Sometimes our toddlers surprise us and teach us more about patience than we thought possible. I took my 20 month old to the grocery store today and he surprisingly behaved himself and didn’t have a temper tantrum when I picked up a box of oatmeal chocolate cookies and told him we had to wait to pay for it first before he can eat it. I mean, yes, in the span of 15 minutes he said ‘latta’ (short form for... Read more
In focusing on my everyday life I find that I can unconsciously tune out the world around me. Maybe I don’t check my e-mails or my Facebook page for a day or two, or don’t watch the news on TV. I am not trying to be ignorant of what’s going on locally and globally, it just happens. But I wonder sometimes if I am subconsciously tuning out. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel good to “forget” about... Read more
We asked a few awesome mamas what approach, tools and resources they use to raise their children to be bilingual (specifically Arabic/English speaking). F says: “Before we had children, my husband and I tried to get into the habit of speaking to each other in Arabic, at least most of the time (took some effort esp since we both speak different dialects of Arabic with our parents and find English to be our stronger language). Once we had our first... Read more
When I am driving, I tend to jumble all the noises in the car as one big mixture of sound. It is almost music to my ears. There is someone talking non-stop, another snoring, one crying and one screaming for no apparent reason. Since I cannot keep everyone at peace, I just let them be and focus on the road instead. This is a typical afternoon for me. It may seem as if I am talking about a car full... Read more
Growmama Picks is a collection of fun, interesting, and/or inspiring links that we share with you at the end of every month. Enjoy! 1. This article on stress-busting for parents had some helpful advice. 2. We are told to encourage tummy-time for new babies, but it is often met with crying and protest. Maybe this is why. 3. We love Baba Ali’s 2-season series for children. The one on controlling anger and brushing your hair had the kids cracking up. 4. This month on growmama we tackled some... Read more
Breakfast is a family affair in our home. With one child aspiring to be a chef and another who tries to be a master of all, it’s easy to come up with delicious breakfast ideas. My youngest independent student, my 7 year old daughter, is learning to set the table. While learning the difference between the salad fork, dinner fork, soup spoon, tea spoon and tablespoon, she is also learning their proper positions on a place setting. The boys usually... Read more
Seems like just yesterday when I held you for the first time, I thanked Allah for the gift, as your eyes looked into mine. Seems like just yesterday when you smiled your first smile, I felt my heart melt, for you did it in such style. I watched you grow as you hit each milestone, Couldn’t help but think where have the months flown? Rolling over was one of you firsts, Then you started teething, making it a pain while... Read more
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar…..” The beauty of the words of the adhan and the voice of my dear son as he beckons us to pray are familiar sounds in our home on any given day. Today, however, I am stopped in my tracks! In the process of donning my hijab, a shrill little voice also beckons….. “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar……Come To Allah, Come To Allah!” My 2 1/2 year old daughter calls “come to Allah”. Her innocent but attentive mind... Read more
I’ll be honest, it might not show but working away from my family eats away at me. Especially in the early months of motherhood, it pained me to leave my daughter behind. Now that she is more independent, the burden of my working has shifted slightly from causing me self-inflicted pain, to being verbalized by my daughter who pleads with me not to go to work every morning. For a while I thought no good would come to my family... Read more
Of all the bountiful blessings that summer brings, fresh fruits must be on the top of the list. How refreshing it is to bite into a ripe, sweet and juicy melon, cherry, nectarine, peach or strawberry! Beyond the bliss of eating fresh fruits is the experience of picking your own from a plant that is bent down with the prime pick of the season. For those who have never experienced this exciting routine, Community Supported... Read more
Grow Mama Grow
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In