ‘poorer’. Why? In 2015 the company she works for increased the tax rate on her salary to align with the government’s recent focus on being compliant on PAYE tax. In addition, her house-help and driver had both asked for a salary increase as they complained things were more expensive and so could no longer survive on their current pay. Being a working mum, these were two key parts of her support infrastructure she could not afford to lose so she increased their salaries. In one month, her actual take home pay went down and expenditure went up. What to do?

www.vanguardngr.com

You’ll be surprised what you can save

She immediately started looking at areas she could cut back on and realised:

• She could save almost N10K a month by having a long-term hair style such as braiding her hair instead of the weekly salon trips. Another friend went a step further and invested in a couple of wigs (we’ve still got to look good right) so she just does traditional cornrows and is good to go.
• She could save N20K a month by not having weekly mani/pedicures. Good grooming is important, so she decided she would do her change of polish, nail filing etc. at home and limit professional services to when she had a function to attend.
• By taking lunch from home rather than buying at the office, she saves about N2k daily which came to almost N40K a month. She’s already paying her house-help more money so why not get more value from it?
• She could cut down her power costs by simply making sure lights were switched off in rooms not being used and not leaving electronics on unnecessarily.

In total she saved about N100k in a month which she was able to set aside in a savings account as capital build up for her personal business.

You need to create wealth

Speaking of personal businesses, while saving is an important discipline, you need to actively explore additional avenues of wealth creation. If you already run a business and are looking for additional capital to support your business growth, you should explore sources of relatively cheap funds. There were a few questions from my last article with respect to the Central Bank of Nigeria N200 Billion MSME Fund so I have put together the guide below to answer the most frequently asked questions.  Look through this, do your homework and talk to your bank.

Rolayo Akhigbe is a Holistic Finance Specialist passionate about helping people invest wisely in their emotional, physical and financial health.

Connect with her on the following: Website www.RolayoAkhigbe.com | Email: info@rolayoakhigbe.com | Twitter @rolayoakhigbe | Instagram: ROLAYOAKHIGBE | Facebook RolayoAkhigbeInspire

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Valentines day is around the corner, and LagosMums has decided to make it a special one for you. LagosMums wil be giving away (courtesy of  GET Go Karting Arena) 5 free go kart tickets. Do you think you have what it takes to beat your partner at Go Kart? Well there’s only one way to find out.

Contest Rules

Tell us what you do to hang out and unwind with your partner on valentines day. Like and follow @LagosMums and @getarenang and Tag #LMGiveaway.

Steps for Eligibility to Win

• Follow the contest rules on the LagosMums website or across our social media platforms.
• A winner will be chosen at random and announced on the website and social media
• The Winner will be required to pick the gifts or receive gifts with proper identification.

For more information. You can check out there website on at www.getng.com

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This Emotions Master Class Program is the first out of 3 Emotions based programs holding this year, this Emotions Master class is designed to tackle different aspects of human emotions on how to Use your Emotions to build your brand, how to understand The Power of Psychological & Emotional Branding with a perspective on the future of personal and corporate branding.

We will also dive into Women and their Emotions – A liability or an asset, and finally what are Deadly Emotions and how to overcome them. This course is applicable to anyone who wants to build their brand and wants to harness emotions.

Each of the aspects will be handled by experienced and well sought speakers with vast knowledge on this topics. At the end of each Speaker’s talk there with be a Q&A session.

After every speaker’s presentation and Q&A sessions there will be a 2-3 hours of hands on group & one on one therapy sessions for people with emotional issues which will be handled by a team of certified life Coaches and Therapists.

The Speakers will all focus on different areas Lanre Olusola, life coach will be speaking on the issue of mastering “Deadly Emotions”, Charles O’Tudor, Brand specialist will speak on “Your Emotions and your Brand”, Dakore Akande, actress will speak on “Using your Emotions”, Osayi Alile on”Women and their Emotions”. The event will be moderated by Steve Harris, Life Design and Business Strategist.

LagosMums is a strategic partner and will be offering all attendees who sign up via LagosMums a 10% discount off the full fee of N15,000 to get this discount send an email to contactus@lagosmums.com for details.

The event will hold on February 27th 2016 in Lekki starting at 10am.

Account Details for payment 0046488619 Access Bank. Specify Emotions BrandMasterClass – LagosMums (please send email with evidence of payment N13,500 (with the 10% LagosMums discount applied to contactus@lagosmums.com to ensure registration for the event and access)

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On today’s post we want to share some of the challenges a LagosMum – Dakore experienced while looking for a good daycare centre for her children. Finding the right school for your child is a major step.

From Dakore

I’m a big believer in early education for children, as my first born, Ayomide started going to daycare as early as 8 months! I know some of you might think it was too early but it was deliberate on my part after a lot of research.

I first noticed she had a tendency to be shy around her fellow toddlers yet she was totally at ease with adults probably because she didn’t have any consistent interaction with them. In hindsight it shows that she had become comfortable only in adult company which is not bad, but since it is her peers she will eventually have to interact with we decided daycare that it was the best thing to do for her. And guess what? It totally transformed her and now she’s the first one to say hello. She is not that shy awkward kid anymore and it’s been amazing to watch.

In order to back up my long narrative, studies have shown that the period from newborn to 5 years is a critical time in a child’s ultimate development into adulthood. They are akin to sponges soaking up everything they are exposed to and it is truly up to us Mums and Dads alike to give them proper exposure to well supervised, highly skilled and learned play. This can be done at daycare or playgroups.

Armed with this new knowledge and experience, yet another added task in the joys and challenges of motherhood, is finding the right daycare facility or playgroup or crèche or a hybrid of all for your precious little ones. Believe me it has nothing to do with being abroad or here in Nigeria. The real issue is which one out of so many? In recent times in Nigeria especially, there’s a daycare on almost every street corner – due to increased demand borne out of both parents working away from the household. Typical concerns are: Do they have the perfect balance of reasonable cost, love and care, educational value, hygiene and cleanliness, ratio of children to adults, location, proximity for easy pickup, etc?

With Dasola, our younger daughter, things were not so easy the second time around in this regard. Generally I trust my gut instincts about things and most times I’m spot on. But I found that with regards to choosing schools, it made my task of finding the right one harder, not only because of the aforementioned criteria but it just had to feel right in my spirit as well.

School Visits

I looked at 8 different schools before I settled on where she goes now. Phew! In addition I had to do this starting from when she was 6 months old so I would go and check out each one in between filming takes and breaks, which are fewer and further between these days. This put me under a lot of strain and stress because this is my precious little cargo we’re talking about and it’s not easy to find people or institutions that share that same vision.

There were two schools I went to and they were really nice and new, but in the first one, there were too few students in class, the second one I really liked but there were too many kids crammed into a small space which made me uncomfortable.

How did she end up deciding on which school was right for her child? After all the research and the visits – at the end of the day she went with which one “felt right”. Can you relate to this? How did you choose the right school for your child?

For the whole post you can visit the website Dakore Mums World

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So you are a parent? Congratulations!! You have a child or children and you are doing your best to raise them. Do you have parenting goals? There are some natural expectations across different milestone – as a baby she will evolve from breastfeeding to eating semi-solids, then you expect her to start crawling and then to start trying to walk.

Somethings are nature – such as the sucking reflex that a baby comes with, they do not have to be taught how to suckle, they naturally latch on and are either breastfed or bottle fed. Many other things while raising children falls under nurture and this is where you really have to be able to identify, verbalise and visualise what your parenting goal is.

Take sometime and think about what your parenting goal is, what kind of adults do you want to raise? Do you know what that type of adult should look like? can you visualise it? Would you say your goal is to raise an engineer? Or is to raise a happy adult? Or a God-fearing one? Pause and take the time to think about it.

LM Top 5 Characteristics

1. Independent – Raising an independent adult is top of my list. To raise an independent adult starts from raising an independent child from a very young age. Many adults who are very independent today, confident and are resourceful can trace it back to their childhood. They were the ones who you will hear had responsibilities such as chores or started working at a young age. Some of the ways to ensure you are raising an independent child is to think about giving them responsibilities. I recommend for one, start by assigning age appropriate chores. Try to implement the guiding rule of not doing for your child what he can do for himself. [Read: Age Appropriate Chores]
2. God-Fearing – Raising a God-fearing adult is very important to me and to do that I know it has to start when they are young children. So from a young age let them understand that there is a higher power who created the world. God carefully created them from the womb and knows them by name. To be God fearing they have to know God and build a relationship with him. Some practical ways is for them to start the day praying and end the day praying, you should also model your relationship with God for them to see on a daily basis.
3. Kind – Raising children who are kind is important and the easiest way to work on this is to teach them to watch their speech and how they treat people. Is what they are saying kind and thoughtful? Get them to think if they are encouraging, are they building up or tearing down. They should understand that there is power in words. They note how you treat people around them as well so model what you are teaching.
4. Honest – Raising an honest adult does not happen overnight. Start when they are young. First of all have the “no secret” rule in your house and in your communications. Be able to have open dialogue with your child. They will learn the most from you as their parent, so watch what you say. Do not lie around them because then you signal that lying is ok. For example do you say “tell Aunty I am sleeping” just because you do not want to attend to the guest who just showed up. Not very honest mum!
5. Integrity – What is integrity? It is living by your word, what you say you will do is what you will do. Children learn most from their parents so when you say you will do something, do it. If for any reason you cannot do what you said you should discuss that with them and let them understand. Encourage children and hold them to a high standard of doing the things they said they will do.

It is easier to raise a child the right way and not have to fix an adult.
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What are some of your parenting goals?

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Today is World Cancer Day, a day that unites the world in the fight against cancer. Today we bring you a survivor story by Kessiena Martins.

For her she used to examine her breasts frequently and did not expect to have anything wrong. So the day she was told she had cancer, was quite devastating. It had started as a regular day where she took her daughter who was ill to the hospital. Her daughter ended up being admitted so while she waited and stayed with her she decided to feel her breasts and that was when she discovered a lump.

According to her she told the doctor at the hospital who ran a biopsy and sent it to South Africa for examination, after a while the results came back and that was when she was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer of the breast.

As expected she was in shock and it did not really sink in till she got home and sat down to think about it. After a while she prayed and in her words “I told God that we are in this together and I knew He would not desert me”. When her husband got home from work, she told him about it, then called close family and friends to tell them and everyone immediately moved to action.

At this stage Kessiena narrates that “First thing they did was arrange for my treatment abroad, my brother-in-law got us a hospital in India and my sister traveled and stayed with me all through the 9 months of treatment”. It was tough! with this disease you really need the love of family and support of friends. You need a lot of encouragement and companionship, prayer and counselling because you really go through a lot of things. There are both the good and bad sides, the bad unfortunately outweighing the good because of the kind of radical treatments administered.

The chemotherapy, surgeries, cause reactions and most of the time you are not yourself. You lose your hair and you’re not happy with that, you lose your appetite and you’re not happy with that. You cannot eat just anything which can be upsetting so you definitely need the grace of God to pull through.

Not only is it emotionally draining but it is also a very expensive disease to have, you need a lot of money and you cannot do it alone. You might have to seek help from family, friends and even good Samaritans out there but with a strong support system financially and emotionally, you can survive it by the grace of God and I am a living testimony.

Cancer is not a death sentence especially if it is detected early
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She advises that cancer is not a death sentence especially if it is detected early. Always be consistent with your treatment and eat healthy even after you survive it. You always have to be on top of your game because even if it can be removed, it is a very tricky disease, it can reappear later somewhere else so you have to always be on the look out for new signs.

She also advises that anyone going through it must think positive because this will tremendously help your recovery process and after treatment ensure you go for regular check ups. It might start from every 6 months to 1 year to every 2 years till the time it is not very necessary. Even if there is no cure yet, we can still fight it, it is not a good thing to have and I pray for those going through it right now that God will heal them and give them a speedy recovery. Amen 

With a strong support system emotionally and financially, you can survive it with the grace of God
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We thank God for Kessiena’s story of survival. Cancer when detected early accompanied with the right treatment, strong support system, prayers and faith in God can bring healing like it did for Kessiena.

Contributed by Kessiena Martins

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Pregnant?

That does not mean you cannot stay stylish. We have pulled together some looks here for the pregnant LagosMums who still want to look good while planning a date night with her husband.

Wondering what to wear to celebrate the season of love? Comfort is a high consideration at this time. Work on pushing yourself a bit and dress up to surprise your husband when you show up for your date.

Happy Valentine’s Month.

LagosMums looks that inspire!

Look 1: Cocofashionista

Look 2: Aquila Martina

Look 3: Kim K

Look 4: charitybaaitse

Look 5: Kerry Washington

Culled from Kamdora. For fashion and style tips read more on Kamdora.com

The post LagosMums Looks for Pregnant Women on Valentine’s Date Night appeared first on Lagosmums.

On February 14 2016, celebrate how far you and your partner have come in the journey called love. Intimate Moments, a Valentine’s day dinner and outdoor movie celebration presented by @aquastone_services is just the occasion.

For N50,000, you and your partner will enjoy a romantic Afro-Continental fusion three course meal with select free drinks as you are serenaded by soft music. Then move outdoors, where you will both watch a movie cuddled up underneath the stars and protected by mosquito nets. Your keepsake from the evening a complimentary love photo shoot by @i_amnimz.

Intimate Moments

Reserve your dinner time, either 4:30pm or 8pm, TODAY by emailing orders@aquastoneservies.com or calling 0817 223 3445 0902 345 1681.

The post Intimate Moments’ Valentine’s Day Dinner and Outdoor Movie Celebration appeared first on Lagosmums.

Pregnant?

That does not mean you cannot stay stylish. We have pulled together some looks here for the pregnant LagosMums who still want to look good while planning a date night with her husband.

Wondering what to wear to celebrate the season of love? Comfort is a high consideration at this time. Work on pushing yourself a bit and dress up to surprise your husband when you show up for your date.

Happy Valentine’s Month.

LagosMums looks that inspire!

Look 1: Cocofashionista

Look 2: Aquila Martina

Look 3: Kim K

Look 4: charitybaaitse

Look 5: Kerry Washington

Culled from Kamdora. For fashion and style tips read more on Kamdora.com

The post LagosMums Looks for Pregnant Women on Valentine’s Date Night appeared first on Lagosmums.

Children’s International School was Inspected, Approved and Rated as ‘Good with outstanding features’ by the UK Government.

The UK Government’s Department for Education (DfE) operates an inspection scheme which is designed to measure British Schools Overseas (BSO) against the standards that apply to independent schools in England. This inspection scheme is designed to inform and reassure parents about the quality of education offered by the school.

Children’s International School (CIS) located in Lagos, Nigeria was inspected in October 2015. The school was delighted to receive a BSO Inspection Report which recognised CIS as a good school with outstanding features. As a result of this inspection, the school has demonstrated it meets the Standards for British Schools Overseas. This judgement is endorsed by the British Government, quality assured by the Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED) and is valid for a period of three years.

At the same time, CIS went through an accreditation process with CfBT Educational Trust (one of the approved independent inspectorates approved by the UK Government). The inspectors examined three years of evidence about the school and then saw CIS in action over a four day period including meetings with parents, students and staff, lesson observations and scrutiny of student’s work and school documents. CIS is pleased to announce that the school has been awarded the International Schools Quality Mark (ISQM) at Silver level, meaning Good judgements or higher in all of the following sections:

• Standards and achievement
• Teaching and learning
• Leadership and management.

The reports state:

• Children’s International School, Lagos, is a good school.
• The quality of the curriculum provided by the school is good.
• The standards of teaching and assessment are good. Student/teacher relationships and communication between school and parents are particular strengths. The atmosphere of mutual trust and respect created through regular communication leads to a shared commitment to improving students’ learning.
• Students’ personal development is exceptionally good.
• Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. The school is highly inclusive. There is a strong sense of multiculturalism and students have significant awareness of social issues due to their outstanding social, moral, spiritual and cultural education.
• The behaviour of pupils is outstanding and throughout the school is exemplary. Students have a very positive attitude to learning.
• The welfare, health and safety of the pupils are good. Child safeguarding procedures are particularly robust.
• The premises and accommodation are of a good quality and the high quality new buildings have been very effective in bringing together the whole school community. Highly efficient and robust systems ensure the security of students and their families as well as staff.
• The leadership and management of the school are good. As a result of this good leadership and management of CIS, pupils are helped to mature into caring and reflective young people with excellent behaviour and attitudes to learning.

For more information visit the school’s website 

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Hey LagosMums! Can you guess who the mother is?

This picture of a girl taking a selfie with her twin sister and mum was much talked about over the weekend.It is quite difficult to tell who is who because the mother looks really young, like they say, Black dont crack!

The post Guess who the mum is appeared first on Lagosmums.

Ades aegypti mosquito

What is the Zika virus and what should you be aware of?

The Zika Virus is transmitted through a bite from the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same type that generates Dengue and Yellow fever. Its symptoms include a mild fever, skin rash and conjunctivitis which lasts for about 2-7 days.

The Virus originated from Uganda as it was found in monkeys in 1947 and was first diagnosed in humans in the area in 1952. Since then outbreaks have occurred sporadically in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. It was not much of a threat to the society till last year where an epidemic occurred in Brazil causing birth defects in babes born from infected victims. The virus caused them to have micropcephaly which causes an abnormal shaped head, impaired vision, seizures, feeding problems and developmental delay.

The virus has also caused cases in other parts of Latin America as well as the Caribbean and Cape Verde (off the coast of Africa) recently and some experts have estimated that up to 4 million people could be infected in the coming months. This led to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Zika-linked birth defects to be a global health emergency, the same designation Ebola was given two years ago.

Microcephaly

Some experts have noted that as a result of global travel, mosquitoes in other parts of the world may eventually begin to transmit the virus as well. This is because a mosquito in an area unaffected by Zika virus could bite an infected person who travelled from an affected area, acquire the virus and then pass on the infection by biting other people. This has huge implications in areas of the world such as Nigeria that are densely populated and have poor mosquito control measures. In addition, in early February, a case of sexual transmission of the Zika virus was reported in the United States. This has further implications regarding the modes of transmission of the virus, particularly for pregnant women with partners who have or plan on visiting the countries currently affected.

Only 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus will get sick, however the current reason for global concern are the effects of the virus on newborns after transmission from the mother. There is also a possibility that Zika virus may cause a rare neurological disorder in adults called Guillan-Barre Syndrome (GBS) but this is still under investigation.

Currently there is no major vaccine or treatment available and no treatment for microcephaly so prevention is our best opportunity to avoid its effects. If you or someone you know appears to have these symptoms, please see your family or primary care doctor or visit your local hospital as soon as possible. In the meantime, common medicines are said to subside the pain and fever symptoms. The affected person is advised to take plenty of rest and drink of a lot of fluids. To prevent the spread of the virus, people are advised to sleep in mosquito treated nets, discard stagnant water in surroundings and remove anything that can serve as a breeding ground for mosquito larvae. Spraying of insecticides and using mosquito repellent is also suggested and one is cautioned to abstain from sexual intercourse till the symptoms are no longer present.

Anyone living in or visiting an area affected by Zika virus is at risk for infection, so various public health organizations have issued infection control measures and travel notices.

Here is how to protect yourself and your family:

1. Be aware of the areas where Zika virus transmission has been reported and consider restricting travel if possible. See the following website for a complete list of countries affected.
2. If travel must occur, mosquito bites should be prevented by wearing long sleeved shirts and pants, using mosquito repellents, staying in air-conditioned areas or rooms with window and door screens, sleeping under a mosquito net and covering cribs and strollers with mosquito nets.
3. In particular, pregnant women, women planning on becoming pregnant and even their partners should strongly consider avoiding travel to Zika virus affected areas. Pregnant women should also avoid exposure to semen from someone exposed to the Zika virus, thus condoms should be used for sexual intercourse. The same mosquito control measures described above apply if a pregnant woman must travel to these areas.
4. Pregnant women who have a history of travel to an area with Zika virus transmission should see their doctor for further evaluation, even if they have no current symptoms.
5. If you live in a country not affected by the Zika virus, still work to keep your home environment clean and avoid breeding sites for mosquitoes by dumping standing water and disposing of trash in a clean and timely manner.

Stay safe everyone!

Dr. Sade Adeyi
Consultant Family Medicine Physician

The post Zika Virus causing Birth defects appeared first on Lagosmums.

Valentine’s day is round the corner and the shops and boutiques are stocked with probably everything you want. Although you are spoiled for choice, you might also be on the look out for the best gift to give your spouse or child. At the end of the day it is the thought that counts so you don’t have to break the bank, a bouquet of roses might be all mum would like, a wallet to replace dad’s old one or go carting with the kids. Here are a few suggestions.

Gifts for Dad

So dad is probably always busy at work and has a routine that makes him use certain things over and over again. You could have a think around these things and consider buying something that you notice he does not have much of, is worn out and needs to be replaced or just something new. See some ideas below

A Wallet

Available at konga.com

This is always a winner especially if it hasnt been replaced for years! Its one of the most handled items because he is probably always paying for something. It is definitely a nice way to thank him for all that spending.

A Nice Top

Available at Konga.com

A nice top is always very handy and one thing you are sure he would wear (even on that day) do not forget to sneak a peek at his size so it fits nicely.

A Tie, Belt and Cuff links

Konga.com

These are wardrobe essentials for work and could even become his “lucky” items to wear when he’s about to go for an important presentation.

A Prayer Book

This is a very different but powerful gift! helping him grow spiritually while showing him love is quite a special combo!

Gifts for Mum

Mum is always busy multi tasking all the different hats that she wears. You could book her a nice day at the spa or take over chores for the day, here are some other things that she would definitely like.

A Spa Kit

konga.com

Pamper her with some massage oils and facial masks, this will help keep her relaxed the whole day

A Nice Dress

konga.com

This would definitely do for date night and add a lovely outfit to her wardrobe. A mum can never have too many dresses.

A Chocolate Boquet

maymilflowers.com

This will do nicely with red wine close to her bubble bath. Do not forget the candles dad!

A Bouquet of Roses

Gifts for the kids

Instead of getting individual gifts for the children, you could get something that would bring about some bonding and could also end up in a nice family hang out. some suggestions are:

The Monopoly Board Game

konga.com

Buying land and trading houses, This is always a hit especially now we have the Nigerian version. Everyone should have this at home.

Religious books

konga.com

What better way to teach about God’s love to our kids than on this day.

Activity sets

Lego pieces or a learning pad are educational ways to have fun and good value for money.

Art and Craft

The kids could also be encouraged to make a card for mum and dad or grandma and grandpa. All you need is some cardboard, paint and a lot of creativity.

Remember its love season so do not forget to say “I love you” on that special day,  it will be the icing on the cake!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

The post Valentine Gift Ideas for the Family appeared first on Lagosmums.

2 DAYS till Valentine’s Day! Lagos Mums is partnering with Aquastone_services to give ONE lucky couple a 20% discount to “Intimate Moments” a dinner and outdoor movie celebration. The winning couple will be treated to a 3 course meal, outdoor movie, free drinks & dessert as well as a complimentary love photo shoot all for N40,0000 (a 20% reduction from N50,000). Interested participants please answer this question “what is you and your partner’s favourite romantic movie and why? in the comments.

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It is Valentine’s day weekend! Maybe you are celebrating it by going out with your significant other to the movies and dinner or perhaps you are staying in and enjoying a home cooked meal and a bottle of wine. Maybe you and your friends are going to some of the many events that are planned throughout the city or you have chosen to pamper yourself to a spa treatment.

You could also have family on your mind and decide to take the kids out for a movie and ice cream. LagosMums, either way you decide to celebrate Valentine’s day, you should celebrate yourself and love who you are, curves and all.

Be inspired with the different looks. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Look 1:

Dija

Look 2:

Kristin

Look 3:

Ms Ejiro

Look 4:

Omogeadumaradan

Look 5:

Omotola Jalade

Which look would you rock? Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Read more at: www.kamdora.com | @mykamdora on Twitter | Kamdora on Facebook | Kamdora on Instagram

The post For LagosMums Valentine’s Day Weekend Looks appeared first on Lagosmums.

While Valentine’s Day is usually celebrated with dinner reservations and roses, Valentine’s day as a family can also be fun. Below are some ideas on ways to celebrate valentine’s day as a family.

1. Show each other love – You can have everyone tell each other what they love about their siblings, mum and dad. Also use it as an opportunity to show that you appreciate each other.

2. Bake Treats – This could be a good day to bake some cookies together as a family and decorate it with pink frosties of sprinkles.

3. Get Cosy – Turn your living room into a semi movie theatre and watch a movie together as a family. You can go all the way and buy some popcorn to go with it. An old classic would be a good one, like Sound of Music. Visit Popsugar for some ideas of family friendly movies.

4. Valentine’s Day Art and Craft – Make Valentine’s day cards for each other at home, you can also get construction paper or cardboard and make red or pink heart shaped decorations. Help younger children to decorate the cards.

5. Make it Colourful – You can have everyone in the house wear something red and have a fun contest to see who has the most red.

6. Love your Partner – Show the kids that Mum and Dad love each other! Say you love each other infront of them and make a show of it with a hug and a kiss. Your kids will either squeal with delight and laugh or say “eewwww” (they don’t really mean it), but you make their day when you let them know that mum and dad love each other.

7. Go Out Together – You could go out together to celebrate, go out for ice cream or a pizza.

8. Play Games – Spend the day focused on each other and spend it playing some games as a family. This is a good time to reminisce and bring out old board games like monopoly, snakes and ladders or play a game of cards. If going traditional isn’t your cup of tea, you could decide to play video games together or have a go at wii.

9. Have Fun Together – Put on some music and dance and sing together.  Nothing says love more than spending real time together as a family.

Photo source: kidsactiviesblog

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