A note in his lunchbox

When I pack the lunchbox for my son every morning, I’m always thinking about how he’ll react when he opens it. I want his eyes to light up even though it might be a repeat from the previous day, though guaranteed a healthy snack. 

My mind wanders on to think that I won’t see him for more than 12 hours some days, and during those hours I often think about him. 

Last year when he started school, I thought of doing something special like leaving a post-it in his lunchbox, as he was learning to read. 

When I asked him about seeing the note, he said he got excited that I had done that. I told him that the note was to remind him that I’ll be thinking of him while he’s at school and I’m at work.

Making a small gesture makes such a great impact on a child, and I love how he reminds me to put a note in his box. It’s also encouraging for him to identify and read the words. 

Letting your children know you love them, and teaching them to say ‘I love you’ has a positive influence in their life. 

There is so much good in this world, and good in others, it’s means having a good and  kind heart to see it!!

Help your children make a positive impact in those around them. 

Give them positive encouragement daily. They maybe little but they make a huge difference...always listen and let them be heard.

🌹

For Noah, who teaches me so much more about life everyday❤️

Spending ‘quarantine’ time with my son

I was looking forward to going on leave recently, to spend some relaxing time with my family. My son was excited as he had two more weeks of school holiday, and my husband and I had discussed where we would go, and how we would spend our time.
My son was excited to spend a few days with Grandad to start his holiday. Little did we know we’d end up spending  most of our days there. My Dad and I had planned to take him to the mall for a treat the next day.
When my son woke the first morning I noticed a little isolated  blister on his neck. I observed it during the day to notice no change, only to realize that more had cropped up in the evening before he fell asleep.
 It was here...the dreaded chicken pox. As I calculated his incubation period, it took him back to the last few days of the last term. So naturally I alerted the other  parents of my sons classmates  to be observant of the fact that it might be heading their way too. After having done so, two of the kids had been feeling ill on the next day, and a few others had developed the vesicles by the end of that week.

We started the usual natural treatment, and thankfully my son had no other symptoms apart from slight itching, which was relieved quite fast.
We were quite thankful that it happened now, than much later in life, which is not pleasant when you’re an adult (from experience).

We were house bound in quarantine, and somehow my son was having the best holiday ever. I’ve watched the movie ‘PETS’ at least two or three times, and the ‘The Lion King’ at least four times (apart from the other times we’ve seen it!). Dad was just a video call away thankfully, as he was missing out on all the fun. As the days went by, we were thankful & blessed for his healing everyday. He didn’t seem bothered by all of the fuss my Dad and  I were making over him.
He was more thrilled to be watching his movies with his mum (who wasn’t getting up to go to work),  and spending evenings and mornings hugging and giggling. He did imaginary story times, was determined to draw a 3-D opened box, listened to stories from his Grandad about the earlier days ( good old days), got lessons on making his favorite porridge every morning from his Grandad. When I would walk into the kitchen I would hear their two voices having a good interesting conversation.

Had to draw that box!!

When I told my son that he’s not the only one who didn’t get to being out much in his holiday, he replied that he had the best holiday as he got to spend it with mum. My heart just melted (not the first time). He has a way of doing that to me...(Ahhhh)
 I looked at him, feeling so blessed, and replied that I had an awesome holiday because I got to spend it with him.
We’d sit in the kitchen at night, he with his cup of Milo, me with my cup of tea, and chat about the day’s events (not yet 6 years old) or talk about some made up story which always intrigued me.

As much as I looked forward to going away for a short break, it actually ended up being the most valuable, precious, quality time with my son.
Sometimes plans might not actually work out the way you want it to, but there’s definitely a reason for it all, and being able to see the blessing in it, is the best part!

Unconditional LOVE

UNCONDITIONAL love is being able to LOVE and be LOVED without any limitations.

Children can make situations challenging and can test you at all the ‘wrong’ times. I’m sure many of you who are parents have been there at some point or it’s become part of a routine that you’ve accustomed yourself to.

As children grow in their exposure to everything around them, they become more experimental, daring and fearless.
Parents must have enough courage and composure to keep it all together.
It means nothing for children to push the boundaries. More so when they are persistent and insist on having it their own way.

All parents have their own way of dealing with challenging issues with their children. What works for one need not necessarily work for the other.
I read in a parenting article that children just need a hug when they’re at their worst behavior. As much as I believe in showing love to a child and giving lots of hugs, I believe there’s a fine line where they need to acknowledge that they’ve done something wrong, or their behavior was unacceptable.
As children grow through their stages in life they cannot communicate their feelings and their needs.
Their only way of communicating is reflected in their behavior which is sometimes mistaken for being naughty.


All children need to be surrounded be love, shown love and affection. Children need to be corrected when they are wrong, so they learn the difference between right and wrong, and grow up with respectable values, and how they should treat others.

Sometimes parents can really lose their cool, and can’t control their anger, especially when they’re out in public. It’s definitely a challenge to be loving at a time when your child is throwing a tantrum.
When children feel love, they feel secure and a trust is built. A child emulates the behavior they are role modeled. If they are exposed to domestic arguments, blaming and bad language , they will reflect it in their behavior too, as it becomes the norm for them, be it at home or school. We should not transfer our limitations to the next generation. This results in parents getting more angry with their children, instead of finding the root cause.


‘Time Outs’, a ‘Reflection Room’ or ‘Corner’ for children according to their age might be controversial to some, as people find alternate ways to deal with challenging behavior. It is important for children to understand the reason behind it, with a tone conveyed with love, and mostly firmness. Explanation and communication is key to the prevention of misunderstandings. At the end of those reflective minutes, the child must be spoken to with love, there should be understanding between parents and child, and a big hug with “I love you”. There should be lots of  I Love You’s, so don’t be shy to tell them as many times as you can. It’s unconditional LOVE. Often a negative behavior is portrayed as an outcry for attention. A child cannot communicate that he or she wants attention, and instead acts out in an unacceptable behavior results in the parents getting upset or annoyed.



It’s a harsh world we live in and children are not old enough to understand this until they’re exposed to the media. If love starts at home, love can spread to the school, to a mall, to a playground, to a place of worship. Love encompasses all: kindness, humility, forgiveness, encouragement and gentleness. Yes we have to gear our children for the reality of life, but we can teach them how to embrace the challenges of people or situations in life to be able to make a huge impact on others.
Surely we must believe that it’s love that makes the world go round, except for  maybe those who do not believe in love.

If we can start teaching and practicing love with our children, then we can start making a difference around us.
After all we’re all passing through this incredible journey called life, where we are always learning  and teaching, but we can make a difference and try to make it better for everyone as we go along.

SPREAD SOME LOVE TODAY ❤️



“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

- Matthew 18:1-5

It’s all about patience.

Everyday is a new learning experience. No matter how many articles or books you read, advice you’ve heard from other parents, your experience and journey will always be unique as a parent! It comes to the point when you wonder when you should start worrying or stressing about something that’s going to be impact on their lives.

I believe that children  take us back to the basics in life. We, as adults, go through our own emotions on a daily basis, whether we’re hungry, moody, hormonal or just having a bad day. Our coping mechanisms might mean taking a drive, going for a walk, work out at the gym and maybe some just lose their anger in the moment. As a child, it’s different. They may not be able to express their hurt, the fact that they’re tired, hungry or even had a bad day at school.
They may express it as shouting, crying for something little and not being cooperative. We perceive it as being stubborn, or naughty.

Children only know love and innocence until exposed to something new. Everything gets taught by role modeling, and what they’re exposed to on TV or on devices. Parents are ultimately responsible for their children’s behavior and their social upbringing. Society cannot rely on schools for disciplining a child.

All children want hugs, cuddles, love and being patient with them. It’s also knowing when to draw the line. It’s knowing when a child is willfully defiant or just being a clumsy normal child.
There’s always a reason behind their behavior. Having patience, allowing a child to just go through their mood always helps, especially in a meltdown moment when it becomes overwhelming for the child and parent.  Kneeling to their level amidst their turmoil and just stretching out your arms  to hug them makes them feel instant comfort. Giving them space and allowing them to calm down knowing their parent is there provides the best security for them.

It is indeed a challenge that every parent has to go through but the reaction of the parent will determine  the outcome of the child’s behavior. You cannot douse a fire with fire, hence being calm and understanding  when a child is upset plays an important role in how a child will respond.
Communication is key to a child, they want to be heard and want you to be in their moment or else “you missed the best part”.
Children can teach us to be better people, to know and learn what it means to be patient.

A moment of patience in a moment of anger saves you a hundred moments of regrets.
🌹

On my journey through life: Everyday is a blessing

On my journey through life: Everyday is a blessinghttp://linkedin.com/in/annliza-s-chetty-a3a3681a

It's a juggle..

Being a full time working mum is never easy...all the challenges that come with it have to be seen as adventures and just a normal part of life.

I always wonder how other mums juggle everything... working a full day, making meals,housework, sorting out their kids for the night, and for school the next day. It's just one continuous cycle of rush and go!

My almost 3year old little super hero challenges almost every parenting advice that is deemed possible...and he's a great kid...fearless, precocious,entertaining, determined to the end, wise crack, funny and knows how to butter his mum up in a fix!
It's a consolation that I'm not alone as I observe other mums in grocery stores that are obviously under pressure as they roll on the floor crying demanding something that they're going to be refused.
It's amazing how kids know which day to choose to make your day more challenging, from refusing to wear the clothes you set out for them "I'll show you which top I want to wear mama" or "leave my pyjamas on!!" .., what porridge they want for that morning, and how long they decide to actually leave the house from running after them thinking it's all a game!

Really thinking about it, I do realise how blessed I am to have what I have and be able to provide everything my child needs...so it's not about complaining at all. There are mums who are in worse off and under privileged situations who are the constant reminders of a harsh reality, and just how fortunate we are. We are responsible for the paths our children are directed to in life. These prime years of them experimenting with how far they can go with an eagerly awaited corresponding response is just what it is...a part of life. Each culture and religion might have different ways of dealing with it, but at the end of the day we as parents should be responsible enough to know the difference, and not spoiling our children. I'm never going to get it right all the time, because I am learning so many things in life now from a different angle; a perspective from a 3 year old, & it's going to get even more exciting everyday.
I've learnt that the art of distraction works with almost anything, sometimes. Sometimes giving in to  some of their demands (within a degree of reason) is not going to make a huge negative impact or be detrimental in any way; it's really ok to just chill out and not be paranoid all the time!
They grow up so fast!

Little Man walking TALL

Ahhh...finally! Another major milestone, and it certainly feels like something to celebrate about.
Our little man started walking a few months ago, after everyone had their own opinions and guesses about when he would take his first step. Even though he had started with 'furniture walking' about two months before that, taking those first few steps on his own was like man landing on the moon for him, and more so for us.
Everybody warned us about ..'wait till he starts walking, you'll be running after him'....they were talking from experience off course...and I'm still running!

There's no greater joy then to be there when your toddler takes his first steps. It's a whole new level of independence, with refusing to be held or have his hand held, and insist on running in the opposite direction in the mall. It's just cute watching those little legs march off as though on a mission and then turn right back to you. Discovering what his little legs can do now have become a whole new adventure, with going to the post box to pick up the newspaper for his grandad, and check for mail.
What makes it more 'daunting' for us is ensuring that anything at his eye level and within reach that may pose a danger is removed. Baby proofing can be a big job, though toddlers at this age can understand more than we assume they can, and just by explaining the dangers can sometimes be helpful for them to understand than telling them that they 'can't touch this' or 'can't go there'. It becomes meaningful to them. But,as always it's better to be safe than sorry!

This is probably the part where they start 'growing up' and don't want to be your little baby anymore because they can get there on their own without been carried. Watching these moments are such a thrill and makes the best memories to relate to when they're older. Every place in the house is a special adventure for them...from pots and containers in the kitchen to lotions and powders  in the bedroom, and not forgetting the electronic devices that they can get their hands on.

No matter how old he is, this little man will always be our little baby :)