Hey, hey, hey, thanks for joining us again. Hope you are all well and your families are in good health. Please hit the like, share, comment and even add me too you Reading list.
Am very excited, about these next five weeks of post. See I interviewed some parents to see their point of views on a few questions around parenting, this will be a 5 part post. This week we have interviewed Crystal Ferril. A single mother of two boys. Hope you enjoy. 💋
Who Is Crystal?
Hi Am crystal I grew up in the UK, an was born in Jamaica my childhood was happy for most parts. (Like the rest of you).
I grew up in a single parent home, no we wasn’t rich but our mother did her very best and we all got what we needed, with her support emotionally and mentally she was there for all of us when we required guidance from her.
Growing up I was a happy and very optimistic child, I liked to see the bright side of life.
What Age did you have your first Child?
I had my first child at 24 the month after given birth was my 25th birthday, it was a joyful time for me as I became a mother for the first time.
Now I might not have been in the best place emotionally, but the birth of my son brought hope and gave a silver lining to the dark clouds.
Becoming a parent made me more responsible, bringing awareness of my life choices. Then I had my second son which brought much happiness to me, and my baby became a big brother. Am now the proud mother of two amazing boys.
Are you a single parent? How do you balance day to day life?
Yes am a single mother.
As a single parent everything I do has to work with and around my family I balance & plan my life around my children.
Sometimes it is and can be difficult to get help for my boys, let’s say maybe I want to go out with friends or for dinner so I ensure I plan in advance.
I maintain the routine I have with good time keeping, and the things I can accomplish such as University and Work which fits with/ around my children’s day to day activities I make sure I complete each objective to the best of my ability.
What is your parenting style?
So am a firm and playful parent, my children are aware and are comfortable to speak to me about any issues or challenges their needing my help with.
As a single parent you have to maintain a balance between discipline & them as children being able to express themselves freely which can be challenging to find the correct balance.
( while writing this paragraph I am laughing and so is Crystal). (“I totally I agree as fun can sometimes go too far”.)
Can you share your views on the whole nature vs nurture prospective?
“I believe both nature and nurture works hand in hand”.
What we expose and teach our children will and can affect the outcome of their lives and has a big impact on their future.
(“To be honest I absolutely agree with this statement”.)
So I believe depending on the situation both is needed when parenting my children.
Do you work or study? How are you finding child care arrangements?
Yes I study, I Also work am a hairstylist who specialises in Afro Caribbean hair.
I do hairdressing from home & my studies are done while my children are at school.
With work I get this done while my children are at home as they are well behaved and my customers are more than happy with them being there so I can provide and income while still being a mother and investing in mine and my children’s future with studying at university.
Being organised helps me to get my duties done while still allowing me time to spend with my children it makes my life a bit easier.
Can you share one tip for a struggling parent?
Keep going and don’t give up, your doing the best you can push through as your children will love an appreciate you more in the long run.
Do take time out for yourself? How important is it For you to have time for you?
Yes I do take time out for myself, even if am not going out just a moment to relax and clear my mind without the “Mom, mom” it’s a slice of heaven, may it be 10mins or an hour.
It’s very important to take time for ourselves as it gives clarity and is important for our mental wellbeing, allowing us too evaluate our thoughts and feelings. Valuable time to make sure you are fine not everyone else.
One Value that takes you through life?
“Be STRONG, keep GOING!”
One advice you would give to a first time parent?
Being a first time parent can be very confusing, and stressful as your not always sure if your doing the right thing.
Asking questions if we don’t know is the best thing to do as we all need advice especially when it’s the first time doing something.
Trust your instincts as a parent, as it’s a learning curve for us all. Take it one day at a time, and enjoy the time with your baby.
What are your views on mistakes?
It’s easy to make mistakes but what you do after now that’s important.
Learning from your mistakes is needed for everyone to progress to where we are meant to be.
I really enjoyed this interview keep following part 2 out next week.
Motherhood No Instructions 