Our fourth Xander Mom is Belinda Mountain from Cape Town. She tells us about managing a family, her favourite things about South Africa and her blog.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m a writer, business owner and mother who lives in Cape Town, South Africa. I dislike windy weather, raisins and parallel parking. And I really like good books, red jelly babies and changing my hair.
Tell us about your blog?
Making Mountains is a blog about family, books, travel, health, food, style and all the other good stuff that makes up a life.
How do you feel about using technology as part of learning?
I think it’s great, especially if it encourages kids to learn in new and exciting ways.
What are your kids favourite apps?
Hmmm, I don’t think they really use apps yet. In terms of games, they like Baby Bus and Sonic, among others.
What do you love about South Africa and raising your children here?
I love being close to family and the incredible friends we have made.
Suppertime tips for parents with young children?
I am no expert. Although I have found lately that if I make some sort of game out of it, then they are much keener to try new things. For example, letting them pour gravy from a jug on to their potatoes, adding their own honey to yogurt or putting fruit on a skewer.
TV “Yes” or “No”?
Yes, at certain times of the day and for limited periods.
What is in the lunchbox?
Biltong, dried fruit, cheese, Provitas, rice cakes, banana muffins, peanut butter sandwiches.
How do you balance it all – in one sentence?
Letting go of perfection always helps.
Do you children do chores at home, if so what and how do you manage it?
Yes they do small chores such as making their beds, folding laundry away, feeding the dogs. We don’t have star charts yet but I plan to soon.
What is your favourite holiday plans/ activities with kids?
We love playing putt putt in Sea Point or visiting the Green Point Park. For longer holidays we also enjoy visiting the Eastern Cape, which is one of my favourite parts of the world.
Catch up with Belinda via email, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.