For many, the role of a stay-at-home mum is a beautiful paradox—filled with joy, challenges, and a constant juggling act between parenting and self-care. Christelle, a mum of two, shares her story, offering relatable insights, practical advice, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Let’s be real – parenting is a wild ride, and sometimes the only thing keeping me sane is the sweet sound of another mum saying, “Yep, same here.” Over the years, I’ve survived meltdowns (theirs and mine) thanks to a mix of caffeine, sheer willpower, and some truly fantastic books and podcasts. Whether it was tips on how to stop a tantrum in its tracks or just reassurance that I wasn’t the only one hiding in the pantry eating chocolate, these resources have been absolute lifesavers.

As a traveling family, homeschooling comes with its fair share of challenges. Balancing flexibility with structure, ensuring the kids stay on track, and keeping learning engaging while constantly on the move—it’s a lot to juggle.

Recently, I stumbled upon a feature that has completely transformed how we approach learning on this platform this year

Picture this: it’s 5:30 PM. The kids are squabbling over who gets the blue plate, your youngest is declaring they’re starving like they haven’t eaten in weeks, and your partner is asking, “Have you seen that permission slip?” Meanwhile, you’re standing at the fridge, staring into its depths, hoping for inspiration to magically strike.

Sound familiar?

Trust me, I’ve been there—more times than I’d like to admit. It’s like dinner-time chaos is its own special kind of tornado, sucking up what’s left of your energy (and sanity) at the end of the day. But what if I told you there’s a way to make that chaos… well, less chaotic?

That’s where meal prep magic comes in.

Let me take you back about ten years ago. I was deep in the trenches of mum life, with my daughter Hannah, who was one year old at the time. One of my besties, who was a teacher, asked if I could watch her son every Monday, so she could work, she wanted to avoid putting him in daycare. I happily agreed – not just because I love a good favour-for-a-friend moment, but because it meant built-in playdates for Hannah and she even paid me a bit of money (side hustle idea there mums) Two kids under 3 running around? Piece of cake, right? (side note: It was not a piece of cake.) lol

My cheeky nanna with my eldest daughter Hannah and me. She was always a lot of fun to spend time with.

Many stay-at-home mums (SAHMs) are often presented with various business opportunities via social media, especially through direct messages. It's important to approach these opportunities with caution and a clear set of questions to determine whether they’re legitimate or a potential scam.

I think it’s important to say right off the bat: there’s no magical formula or quick solution to staying home with your kids. It takes a clear goal, sheer determination, and a willingness to make it happen, whatever that might look like for your family.

For over 11 years, I’ve been a stay-at-home mum (SAHM). Along the way, I’ve made countless decisions, sacrifices, and changes to make it work. My journey won’t look exactly like yours, but the principles and steps I’ve learned can guide you toward building the life you want at home with your kids.

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your love of travel into a business, becoming an independent travel agent might be the perfect opportunity. It’s a flexible, rewarding career that allows you to help others plan amazing trips while building a business that fits your lifestyle.

But like any business, it’s important to know the benefits and the realities before jumping in.

In this Q&A, I’ll share an honest look at what being an independent travel agent is really like—along with my own personal story to show you what’s possible.

Too often, mothers feel they “have to go back to work,” whether for financial reasons, societal pressure, or lack of alternative options. We believe this is simply not right. Every mother should have the freedom to choose whether to stay home with her children or rejoin the workforce. This choice should be hers, without judgment, barriers, or guilt.

Our community doesn’t claim to have a one-size-fits-all solution, but we offer support, ideas, and tools to help mothers explore their options and find a balance that works for their families.

I have been doing homestay on and off for 20 years and in that time I have learnt a thing or two about shopping and catering for my international guests.

I wanted to share a few tips that might help other families because. I know that catering for others can be a source of anxiety for some, however with a bit of planning and preparation you will find that it isn’t that daunting and totally doable!

I have found, during my time as a frugal SAHM of 4, plus as an international homestay parent, that I need to be on the ball when it comes to grocery shopping.

By following these rules on auto pilot I don’t need to add extra thinking to my busy, sensory overloaded weeks, plus I know that I am always getting a good deal and I can feel good about that.

It can be difficult to connect with some students, because they seem so shy and reserved. Are they okay? Do they like it here with our family? I just don't know...

our students just loved Micah, he was a very popular little baby with our students friends also…. he loved the attention he got from them all

The money I receive as a host parent isn’t a wage, it is classed as an allowance, which means it is completely tax free, and does not need to be declared as taxable income to the tax man at all.

Sometimes we really overthink stuff. One thing I know people could overthink, and talk themselves out of very quickly, is being a homestay parent. When I share that I am a homestay parent, as well as a parent to my own 4 kids, people are amazed and I am almost always met with the following comments or questions…