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A New Year ... A Playgroup, Mothers Group or ??? |
Written by Chief Executive Mum |
Friday, 09 January 2009 11:58 |
Well, a happy new year to all!
As we go into the new year, I think we all start to think about what we will do with our time this year. With new year's resolutions in our mind, perhaps we'll be off to join a fitness class, or head off to learn a new language. Of course, this is more of a challenge when you have your beautiful but "needing to be kept occupied" baby in tow. So, some thoughts about what is around for you.
Mothers Groups
Those of you who are lucky enough to have had a mothers group form, and remain together during the early years of your child are in a great position. Regular get togethers with people you've been through a 'special experience' with are priceless. Let the kids play together - they are all going at about the same pace. And you can compare notes on the kids, and all your other endeavours at the same time.
Play Groups
Playgroups are another option. Formed to cover multi-age groups, and also often for Mums who have moved or who haven't got great support networks. Often these are run by churches, community centres or just caring and concerned Mums who know what it is like to make the change from full time worker to full or part time mum.
Music Classes
There are many different types of music classes - whether you are musical or not, anyone can bang along with the kids in a half an hour session. And perhaps get some of the group together afterwards for a coffee.
Language Classes
It's even possible to take your child along to language specific groups, or classes. Some playgroups are for mothers who are native speakers in another tongue. And I have heard of one group in Sydney who does Mandarin classes for the kids (www.mandarinstars.com.au).
Swimming Classes
The further north you are, the more essential this one is. While people in less 'pool populated' areas can relax and take the kids to the pool sometimes when they feel like it (and the weather isn't freezing), those further north have the constant presence of backyard pools, barbeques next to the pool, pools over the fence etc. Whether essential or not, its great to take the kids to swimming classes and have a bit of a dip yourself.
Gym Classes
Many gyms run sessions for the littlies. Let them learn how to do a somersault properly, swing a hoop around their heads, and do a bit of a dance. I'm sure you can join in if you want.
Mums Club
And finally, our own network of Mums are waiting to be emailed, and for you and the mums you choose to come up with your own activities. The sky is the limit - in fact, be our first mum to register with skydiving as an interest!
May you, and your family, grow and prosper in 2009! |
Last Updated on Friday, 09 January 2009 12:13 |
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Written by Chief Executive Mum |
Sunday, 14 December 2008 00:00 |
Since its so close to Christmas, I'll stay on the subject of toys just a little longer. The other day, I was sitting on the floor with my 3 1/2 year old playing with the blocks that my Mum and Dad had bought me something in the vicinity of 40 years ago. Still in their original bag, this bag of blocks has seen many hours of enjoyable play, and while they are probably a little faded, they still make quite presentable roads, houses and farmyards.
The thing that caught my attention was the packaging (a study cotton bag - again faded but otherwise in tact). It stated that the toy was for ages 18 months to 8. My goodness, what were they thinking? You mean, we don't have to buy a new toy ever 6 months to prove our children are progressing? You mean, the child might keep learning from the same toy for more than six minutes? Of course, with the essence of marketing being to engender insecurity in the buyer which can be 'solved' through a purchase, I don't think any of us have to be Einstein to work out what has happened in the toy labelling industry in the last 40 years.
Happy Christmas Shopping. |
Last Updated on Friday, 09 January 2009 11:52 |
Written by Chief Executive Mum |
Thursday, 04 December 2008 00:00 |
That time of year again - December and its gift shopping time. I'm not a big shopper at the best of times, but the hussle and bussle certainly puts me off at Christmas. I have to say I'm a fan of online shopping. There are so many great kids shops out there, with gifts that are better quality and longer lasting than most I see as I walk through a shopping centre. I'm a fan of wooden and 'classic' toys - and I do like toys that come out again and again for play. I also like buying toys that I can build on over time. So, just in case you haven't decided yet, my suggestions for littlies at Christmas this year are :
A Wooden Train Set.
If they are little, start with just a round set, and a couple of engines. As they grow you can buy more carriages and engines, more complicated tracks and add ons such as cranes and engine sheds.
A Dolls House (call it a playhouse if you have a little boy).
Start off with just a little furniture. Let the child play with a few small figurines (you can get beautiful small wooden dolls) and a small set of furniture. The furniture can grow over time to include outdoor sets, full bedroom fittings, playgrounds, pets etc etc.
A Farm Yard
Start with a small set of animals and a few fences. You might have to set them up for the child to start. You can then buy tractors to carry the animals around, a barn to house the animals, make the animal families bigger to include baby animals, or include different animals.
Blocks and Matchbox Cars
A classic toy which spans years of play. A good set of blocks, starting with a few matchbox cars. You can always buy another bag of blocks as the child gets bigger, and a few more cars.
So, happy shopping this Christmas! |
Last Updated on Friday, 09 January 2009 11:52 |
Life Insurance - More Information |
Written by Chief Executive Mum |
Monday, 06 October 2008 00:00 |
I was reminded the other day, by an email from Ryan of Fortitude Financial Management, of the quandry I was in when deciding whether to return to my employer at the end of maternity leave. While reasonably confident of my employability, I found quite a few serious issues to consider in the areas of income and life insurance.
The problem with life is you never know what is coming next - and for me, the early days of motherhood brought serious illness and difficulty with several pre-existing conditions at a level which I had never experienced before.
Unfortunately for me, this is the type of thing that life insurers are very interested in, and the step of leaving my current employer also became a step further away from the safety net of full income and life insurance.
So, if I may indulge myself for a moment, I have one piece of advice for new mums or those considering motherhood - consult an insurance broker and get it sorted out BEFORE the birth or as soon after as you can.
For further information, please download the flyer kindly provided by Ryan. |
Last Updated on Friday, 09 January 2009 11:53 |
Girls and Boys Clothing...Just a little bit different... |
Written by Chief Executive Mum |
Friday, 12 September 2008 00:00 |
I thought it was just me. I've been quietly ducking into the girls section of clothes shops in search of clothes for my little boy for some time now. I've happily been coming out with Winnie the Pooh PJs (ok, with flowers - but they're blue), pleasant pastel tracksuit pants, and yellow socks with frogs and possibly the occasional princess. However, with the child in question now firmly past the three mark, its getting harder. The girls gear is going pink and faery like with a vengence - or worse - its boob tubes and mini-skirts - hardly de rigueur for your average 3 year old boy.
And I'm struggling even more in the boys section. Does everything have to be oversized (OK-let's get those complexes going nice and young), Disney inspired (If he's wearing advertising, its going to be for MY business) or reminiscent of GI Joe (Khaki? Is that ever fashionable? Perhaps only in countries desperately trying to recruit more resources for somewhat futile endeavours.).
It seems at least one other Mum has had the same problem. I got an email from the founder of Bellabelle -http://www.bellabelle.com.au/. She's been seeking out clothes for her little girl and had so many positive comments about the ones she's found, she has decided to open her own store with them. Browsing the store, I can see why - there are some lovely clothes in the store.
Now, I'm pleased for all those Mums of Girls out there, but if anyone can find me a shop which sells 'nice' mother approved boys gear - that would be appreciated. I'm going to enjoy being able to choose his wardrobe for at least another year or two yet! |
Last Updated on Saturday, 10 January 2009 11:24 |
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Employment Services Offer - Melbourne |
Written by Chief Executive Mum |
Friday, 12 September 2008 00:00 |
I have received an offer from a Mum to provide an 'Employment Service' to Mums in Melbourne. She has a long career in HR, and is interested in supporting Mums through the process of finding or changing jobs - particularly finding the 'right' job which would work around children.
A Flyer about the offer is available - please download the flyer here. |
Last Updated on Saturday, 10 January 2009 11:26 |
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Written by Chief Executive Mum |
Tuesday, 09 September 2008 00:00 |
I was alerted today about an online Photo Jewellery Sale - these are things like on Charm Bracelets, Necklaces and Watchbands that include small picture frames to fill yourself. Prices are quite reasonable, especially with the 50% discount - if you're interested, its PhotoJewellery.com.au.
Watch the comments on this one - the gentleman has offered us further discounts on new product ranges. |
Last Updated on Saturday, 03 January 2009 11:44 |
Gifts for Baby Showers and Toys for Kids |
Written by Chief Executive Mum |
Sunday, 07 September 2008 00:00 |
I met the founder of Mother Goose Baby Showers, Children's Games and Toys at a women's networking function some months ago. I didn't have any Baby Showers lined up at the time, but I was curious about the online shop (http://www.mothergoosetoys.com.au/) she ran in conjunction with her Baby Shower business. I was thrilled with the range of quality gifts and toys she had available in the shop - many of which I hadn't come across before - despite the hours I'd spent browsing through baby stores in and around Melbourne. One of the things that struck me about the selection was that it contained so many lovely gifts that I would be proud to give a friend. I might have found a few things for my 3 1/2 year old also!
Some time later, I discovered she was dissatisifed with some features of her online shop, and I am pleased to say I have been able to help her migrate the shop to a new product, and give it a whole new look. We're very proud of it - and hope you will have a little peek to see what we've been up to.
NB. The Mums Club CEM (Chief Executive Mummy) has a mild mannered alter-ego who runs a website development company. |
Last Updated on Saturday, 03 January 2009 11:44 |
Written by Chief Executive Mum |
Saturday, 06 September 2008 00:00 |
One of the regular emails I get is from Personal Trainers who want to contact Mums in their area to let them know about their services. I guess its an issue with most of us post-baby - how to get back our fabulous (or not so fabulous) figures after baby 1 or 2, or 3...
Strangely enough, yet another early discussion point in my mothers group was whether there was any one around who would run a fitness group for Mums - but also include our babies in the exercise program - runs with prams or just exercise in the park where the babies were part of the routine. I think one of the girls finally found someone - but it was several months later and frankly, the babies were getting a bit heavy!
So, to save other Mums the wait, if there are Personal Trainers out there who offer services specific to Mums, possibly with babies or small children also, it would be great it they would add their details as a comment on this post. Please include location and any other details which are relevant to Mums. |
Last Updated on Saturday, 03 January 2009 11:44 |
Written by Chief Executive Mum |
Friday, 05 September 2008 00:00 |
I was contacted by Nicole from PRAMM (Perinatal Research and Maternal Medicine) in the lead up to their annual fundraising ball earlier this year. PRAMM are a research group based at The Royal North Shore Hospital and affiliated with an impressive set of universities, performing research into improving the health of mothers and their babies. Nicole was interested in obtaining some support from Mums Club - I'm afraid I could only offer meagre support in the form of some advertising space for their ball, and also advertising space as an item for their charity auction.
I was so pleased to find that the winner of the charity auction was a Mum in Business - Fiona Dixon. Fiona runs an 'online cafe' and shop dedicated to premature babies - CafePrem.com.au andMomentbyMoment.com.au. Inspired by her own premature birth and recovery experience, Fiona provides a wonderful site for Mums who have experienced or are experiencing the ups and downs of premmie babies, and offers some very practical support through the products she sells in her shop. |
Last Updated on Saturday, 03 January 2009 11:29 |
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Mums Swap - What a Good Idea. |
Written by Chief Executive Mum |
Friday, 05 September 2008 00:00 |
Have you seen the site MumSwap.com.au? Again, I was alerted to it by an email from its founder - who is known as Mumma C. I'm not sure how many times 'income' or lack of it was mentioned during my early mothers group sessions, but it was up there with the words 'sleep' and 'deprivation'.
Mum Swap allows you to list your goods or services so that you can arrange to swap them with other Mums - maternity clothes and baby goods are obvious examples of goods which have a very limited lifespan in most households. Of course, plenty of Mums have great skills to offer other Mums too - haircuts, beauty treatments, pet sitting to name a few!
Now, if only someone would list some "time to spare"... |
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The Why of the MumsClub Blog |
Written by Chief Executive Mum |
Wednesday, 03 September 2008 00:00 |
The purpose of Mums Club was always simple - Get Mums in the same room for a coffee, chat, support and networking. And the site has happily been doing this for nearly two years. I hope you have all enjoyed a coffee and a chat as a result of Mums Club.
However, the other interesting thing about the site is the contacts I receive from Mums with interesting businesses. I am continually delighted with the enterprising 'women of today' and the many novel ways they develop to earn a living around 'baby' while still using all those hard earned 'pre-baby' skills....and so, a new Mums Club addition,
****The Mums Club Blog****
Stay tuned. I'd love to share with you the plans of various enterprising Mums - whether they be unique, old-fashioned, businesses for Mums or otherwise. What do 'we mums' do to make a living? |
Last Updated on Saturday, 03 January 2009 11:29 |
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