MEET KAJAL

Next up on the Mom-Series is Kajal! She is our ”Stay-at-home” mom, here is her story…

A small introduction:

Hi everyone.. I’m Kajal Maharaj. I sometimes blog over at Kajal of all Trades .My hobbies include whipping up delicious treats (that I then try to avoid demolishing by myself.) I also live to travel, but Durban is where my heart is and always will be. I’m an optometrist turned SAHM to my beautiful pigeon pair. I’m married to the most dedicated and brilliant doctor I know, Yuvan Maharaj.

Describe your typical day in 5 words or less…

Rise. Chaos. Calm. Chaos. Sleep….Any questions? 😅

Name 3 things that you can’t live without..

Travel, cake, and let’s not beat around the bush here, I have to say my phone because there is an app for everything.

Show us your Current Mom bag and what’s inside:

I let go of the mom bag last year. Here’s my current bag and the contents. And that’s after a recent clean out.

Name one thing you wish you knew before you became a mom:

I wish I knew the real value of time. Also, no matter how many pictures you take, they will never be enough.

What do you do while the kids are napping/sleeping?

Read, watch a TV series or bake/cook.

What’s the best part of your day?

When everyone is fed, well rested and happy. So, we can actually enjoy each other’s company.

Name a few of your mom guilty pleasures;

Online shopping for things I probably doesn’t need. Trashy reality TV. Sugary treats. The list is long lol.

What has been the scariest moment of your mom-life and who did you look to for support?

When we had 4 successive miscarriages. My family was my greatest support during this time.

Who is your hero and why?

My parents always will be. The sacrifices they’ve made for my siblings and I are humbling.

Name one thing (anything) that you would do if you weren’t afraid and were fearless and there where no consequences and nothing holding you back;

I would sell everything and travel the world with my husband and kids.

Name something that your own mom taught you that you have taken into your own motherhood;

That Every child is different.

If you could be anyone for just one day who would you be?

My husband. Just to confirm that I am busier than him on any given day. 😂 Just kidding.. I’d love to be a person of a different race group. Just to experience first-hand the challenges and/or privileges.

Worst mom-fail?

There are many! I’ve fed my kids food that was too hot, I’ve clipped my son’s thigh in his car seat buckle. I’ve yelled when I shouldn’t have. How long do you have?? 😅

How has motherhood changed you?

It just makes you selfless. There’s no better explanation. You also learn to actively cultivate happiness in life because that’s just how you want everything to be for them.

Proudest moment?

My kid’s births. Clichéd I know, but I had the hardest, most miraculous pregnancies and I burst with pride in my children.

If your house was burning down, name 3 things you’d grab, besides the kids and pets;

My memory boxes, important documents, and probably my coffee machine.

Name one thing you would change about yourself and one thing you wouldn’t;

I do wish I doubted myself less and I wish I could let go of my perfectionist tendencies. I wouldn’t change my compassion and willingness to help others.

What piece of advice would you give to a new mom starting her journey?

Ironically my advice would be to take all advice with a grain of salt. Only you truly know what your kids need.

Who is your biggest support ?

My biggest support has been my husband and my family. My parents, brother and sister. I thank my lucky stars for them every day.

What’s the best part about being a mom?

Definitely the unconditional love you get from them. They overlook your imperfections.

Have you ever been judged for how you do things as a mom or how you parent? If so why?

I think we’ve all been judged for our parenting choices. I do encourage my kids to be independent and fearless, but I also Co-sleep until whenever they’re comfortable and I still feed my kids with my hands more often than not. Sorry not sorry 😂

Worst parenting advice you have ever received?

Probably that too much attention will spoil your kids. I don’t think there is such thing as too much attention when it comes to a child.

If you could, would you go back to work or start working again?

I will at some point I’m sure, but we haven’t given thought to when, where and how yet. I’m just going to grab this opportunity with both hands while I can.

What benefits do you think your kids receive by you being a SAHM?

My parents both work and while I never lacked anything while growing up, I naturally missed them when there was anything on at school or otherwise. At this age they’re so impressionable and I’m just grateful that I’m able to be actively involved in their lives most of the time.

What do you do when you need a break from your full-time job of being a SAHM?

I shop. (Mostly for them 😂). Or sit down to a meal by myself at my favourite coffee shop/restaurant.

Do you ever feel undervalued or unappreciated as a mom whose full-time responsibility is to take care of the household and kids?

I think most moms feel that way at some stage. But at present, my family knows how much I put into making them comfortable and happy at home, so they do appreciate what I do.

You have such a beautiful family and an amazing heart Kajal! Thank you once again for allowing us inside your head, heart, home and your motherhood.