Xander Mom: Olerato

 

Tell us about yourself?

I am a mother sharing my world with other moms (and non-moms of course) in an attempt to show that parenting can be coupled with awesome adventures and excellent adulting. My daughter is 4 years old. A fun, free spirited, and adventure filled little girl. The true light of my life.

On an average weekday, I work as Regional IT Specialist and over the weekend, I am a Mom and a vlogger. I record moments in my life with my Daughter and share video blogs on my Youtube channel – Mommy and Baby Approved. I am also a sister to 2 little brothers, and my Parent’s only daughter.

Tell us about your blog?

My blog is a space where I share ideas, tips, and tricks on navigating life as a parent. I share the adventures we go on, crazy recipes we try out, and just about anything that has helped me get this far in life. It’s a safe space to give and receive parenting advice and to connect and make friends.

 

 

How do you feel about using technology as part of learning?

I have always been open to the idea of using technology as part of learning. My daughter had her first real computer lesson when she was 2 and half years old and to this day (4 years old) she still does. I do believe however that as parents we need to play a bigger role when it comes to the way our children use technology. There is the good and then the bad but that should not stop us from allowing our children to be a part of the technology wave. Personally I see technology as a big part of my life and the more we embrace it, the faster we’ll move forward.

What are your kid’s favourite apps?

This is a tough question to answer because she’s got so many. But if I had to give the top 3 I’d say Youtube Kids (with a Youtuber Mom, this comes as no surprise), Endless Reader, and ABC Preschool.

What do you love about South Africa and raising your children here?

I love the diversity that our Country has and the freedom. Yes, South African has been to hell and back and almost back to hell again but we are doing great. Rome wasn’t built in 1 day and I strongly believe that one day we will get to where we want the country to be and be able to bury the past. But for now, I love that I am able to raise my child – and hopefully children someday – freely in my own way. I love that we have so many places with so much history that I can just take my child to and teach/tell her all about it. I love that we have people with different backgrounds, different cultures, and different beliefs making every interaction a learning opportunity and it’s amazing.

TV “Yes” or “No”?

Yes but with moderation. Although people closest to me will say otherwise. We rarely ever watch TV at home. Not because it’s not allowed but purely because we enjoy talking to each other and we always encourage our Daughter to be speak up and talk freely. I believe this has increased her social skills tremendously.

What is in the lunchbox?

For Little one it’s Popcorn and Yoghurt (They serve meals at school) and for me, Yoghurt.

How do you balance it all – in one sentence?

A lot of self-encouraging pep talks, my weekly planner, and a *look on the bright side* attitude.

Do your children do chores at home, if so what and how do you manage it?

My Daughter is only 4 years old so there isn’t all that much she can do yet. However she helps with cleaning her playroom – after playing all toys go back to where they stay and of course keeping her bedroom tidy. Which she has been quite surprisingly good at. I rarely ever find clothes randomly lying around in her bedroom. If anything it’ll be her shoes neatly placed next to each other on the floor by her bedside.

I am slowly teaching her about responsibility, tidiness, and cleaning up after herself and she’s catching up really fast. She clears her plate and water cup from the table after each meal and if she spilled anything, she wipes it. Some days she offers to help wash the dishes with me which I think is very cute and I let her. It takes twice as long but it’s a process and a fun one.

What is your favourite holiday plans/ activities with kids?

Camping without a doubt. We’ve recently started getting into road tripping and camping across Africa (7 countries done so far, 8 including South Africa) and it has been magical. My Daughter does so well on the road – not a single complaint – and the look on her eyes every time we setup the camping tent is priceless. I could do this every single weekend if I had the chance.

Catch up with Olerato on her blog and on her social pages Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest, and SnapChat (@KbearAndMommy).