Like, how much is too much for me to share for strangers to not feel like they know my kids? 

I wish I could wave a magic wand for people to know how to draw the line and not act like they know my kids in public because of their mother. You know? Instead of just calling their names, ask like you just met them because in reality you just met them. Don't leave the child confused as to why "this person is so excited to see me, I don't even know them"

It's been a hard hurdle to cross and it made me draw into my shell. I know that was not the basis for my blog in the first place. 

It's a place of authenticity, vulnerability and truth about my motherhood journey and how can I share my motherhood journey without oversharing details about my children's lives? That's been where I don't know how to balance it but I will try again. 

I still share about our Homeschool and while that is impactful, I still want to write for the me in motherhood, me that doesn't have friends that they text all the time about what's happening on their journey, me that still relies on Google, me that feels like it's a burden to ask people for anything. I want to still write for her, let her know she's not alone and I'm just trying to find a balance. 

One thing I've kept up though, is my blog goals. I have documented my journey of growing my blog income and I took some time to review my goals for last year. If I tell you that this year was the easiest to review why? 

Lol. I didn't set any goals.

See I was TIRED!!! Mentally, physically and emotionally. I think it's because I had a baby and I still went went went, I was drowning in anxiety and I just wanted it to be over and it was rest that finally did it for me. 

I still made some money. I never in my wildest dream thought that it was possible. I even predicted that in my yearly post and I am grateful for it and it showed me that anything is possible. 

This was what I wrote last year, let's see how I did;

1. I am not traveling with the kids this year (except I get a sponsorship) I didn't travel to anywhere, I didn't get any sponsorship.
2. I am not paying for any course or product to help me "grow" and definitely no more ads class.  I paid o, I paid but I didn't do any Facebook ads class. Hallelujah!
3. I am not pursuing any ambition for this business.  Honestly didn't and I am glad.
4. I will do whatever I want to do at my pace in terms of products and webinars that I really want to create. I created one product and did 2 Webinars. 
5. Above all trusting God with everything. Leaned on him totally

What was I able to achieve this year,

• Instagram grew to 18k Followers
• I was interviewed by BBC News for the 2nd time in my career. 
• I was on the radio 3 times
• Interviewed by Ikeja Records & Lagos Mums
• Spoke at 6 events 
• Trademarked my business 
• Grew our community to 100+ people 
• Add 3 more products 

This year, I want to set some goals only to keep me motivated but I don't want to set goals that will make me anxious and draw me back to the place of "hustling". I will work hard but that hustling mindset, phew! I don't want it again. 

1. Have 1 post that is more vulnerable every month.
2. Visit and review 50 - 60 places with the kids
3. Increase my revenue by marketing the products we already have.
4. Grow my Instagram to 20k - 25k
5. Organize Homeschooling Conversations 
6. Work with 5 major brands within my niche 

 Looking for an exciting activity that gets everyone moving and having fun? 

We discovered just the place—Skate City at Purple Mall, Lekki. From skating thrills to hoverboard adventures, our visit was packed with laughter and memorable moments. Whether you’re a parent looking for a way to keep the kids active or an adult wanting to try something different, Skate City offers a unique experience for all.

Here’s a detailed rundown of our visit, what we loved, and a few tips to make your outing even more enjoyable.

The Experience

Skate City is designed with families in mind, offering an array of activities in a vibrant and safe environment. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was inviting. From kids to adults, this is a space for both beginners and pros to have fun, no matter their skill level. We had a good laugh watching adults get a hang of skating. 

Things to Note Before You Go

1. Pack Your Socks: If you’re planning to skate, socks are a must. It’s a small detail and they will provide you one but it's better to go with yours. 
2. Hoverboard Fun for Younger Kids: For little ones are not allowed to skate, the hoverboard is an excellent alternative. It’s easy to use, and they’ll love the sense of independence it offers.
3. You will sign a waiver: You will be required to sign a waiver absorbing them of the liability of any injuries while skating.

What We Loved About Skate City

1. Friendly Staff: The staff were incredibly welcoming and patient, especially with first-timers. They provided guidance and made everyone feel at ease.
2. Variety of Activities: From skating, hoverboarding to arcade game &VR, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, you’ll find an activity to suit your energy level.
3. Clean and Safe Environment: The venue is well-maintained(It's still new), with safety being a top priority. This gave us peace of mind as the kids zoomed around having the time of their lives.

Areas for Improvement

While our experience was overwhelmingly positive, there’s room for growth. When the venue gets busy, it can feel a bit understaffed. Adding more team members during peak hours would ensure everyone gets the attention and assistance they need.

Pricing

One of the great things about Skate City is that it’s affordable for the experience it offers.

• Skating: ₦6,000/hour (ages 5 and above)
• Hoverboard: ₦4,000/10 minutes

For a family outing, it’s a worthwhile investment in fun, laughter, and memories.

Why We Recommend Skate City

We can’t rave enough about how much fun we had at Skate City. It’s a fantastic spot to bond with the kids, get active, and try something new. The mix of friendly service, exciting activities, and affordability makes it a must-visit destination for families in Lekki.

Cuddly Loves Rating: 5/5

This outing earned a perfect score on our Cuddly Loves scale. It’s an experience we’ll be talking about for weeks to come and one we’re sure you’ll love too.

Whether you’re zipping around the skating rink or mastering the hoverboard, one thing is certain—you’ll leave with a big smile on your face!

Have you been to Skate City? Share your experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

My name is Tomilola and I am passionate about parents giving their children diverse experiences through places they visit and playbased activities. Click to see all the play activities you can engage your kids with.

Raising Confident and Independent Children: Building Foundations for Wholesome Adulthood

As parents, one of our key roles is to nurture qualities that help our children grow into wholesome adults who can confidently and effectively function within society. Confidence and independence are not just admirable traits; they are pillars that contribute to a child's sense of self-worth and ability to navigate the world. In this article, I'll share how I intentionally work to build confidence and independence in my children through simple, everyday actions that encourage autonomy, respect for boundaries, and decision-making skills.

1. Letting Them Walk Ahead:

One of the small but significant ways I encourage independence is by letting my children walk ahead of me in safe, familiar environments. This seemingly simple act gives them the chance to interact with people they meet on their own terms. I've found that when they encounter someone, they naturally greet and begin a conversation, which allows them to engage socially without my immediate presence. This approach fosters both social confidence and a sense of responsibility, knowing they can handle these situations independently.

2. Allowing Them to Speak for Themselves:

When people ask my children questions directly, I make a conscious effort not to speak on their behalf. This isn't always easy; sometimes they take a moment to gather their thoughts, or they might be hesitant. However, I believe in giving them the space to respond on their own terms. If they give an incorrect answer, I hold off on correcting it immediately, allowing them to manage the conversation. Later, I’ll gently clarify things to help them learn without feeling undermined. This small act reinforces their confidence in self-expression and gives them the chance to represent themselves authentically.

3. Creating an Environment that Promotes Independence:

Our home setup plays a huge role in encouraging independence. While we may not have child-sized versions of everything, I make sure that essentials—like resources and play materials—are accessible. Our home environment is flexible, with dedicated areas for play and even indoor activities like skating and scootering. Clear boundaries help my children understand their space, encouraging them to act autonomously within defined limits. They don’t have to come to me every time they want to try something; they know what is allowed and can explore confidently within those boundaries.

4. Equipping Them for Decision-Making:

Independence thrives on the ability to make choices. I frequently reiterate family rules so my children know the boundaries and expectations clearly. This approach empowers them to act with independence, even when I'm not directly supervising. Low-stakes decision-making opportunities, like choosing between play activities or setting small goals, teach them to assess options and make decisions.

5. Encouraging Their Successes:

Positive reinforcement is powerful for confidence building. I make it a point to acknowledge when my children make decisions, follow through with tasks independently, or respect the family’s boundaries. By recognizing these small moments, they understand that their efforts are noticed and valued. This boosts their self-esteem and reinforces their sense of autonomy, as they start to associate independence with achievement and self-respect.

Conclusion

As we guide our children on their journey to adulthood, fostering independence and confidence lays a strong foundation for their future. Remember, children need to experience autonomy to truly understand its value. When they are encouraged to make choices and operate within boundaries, confidence naturally grows as a byproduct. Teaching independence in a safe and supportive environment equips them with life skills that will serve them well into adulthood, empowering them to become resilient, capable individuals ready to take on the world.

Follow our homeschooling journey social media

Whether a child attends a traditional school or is homeschooled, the role of parents as primary educators cannot be overstated. This involvement extends far beyond simply ensuring homework is completed or attending parent-teacher meetings. It encompasses creating a supportive learning environment at home, fostering a love of learning, and actively participating in a child's educational journey.

The Traditional School Setting

In the conventional school system, parental involvement typically manifests in various forms:

• Communication: Regular interaction with teachers through phone calls, emails, or conferences.
• Support: Assisting with homework, providing a quiet study space, and ensuring adequate sleep and nutrition.
• Participation: Attending school events, volunteering, and serving on school committees.
• Advocacy: Representing the child's interests and needs within the school system.

While these forms of involvement are undoubtedly valuable, it's essential to recognize that they often represent the tip of the iceberg. Deeper engagement involves understanding a child's intelligence, collaborating with teachers to develop individualized learning plans, and nurturing a lifelong curiosity for knowledge.

This post is sponsored by Gradely. Gradely empowers parents with personalised learning resources, so you can take charge of their progress and help them succeed in school and in life. Download the app on iOS and App store.

The Homeschooling Paradigm

Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity for parents to take a more hands-on approach to education. While it demands significant time and dedication, it also provides unparalleled flexibility and customization. Effective homeschooling requires:

• Curriculum Development: Creating or selecting a curriculum that aligns with the child's learning goals and interests.
• Instruction: Delivering lessons and providing guidance in various subjects.
• Assessment: Monitoring progress and adapting teaching strategies as needed.
• Socialization: Facilitating opportunities for interaction with peers through extracurricular activities and co-op groups.

It's crucial to remember that homeschooling is not simply a solitary endeavor. Parents who homeschool often form supportive communities and seek guidance from experienced homeschooling families.

Breaking Barriers

Regardless of the educational path chosen, overcoming challenges and fostering a positive learning environment are common to both traditional schooling and homeschooling. Factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural background, and parental education levels can significantly impact the level of involvement.

To bridge these gaps, schools, communities, and policymakers must work together to provide resources, support, and encouragement for all parents. By empowering parents to become active participants in their children's education, we can create a more equitable and effective learning ecosystem.

Ultimately, the success of any educational approach hinges on the strength of the parent-child relationship and the commitment to lifelong learning. Whether in the classroom or at the kitchen table, parents are the cornerstone of a child's educational journey.

How do you see parental involvement shaping the future of education? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Education is the bedrock of a nation's progress, and Nigeria is no exception. As parents, we all strive to equip our children with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. However, accessing the Nigerian curriculum, the blueprint for their education can be challenging. Traditionally, curriculum materials have been limited and often come at a cost. These materials, frequently resembling a scheme of work, lack the detail and comprehensiveness needed for a well-rounded understanding.

This is where stakeholders like parents come in. We play a crucial role in supporting our children's education beyond the classroom. But how can we effectively do so if we don't have transparent access to the curriculum itself?

The good news is, the tides are turning. There's a growing movement towards making the Nigerian curriculum more accessible and user-friendly. This empowers parents to become active partners in their children's learning journey.

Enter Afrilearn: A revolutionary app designed to bridge this gap. Afrilearn is a free, digital learning platform specifically tailored for Nigerian students from primary to secondary school. Here's what makes Afrilearn a game-changer:

• Free Access to the Curriculum: Unlike traditional, paid resources, Afrilearn provides comprehensive curriculum content at no cost. This ensures equitable access to knowledge for all students, regardless of socioeconomic background.
• Beyond Schemes of Work: Afrilearn goes far beyond a mere scheme of work. It offers a rich learning experience with curriculum-based video lessons, detailed class notes, interactive exercises, and personalized study dashboards. Students can learn at their own pace, explore different learning styles, and solidify their understanding.
• Engagement is Key: Afrilearn understands that engaged students learn best. The platform incorporates gamified elements, making learning fun and rewarding. This approach not only motivates students but also helps them retain information more effectively.

Empowering Parents, Empowering Students:

Afrilearn empowers parents by providing them with the tools to actively participate in their children's education. With access to the curriculum and a clear understanding of learning objectives, parents can:

• Support Learning at Home: By understanding what their children are learning in school, parents can create a supportive learning environment at home. They can identify areas where their child might need extra help and find relevant resources within Afrilearn to bridge any gaps.
• Monitor Progress: Afrilearn's personalized dashboards allow parents to track their child's progress. This valuable information helps them identify strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to tailor their support accordingly.
• Become Active Partners: With Afrilearn, parents are no longer passive bystanders in their children's education. They can become active partners, fostering a love of learning and ensuring their child reaches their full potential.

Afrilearn is a beacon of hope, offering a future where access to the Nigerian curriculum is free and readily available. By embracing such innovative solutions, we can empower parents, engage students, and build a brighter future for Nigerian education.

Download the app today, available on ios and Andriod

We are in a time in our history when mainstream media is interested in Homeschooling as a concept and it is something that will be welcome at the same time I don't think we are ready to be open-minded to learn and not be stuck in our ways. 

BBC interviewed me last month on Homeschooling and I was so excited to talk about one of my favourite topics.                                     

As expected there were a lot of comments both negative and positive one interesting thing was how divided it was across platforms. Most of the comments from Facebook were negative and those on Instagram were positive.

In this article, I want to talk extensively on each of the objections and comments made, in case someone out there also needs some education. 

On Competition & Real Life: 

"Integration" back into society: 

I don't know why when people hear Homeschooling they think it means you are chained by the forces of nature to your house. Homeschooling only means you have made the choice to not educate your child through an alternative method that is not the traditional school system. Simple. I wish I could scream it loud for everyone to hear, Homeschooling is not equal to isolation!!!! Homeschooling doesn't mean you won't meet your mates, doesn't mean you won't meet other people in this world. We have to understand that school is also not a cure for the personalities of children, some children go to school and are still very socially awkward and don't interact much with people and it is just the child's personality.  

On Socialization: 

I have a detailed article on the blog on socialisation because I can clearly see people don't know what they are talking about. You can read up on socialisation here 

On your influence and the downgrade of parents: 

The world as we know it continues to downgrade our role as parents. We are supposed to be in charge of our children's education whether or not they are in traditional school. They want you to just be in charge of lessons and holidays which is not majority of the time. You should not just mearly pick a "good" school, you should also be involved with the curriculum, teaching methods and strategies ensuring it suits your child and adding or removing what doesn't align with the vision you have for them. People will make you feel like you wanting to have influence in your children's lives (as it should be) is you being controlling, absolutely not. Our role is to guide our children until they are mature enough and it is something we should do unapologetically. 

On selfishness & wickedness:

Some people think making the choice to homeschool is a selfish and wicked decision on the part of the parent but I don't blame them because they think you are depriving your child of quality education. Think about this for a second, the children from low-income families that can't go to school do we automatically call the parents selfish and wicked? No why because we say oh they can't afford it that's why(I still believe homeschooling can solve this problem of out of school children but that's a conversation for another day). But a parent who is not neglecting her child but just because she didn't choose to educate the child in the 4 walls of a classroom is selfish? What is selfish? when you are putting your own needs at the fore. I can boldly say that the choice to homeschool is one of the most selfless acts a parent can perform. You are thinking mostly about the child and how it can be beneficial to the child. How can you say that a parent is being wicked to the child because they are not choosing to allow them to learn from their peers? The same peers that bully, use harsh words and are also learning themselves? How would you say it's wickedness that a parent doesn't want a "blind" child to also lead her equally "blind" child? 

If you want to learn about homeschooling I suggest books you can start with here. 

Sportsmanship & extracurricular activities: 

I was absolutely appalled by this position. When you bring lesson teachers to your house did you do it in the school? Or did the teacher say oh we only do lessons for children who are in schools? You can independently join an extracurricular activity, you can sign up for whatever sport you want, and you can find a coach for everything and anything. Again, homeschooling doesn't mean a force is holding you back from leaving your house or keeping people from interacting with you. You can even have more time to dedicate to your sports and extracurricular activities when you homeschool. 

In conclusion; Homeschooling is beneficial to both the child(ren) and the family but as a people, we need to be more open-minded and understand that because someone chose a different path it doesn't mean they are attacking your choice. The internet is a blessing and we should be ready to do the research that is necessary to educate ourselves so we can be better informed and maybe make better arguments! 

Do you have any objections to homeschooling?

Find a program and stick with it except you find it is not working then find another one. 

I found the book "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" through a friend and he was generous enough to let me use it. 

With more than one million copies sold, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is a remarkable step-by-step, phonics-based program that teaches your child to read in just twenty minutes a day—with love, care, and joy a parent and child can share. Now fully revised and updated with a Practice Guide for parents and an extra section with supplementary material! [source]

My Experience

When we started with the book, I just started with Day 1 and went on with it but because it wasn't a style of teaching my son was used to he pushed back a lot, each of the lessons was supposed to be done in 20mins because of his push back we ended up spending like 30 - 45Mins on one lesson. It was frustrating for me, it was frustrating for him. I stopped doing it all together after a couple of weeks. I would pick it up and stop on different occasions but at the beginning of 2024, I was determined to finish it and finally teach him. So we did another round of pep talk and set a target to finish by his birthday in March and we did. 

What I did differently 

What I did differently was become firm with him, letting him know he had no other choice but to actually go through with each lesson, and set a timer for us to see how long it would actually take if he didn't interrupt or complain to see how long we actually spend. I put a grand reward at the end of our goal ( A family friend gave him some cash). I did the lesson out of the book sometimes, created cardboard cards etc. We did a catch-up for the days we missed so we could finish our goal. I read the initial manual for the book. 

What I love about the book

Here are a few things I love about the book. 

1. I love that even as someone who knows absolutely nothing about how to start the template is for you, exactly what to say and how to go about it. 

2. I love that the lessons are short and straightforward. 

3. Love that the way it is designed it removes the confusion of English and how the rules and sounds can get confusing for young minds. 

4. I love how you can go through it in such a short period. 

5. It builds confidence for the child as there are a lot of repetitive words. 

6. The program is not just about learning to blend, it incorporates comprehension, critical thinking, asking the right questions and writing. 

Things to note if you want to use the book: 

Read the initial write-up: I made the mistake of not reading the initial write-up because I don't really like reading small prints but when I eventually read it, I could understand better what I was supposed to do and how to better execute. 

Learn the right pronunciation of the sounds: The way the program is designed and trying to mitigate against confusion where there are 2 sounds for "o" and "e" and "I" etc, they created it to be able to differentiate it quickly. If you are not familiar with it, when you are doing the lesson you might get confused yourself. Take time to learn the right sounds before you do the lessons. 

You become better as you go along: As you go along you, will become better at it and you might not have to even do the lessons word-for-word as suggested. 

You can always take a break: You don't have to do the 100 days at a stretch if you don't want to or if its getting frustrating for you or the kids. 

You can use the opportunity to build on other values: We used the opportunity to understand that there has to be a process for everything, setting goals, powering through, hitting a target, and doing what needs to be done. It wasn't really about just learning to read, it was about so much more. 

It is just the beginning: 100 days to teach your child to read is just a foundation, it doesn't stop there. You have to continue to build on the knowledge and at the end of the book there is a write-up to guide you on what is next. 

It might not be for everyone: If your child doesn't naturally learn in this rigid way, it might just not be for you. My child doesn't learn this way normally but I used it as a tool to help him learn other things as he is older now. I wouldn't do that if he was younger, I would have tried another method. 

Where to buy 

I have not seen where to purchase the book here in Nigeria so if you have someone abroad or you have the means to ship it to Nigeria you can purchase it here

I found an e-copy of the book online and I uploaded it to my store for easy access as a lot of people were asking me for it on different occasions. Access it here

They have a website which has resources to help you as you use the book: https://startreading.com/ 

I recommend it and give it a 4/5 Cuddly loves. Would you try it? Get the e-copy first and see if it is something you would like to invest in.