This week’s Xander Mom is Charlene from the Pretty Please Charlie blog. She took some time out of her very busy schedule to chat to us about her lovely family and her awesome blog.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Charlene and I am wife to an amazing man and mother to a curly-haired little girl named Cara. We live in Durbanville. Between school runs, housekeeping and a full time job, I try to blog a bit.
Tell us about your blog?
I started blogging almost 4 years ago. The initial focus was purely beauty as I love skincare and makeup (hence the name of my blog). Today I blog about everything that appeals to me and what I feel may appeal to other working moms. This includes beauty, parenting, lifestyle and fashion. It’s my way of telling others about the things that I love. My family and friends don’t want to hear it anymore.
How do you feel about using technology as part of learning?
I’m all for it. It’s part of our daily lives and you can’t get away from it. Although I often wish we could, just for a little while. I feel that it is important to have some balance, so it’s a good idea to limit screen time.
What are your kid’s favourite apps?
The only apps we have downloaded (and kept) is the Xander Afrikaans apps and Owen’s Adventures. Cara loves them and I love that they are entertaining and educational at the same time.
What do you love about South Africa and raising your children here?
The diversity. It may sound totally cliché, but we are a rainbow nation and I love that we are exposed to so many different cultures, languages, food, etc. on a daily basis in our beautiful country. Plus we live in Cape Town which is truly amazing place to stay – we are surrounded by majestic mountains whilst having a view of the ocean. What more can one ask for?
Suppertime tips for parents with young children?
Oh my word, that’s a tough one. Suppertime is crazy in our house as we don’t always have the same meals because Cara has quite a few food allergies. She generally has a very good appetite and is willing to try new things (often after a little bit of negotiating). We have a rule that if there is something new on the menu, she has to taste it. If she doesn’t like it, she doesn’t have to eat it. It is often a bit of a struggle to get her to take that first bite, but most of the time she ends up finishing her plate. Win for mom!
TV “Yes” or “No”?
Yes, in moderation. We struggle with the moderation part a bit though as Cara loves TV as much as we do.
What’s in the lunchbox?
Cara’s school still provides her with lunch at this stage (which makes me feel a bit better about the nights that she doesn’t want anything but 2 minute noodles!). I pack a little snack box. This usually includes dried fruit, droë wors, a biscuit and juice. TIP: SOLAL’s 24-in-1 SuperFruit & Vegetable Drink is awesome. Especially if you have a picky eater and you are worried about your little one getting their 5-a-day.
How do you balance it all – in one sentence?
By the grace of God!
Do your children do chores at home, if so what and how do you manage it?
Cara does help a bit. She is usually very keen when I ask her, but that doesn’t last very long. I think I should perhaps look into a chore chart?
What is your favourite holiday plans/ activities with kids?
It’s all about family. We are very lucky to live in walking distance from family and we see each other almost every day. This includes holidays. Favourite activities include swimming. Come on summer!
Catch up with Charlene on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and check out her blog today.
