Can you tell us a bit about Adorable Mum, and how you founded this organization?
 
I founded Adorable Mum in December 2010, starting with a group of around 50 women and growing it into a thriving community of over 300,000 mothers across the globe.

Adorable Mum was founded out of my passion for parenting and the need for a strong support system. I have always been passionate about improving my parenting skills and providing my children with the best childhood. However, after relocating to a new area as a young mother without any family or friends to turn to for assistance, I realized the critical importance of having a solid support network. With this in mind, I launched Adorable Mum to bridge that gap and create a safe and welcoming space where mothers can connect and receive the support they need to thrive.

Adorable Mum has since evolved into a thriving community and a valuable resource for mums. The Adorable Mum community is active on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Clubhouse, where members share their experiences, give advice, and support each other through their motherhood journeys.

As a community, Adorable Mum also organizes events, trainings, workshops, and meetups where members can connect, learn from each other, and build lasting friendships. The organization collaborates with other organizations and individuals who share its vision of creating a better world for mothers and children.
 
Adorable Mum is more than just a community; it’s a movement that has touched the lives of thousands of mothers around the world. The organization is committed to its mission of empowering mothers and creating a supportive community where every mother feels seen, heard, and valued. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child and the digital extension of that village is Adorable Mum.

How does your experience as a mother influence your approach in running this organization and supporting other mothers?

Motherhood has proven to be a valuable experience in many ways. Mothers are the epitome of leadership. They know how to inspire and motivate their children and lead them by example. I always say that we are leaders in our homes.

Motherhood requires strong leadership skills, including effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, as well as the ability to balance multiple roles and responsibilities.

The nurturing and empathetic qualities that come with motherhood have been invaluable when supporting other mothers in my community. By offering guidance, advice, and emotional support, I have been able to help other mothers navigate difficult situations and create a supportive and successful environment.

Moreover, being a mother has taught me patience, adaptability, and resilience, which are valuable qualities in any leadership role. These skills have helped me in managing teams and developing strategies and goals for the community.

Can you speak to some challenges you see in motherhood and parenting and how you help parents work through them?
 
Absolutely, being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it can also be one of the most challenging. The demands of parenting and motherhood can be overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon for mothers and parents to feel stressed, anxious, or isolated.

One of the most significant challenges of motherhood and parenting is managing the numerous responsibilities and demands that come with raising a child. These include providing for their physical and emotional needs, guiding their development and education, maintaining a household, and often balancing work or other commitments.

Another common challenge is dealing with the stress and emotional toll of parenthood, which can be exacerbated by societal expectations and pressures. Many parents experience feelings of guilt or inadequacy, particularly if they feel that they are not meeting their own or societal expectations of what it means to be a good parent. It’s important to remember that no parent is perfect. Focus on the positive aspects of your parenting and give yourself credit for the things that you are doing well.

Inadequate support can leave parents feeling isolated, anxious, and depressed. However, our platform provides a valuable opportunity for mothers to connect with other parents who are going through similar challenges, offering them an essential source of comfort, helping them feel less alone and providing them with invaluable guidance and insight.

Finding a balance between work and family life is a common struggle for many parents, especially those with demanding jobs and inflexible work schedules. However, it’s crucial to prioritize family time and delegate tasks to other family members or friends whenever possible.

Challenging behaviours or special needs of children can also cause stress and frustration for parents, but seeking professional help or learning effective behaviour management techniques can make a significant difference.

Parenthood is full of transitions, and coping with these changes can be emotionally and mentally exhausting. Learning coping strategies and seeking support during these transitions can make a significant difference.

Despite the challenges that come with parenting, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. By prioritizing self-care and surrounding yourself with a support system that offers practical help and emotional support, you can navigate the ups and downs of parenting with confidence and ease. Our mission at Adorable Mum is to maintain a supportive community where mothers can continue to support, encourage, and learn from each other. We offer various tools and strategies to make motherhood and parenting more manageable, stimulating, enjoyable, and fulfilling.

How do you balance your work as the director and being a mother in your home?

As a working mum and a director, finding balance can be challenging at times. I’m often juggling multiple responsibilities both at work and at home. However, I’ve learned that having a strong support system is crucial to managing both roles successfully.
 
At work, I have a reliable team that I can delegate tasks to and trust to handle important projects when I need to take time off for my family. I also communicate with my team openly and honestly about my priorities and commitments outside of work, which helps us all work together to ensure that deadlines are met, and goals are achieved.
 
I also recognise the importance of pacing myself and taking time for self-care. I prioritise my workload based on what is most important and delegate tasks when necessary. I also make sure to take breaks throughout the day, whether it’s going for a walk or spending quality time with my family, to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
 
Ultimately, I have learned that doing the best I can each day and being kind to myself is the key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. So, I pace myself accordingly and I am aware that my best will change from time to time, and that’s OK too.
 
I strive to be present in the moment, whether I’m working on a project or spending time with my family, and make sure to celebrate the small wins along the way.
 

Can you offer some advice for parents who are looking to exercise positive parenting in their homes?

Positive parenting is a never-ending process that takes time and effort, but it can help you create a warm and nurturing environment in your home where your child can thrive.

Prioritising your child’s physical and emotional needs by responding with kindness and respect, establishing trust and security through active listening and effective communication, establishing clear expectations and rules with fair and consistent consequences, using positive reinforcement to motivate healthy behaviour, and providing your child with appropriate choices to encourage independence and responsibility.

As a parent, you must lead by example and be a positive role model for your children. This includes taking care of yourself by exercising, eating healthily, and engaging in activities that bring you joy, which also benefits your children. 

Children learn important lessons from how you treat them, yourself, and other people. Be consistent with your parenting style, follow through on commitments, and show up on time. It will give your children a sense of security and safety. 

Leading by example also means admitting your mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions. This can help teach your children important life skills, such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, and accountability.
 

What role do communication and empathy play in building positive parenting, and how do you help parents develop these skills?

Communication and empathy are vital in positive parenting. Effective communication allows parents to express themselves clearly and listen actively to their children’s thoughts and feelings, while empathy, on the other hand, enables parents to understand their children’s perspectives, needs, and emotions, and to respond in a supportive and caring manner.

The key to successful communication with children is being clear and direct, keeping messages brief, using persuasive language, showing interest in their thoughts and feelings, being empathic, and practising active listening. Active listening involves paying attention without interrupting or judging, and it’s a very important way to improve family communication.

Children are more likely to develop better relationships and achieve better outcomes when their parents communicate effectively and show empathy. Besides strengthening parent-child relationships, these skills also promote positive communication habits among children.

To help parents develop these skills and foster understanding and empathy in their interactions with their children, we offer training, workshops, online resources, and one-to-one coaching sessions.

What are your future plans and goals for Adorable Mum and how do you see this organization evolving and growing in the coming years?
 
Adorable Mum is on a mission to promote positive parenting and healthy childhoods globally.

We aim to achieve this by providing increased support and training for mothers and their families. We also aim to build a strong brand identity that resonates with parents and caregivers. We will expand our reach through targeted marketing efforts and provide more comprehensive services by partnering with other organizations to become a one-stop shop for parents and caregivers. We will also develop an improved online presence and increase our virtual consultations and classes.

Additionally, we would raise more awareness of healthy childhood and child development issues and conduct more outreach events and campaigns for mothers and their families. We aim to encourage more mothers to engage actively in nation-building, with ADM at the forefront of this push.

By becoming a recognized name in parenting, training, and child development, ADM is poised to make a positive impact on families and communities worldwide.