This month we meet blogger and design fundi Nikki Lincoln who shares her thoughts about technology and her family with us.
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Nikki, I’m a 32 year old mom to 2 gorgeous little girls – Sophie (3) and Grace (3 months). I’m a writer. I live in Cape Town with my daughters and my partner, Regan. In addition to my obsession with my family I also love all things design, make up, food and living in the Cape.
Tell us about your blog
My little blog is a complete extension of myself. I started my blog in 2008 when I lived in Norway. It was a way for me to keep my family and friends back home updated. As my life be changed, so did my blog. I now find myself happily swimming in the “mommy blogger” pool. Even though things have changed drastically since I started, I love where my blog is at. The mommy blogger community gets a lot fleck but sheesh I am in awe of the talented, inspiring and wonderful women I share this corner of the internet with.
How do you feel about using technology as part of learning?
This is such a contentious issue. Like many moms, I’ve researched the dickens out of the negative affects of too much screen time. I try my best to give Sophie and now Grace an “old school” childhood. You know… playing outside, mud pies, dress up etc. there is so much value in using your imagination. But I also think that in order to raise children that adapt easily to the world we live in, we need to acknowledge that technology plays a huge part in their development. Like most kids her age, Sophie is super skilled at using an iPad or iPhone. I think the trick is to find the right balance.
What are your kid’s favourite apps?
Right now Sophie loves all things bright, loud and musical. She loves the YouTube app, Hopster, Kinedu and of course the Xander English apps.
What do you love about South Africa and raising your children there?
I love that nature is always 20 minutes away. I love that there is no shortage of diversity. I love that the sun shines more often than not. Mostly I love that my parents and siblings are close by.
TV “Yes” or “No”?
Yes, in limited doses and closely monitored.
What is in the lunchbox?
Right now Sophie gets her lunches at school but on the weekends we favour a “grazing” approach to nutrition. I set little plates of snacks for her to nibble throughout the day. She is an absolute foodie (like her mom) so we’re quite lucky in that way. Some of the foods that feature on her snack menu are: Plain yoghurt, nuts, fruit, cheese, olives, salami, biltong, chocolate cubes, Provitas, cottage cheese and a pinch of lightly salted Lays occasionally. Of course not all of these are serves at the same time.
How do you balance it all – in one sentence?
I don’t, and I’m totally ok with that.
Do you children do chores at home, if so what and how do you manage it?
Light chores like packing the laundry in the washing machine and packing up her toys.
What is your favourite holiday plans/ activities with kids?
Christmas is our favourite time of the year and one of our traditions is the Christmas Crafternoon – an afternoon of creating DIY decorations and treats. It’s the highlight of the activity calendar.
Follow Nikki’s blog here and catch up with her on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and SnapChat (nikki_lincoln)
