Proud of her

Today was a big day! Not only did The Toddler start at her new school, we also had another celebration!

The matric results were announced!

Our daughter got four distinctions. She missed one by 1%, and is going to ask for it to be remarked!

I am so proud of her! She worked hard, and she's got something to show for it!

There are some of the top achievers who say that it comes easily, and one even said "Because I can!" (he got 12 distinctions)...
But most have to work for it!

What I also admire of my daughter is that she is well-balanced.
She takes time to spend with her boyfriend and friends, she loves reading, and she loves keeping active...
I could not have wished for more!

She is extremely excited to start her new year at varsity!
A new chapter is beginning for her this year!


Well done, my girl!

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How do moms do exams?

(Photo: Elise du Toit Photography)

The matric dance

The Big Event took place last night!

A matric dance does not look like the matric dances we remember...
There are big cars and vintage cars, chauffeurs and red carpets! It is FANCY!

Everybody looked like stars, and the Teen had the time of her life!
She looked like a Princess!

(I will ask the Teen to write me a little post. Hint hint!)

Heads up about the last year in school

Stuff to expect from your girl teen

• The boyfriend is more important than you!

• The friends are more important than you!

• Her life and time-table are more important than you. You are lucky when she ventures out of her room to come and talk to you. It really tells you that you have a relationship going when she comes to share some of her life with you.

• You will never find an open door.

• She loves to sleep! All the time! (Most probable position you will find her to be in behind the closed door.)

• She can’t wait for the year to pass for exciting times ahead next year at university! (She feels she’s in limbo right now)

• The matric dance (Prom) is the most important event happening in her life! Ever!

• The dress, (and heads-up!), the after-the-party party dress, are extremely important!

• The make-up and hair should be sorted before the day. (There should be trial runs before the time!)

• A cell phone is an attachment to her hand!

• Most come-back retort when asked why she did not do something: “I did not know I was supposed to do it!”

I am making the list tongue-in-cheek.

I really like my Teen and the person she is!

I love her optimism about life, and her excitement about her future! It is very infectious!

I love her I-am-going-to-change-the-world attitude!



You go, my Girl!

(Photo: Patrick Pretorius photography)

How do moms do exams?

The final year in school, and the preliminary exams are in full swing for the Teen.

What can moms do to help their children? I feel extremely helpless.
I cannot take the burden of studying away from her!
She needs to get high scores (no pressure here!), because it will impact on bursaries for her studies next year. We need it!

A mother’s list in times of children’s exams:

• Lots of positive encouragement and support;

• Show a keen interest, and know what she is writing every day;

• Give her some slack with regards household chores;

• Keep things peaceful and the routine going at home;

• Buy some extra brain vitamins;

• Prepare brain food, such as fish and fruit and vegetables;

• Ensure some extra healthy snacks for study times at home, as well as between examination papers;

• Believe in her;

• Shoulder and back massages for back spasms;

• I used to get up with my daughter when she was smaller, to go over her study material with her. I can make sure she gets up earlier when she wants to go over her study material now.

Do you have any more advice?

Photo: Patrick Pretorius Photography