Blog
- Ask WayD (2)
- Mahram Series (7)
- Marriage (18)
- Mental Health (30)
- Muslim Women Authors in South Africa (3)
- Parenting (28)
- Exam time (1)
- Reflections (19)
- Reviews (13)
- Teaching (11)
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Are Our Kids Really Entitled, or Is It the Measurement We Are Using?
By now, you’ve probably seen it. A journalist visits a prominent school, gives a presentation on global politics, and then posts his disappointment on Instagram as he is walking out…
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Explaining Mahram rules to non-Muslims
If you’ve ever tried explaining the concept of a mahram to someone who isn’t Muslim, you’ll know it’s not the easiest conversation to have. In a world that prizes independence…
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5 steps towards a growth mindset
Have you ever met someone who seems content with what they know, unwilling to learn anything new… even when the world around them is bursting with knowledge and opportunities? I’ll…
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How to Check If You’re Kind to Your Spouse
Before we get into today’s topic, I want you to pause for a moment — take a deep breath and make a short dua. Ask Allah SWT to open your…
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Postpartum care: culture or science?
When I first became a mother, I quickly realised just how overwhelming the postpartum period can be. Between the sleepless nights, the endless feedings, and the flood of emotions, it…
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The Invisible Weight of Adjustment
Marriage is often seen as a partnership, where both spouses contribute equally to love, commitment, life goals and the life they build together. However, when it comes to major life…
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Empowering Your Son to Be a Good Mahram
Let’s talk about something close to every parent’s heart — raising sons who grow into good men. And not just good men, but good mahrams. When we think of raising…
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Book review: Why Am I Like This, by Qaanita Hunter
I just finished Qaanita Hunter’s latest fiction novel, Why Am I Like This?, and as I closed the book I found myself searching for the right words to describe the…
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When Productivity Depends on the Time of the Month
I learnt to be kinder to myself when I finally figured out that my productivity isn’t constant… It’s dependent on the time of the month. For years, I used to…
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A Woman’s Role in Supporting Her Mahram
Okay, now let’s talk about the other half of the equation: a woman’s role in supporting her mahram. Just as a man carries the responsibility of protection, provision, and guidance,…
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10 reasons why marriages struggle (and how to fix them)
Marriage isn’t a walk in the park. It’s a lifetime journey that takes love, patience, and a good dose of effort from both partners. Some days it feels easy and…
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The Signs of Maturity Nobody Talks About
Over the years – through teaching, counseling, parenting, marriage, and just being human – I’ve realised that emotional maturity has very little to do with age. Some of the most…
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What Makes a Good Male Mahram?
Let’s be honest. Being a good mahram in today’s world takes more than just knowing the fiqh rulings. It’s not about being a man who dominates his household or expects…
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Winning Back Your Wife’s Heart
Sometimes in marriage, we reach a point where everything feels a little too heavy and a little too tense. You love your wife, but the frustrations, the rushed days, the…
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Winning Back Your Husband’s Heart
Sometimes in marriage, we reach a point where everything feels a little too heavy and a little too tense. You love your husband, but the frustrations, the rushed days, the…
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The Irony of Surnames
When I recently renewed my ID, something strange happened. After 18 years of marriage, I’ve always kept my maiden surname—but on the new card, my surname had been changed to…
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Modern Mahrams
In part three of the Mahram Series, let’s talk about modern mahrams — a topic that I think many of us need to revisit in light of how much our…
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Tips for living with your in-laws
In many cultures, including ours, living with in-laws is often a reality. While Islam gives a wife the right to her own space, sometimes life makes it more practical, or…
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Don’t Judge Your Marriage by the Tough Times
Marriage is a journey of ups and downs, filled with moments of joy, love, and peace – but also moments of challenge, uncertainty, and growth. Yet, one mistake many couples…
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Teaching Men and Women to Be Better Mahrams
A while back, I planned a series of posts about mahram relationships. The idea came from my deep belief that living according to the Islamic way of life offers real…
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Post wedding depression – why you’re feeling depressed since you got married
When I got married, it was through an arranged marriage. The date was set just seven weeks after we first met, and before I knew it, life was spinning in…
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Book Review: Bamba Butterfly
Sometimes life really does feel like a series of chance encounters, all stitched together by circumstance — the people we meet, the places we pass through, and the memories that…
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Book Review: Springrolls and Saturdays by Bilqees Hassen
Long overdue is this review which I have been meaning to share for a while. I am grateful to have received an advanced copy of Springrolls and Saturdays by Bilqees…
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Featured: Radio 786
A while back, I was invited to chat to the lovely Jamila Parker on Radio 786. We chatted about books, teaching, and life in general. Here’s the podcast, in case…
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Review: The Secret Amongst the Olives, by Maariyah Mathir
It’s been a while since I’ve posted here, and I’m glad to finally be back. Life has been beautifully busy with AMWASA work – helping authors find their direction (while…
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Book Review: A Bend in the Road by Veena Pillay
I had the pleasure of meeting Veena Pillay at the Durban International Book Fair last November. The way she spoke about A Bend in the Road, with such heart and…
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Emotional Maturity: The Key to a Stable and Fulfilling Marriage
Marriage is more than a union between two people; it is an ongoing journey that requires emotional investment, patience, and growth. One of the critical ingredients for a long-lasting, stable…
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World Read Aloud Day 2025: A Sneak Peek into ‘Maaf Don’t Graaf’
Reading aloud is a powerful way to bring stories to life, spark imaginations, and connect with young minds. While many focus on little ones for World Read Aloud Day, I…
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Nurturing a Child’s Spirituality from an Early Age
As parents, we often focus on our children’s physical health, academic achievements, and social skills. But what about their spiritual development? And by that I don’t mean the afternoon or…
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Book Review: Barfi Books Volume 1
I was pleased to receive an Advanced Reader’s Copy of Barfi Books Volume 1. Here are my thoughts: Barfi Books Volume 1 is a delightful anthology that beautifully captures life’s…
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The Mahram Series: Reflections on Family, Faith, and Responsibility
This blog post kicks off a topic that I have been meaning to explore. It’s something that’s so deeply rooted in our faith yet often misunderstood or overlooked: mahram relationships….
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The Role of Fathers in Islamic Parenting: Beyond Breadwinning
Fathers in Islam are not only supposed to provide their children with monetary and tangible comforts of life, but must also teach them religious moral lessons and care for them. …
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Building a Strong Bond with Your Teenager
Parenting teenagers can feel like navigating a maze. One moment they’re laughing with you, and the next they’re locked away in their rooms, scrolling through their phones or gaming. As…
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Signs You Are Ready for Marriage – A Guide for Muslims in Their 20s and Beyond
Marriage is a deeply significant and fulfilling journey, especially within Islam, where it is regarded as half of one’s deen. But how do you know if you are ready to…
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How Should Parents Respond to Their Child’s School Report?
As the school year wraps up, the arrival of school reports often brings with it a mix of emotions for both parents and children. Whether your child’s grades were exceptional,…
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Summer Break Sanity: Striking the Perfect Balance Between Relaxation and Productivity
Hello fabulous mums! So you’ve got over the school report situation and you’re ready to kick off the holiday? As the summer sun graces us with its warmth, and the…
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Navigating your own timeline – a guide for unmarried Muslim women
Hey there, amazing Muslim sisters! So, you’re slowly inching your way away from the big 3-0, or and suddenly it feels like the world has an opinion on your relationship…
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Elevating Productivity Through Spiritual Wellness: A Holistic Approach
In our pursuit of productivity, it’s essential to recognize that true efficiency extends beyond checklists and time management. A harmonious balance between spiritual wellness and productivity creates a synergy that…
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Unveiling the Authenticity in Muslim Fiction: A Journey into Realistic Narratives
Hello, wonderful sisters! Today, let’s embark on a captivating exploration into the heart of Muslim fiction, where the magic lies in the authenticity of the narratives. As readers, we often…
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Book Review: Haroun & Layla (Book2 in Salaam2Soulm8 Series)
I had the pleasure of receiving an advanced reader’s copy of Haroun & Layla, the much-anticipated second book in the Salaam2Soulm8 series by Tasneem Gaffoor. Having read and thoroughly enjoyed…
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Mindful Parenting: Balancing Work and Family Life
Hey lovely mums out there! Let’s talk about the real juggling act that is our everyday life – balancing work commitments while ensuring our family is thriving. Yes, it’s a…
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Book Review: How to be a Single Muslim Mum” by Samar Asamoah
I was honoured when Sister Samar Asamoah from Niqabi Diaries Podcast included me as an Advanced Reader for her new book, How to be a Single Muslim Mum. Although the…
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Muslim marriage: Embracing Realism in the Quest for a Life Partner
In a world often adorned with romantic tales and fairy-tale endings, the journey to finding a life partner can be clouded by unrealistic expectations. For Muslim women navigating the path…
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What to talk about on a Samoosa Run
The Samoosa Run holds a special place in traditional matchmaking. It is a time-honoured practice in many Muslim families where a couple meets, usually ‘blindly’, to ascertain if they could…
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15 tips for parenting a smart child
Hey there, fellow parents of budding geniuses! Parenting a smart child can be a rollercoaster ride filled with exhilarating highs and a few challenging loops. Smart kids can be curious,…
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Life Lessons from Grandparents: Wisdom Beyond Time
In my last post, I reflected on how our Adulting struggles are no different from what our parents experienced decades ago. In this post, I’m going back a generation to…
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Building resilience: Tips for teachers
Teaching is a challenging profession that can take a toll on a person’s mental health. Between long hours, difficult students, and constantly changing expectations, it’s no wonder that many teachers…
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The Realities of Adulting: What Our Parents Didn’t Tell Us
Growing up, it’s easy to put our parents on a pedestal, thinking they’ve got life all figured out. But as we step into adulthood ourselves, we start to uncover the…
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Parental Advice for Newlyweds
Ah, the journey of marriage – a thrilling adventure filled with highs, lows, and the occasional stormy weather. For those setting sail into the seas of matrimony, the importance of…
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Sons of the Ummah
On the morning of Sunday, April 14, 2024, our community was shaken by the tragic news of the untimely passing of four youngsters, aged around 20, in a motor vehicle…
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The portrayal of Muslim women in the media
When I was nineteen (over two decades ago!), I entered an essay competition hosted by IPCI. I recently found the essay and thought I’d share it here with you since…
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Toddler Meltdowns: Tackling Tiny Tornados with a Smile
Hey there, Super Moms! It’s been a while since I had my go at parenting toddlers, but I was recently reminded of this by my almost nine-year-old when he let…
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A Mum’s Guide to Navigating School Reports
Salaam amazing mums! As teachers will soon be in reporting mode, and we’ll all find ourselves knee-deep in the season of school reports, I thought I’d write a post to…
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Teacher wellbeing – A wellness culture in schools
Teaching is an incredibly rewarding profession, but it can also be very challenging and stressful. Teachers often work long hours, deal with difficult students, and have to juggle multiple responsibilities…
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Rights and responsibilities of husband, wife and in-laws in Islam
On 28 January 2024, I was invited to speak at Journey to Jannah’s first online seminar on Marriage. I was asked to cover the topic of Rights and responsibilities of…
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Book review: Zahra and Yaseen (Salaam2Soulm8 series)
I was honoured to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of Zahra and Yaseen, book 1 in the upcoming Salaam2Soulm8 series by Tasneem Gaffoor and Wilman Fikker Publishing House South Africa….
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Let’s Talk Marriage: Going Back to Basics for a Solid Start
Have you ever stopped to wonder how our grandparents (and perhaps some of our parents) found a spouse the halaal way and kicked off their marriage by sharing just one…
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Annique Rooibos Pomegranate range
I’m not a high maintenance gal. I don’t fork out hundreds on skin care products. I’ve been using the same brand of cleanser for a decade now. I have not…
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The Importance of New-Year Reflections: A Spiritual Approach
In my last post, I talked about setting realistic goals for Muslim women. As the calendar turns its pages, ushering in a new year, it’s a natural time for reflection—a…
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New Year, New Beginnings – Setting Realistic Goals for Muslim Women
As salaamu ‘Alaikum. Hey there, friend! Can you believe it’s that time again? The New Year is upon us, bringing with it a sense of renewal and the opportunity for…
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Book review – Hayati, by Waheeda Ismail
“Hayati,” penned by Waheeda Ismail, is a captivating fictionalised memoir that unfolds through the lens of first-person narrative. The title, meaning “My Life,” aptly captures the essence of the protagonist’s…
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The Power of Patience: Islamic Insights for Parenting in a Hasty World
In a world where instant gratification seems to be the norm, teaching patience has become an essential life skill. The younger generations, in particular, have grown up in an age…
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How to boost confidence and build motivation in school-going children
Teachers have a tough(er) job, these days, competing with more outside influences than any generation before them. It is becoming more and more challenging to keep attention and motivate learners…
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The Mental Health Benefits of Hobbies
Finding Wellness in Your Passions Welcome to a journey into the world of hobbies and their incredible impact on our mental well-being. Hobbies are the hidden treasures of our lives,…
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Family Resilience: from Individual to Society
Cultivating resilience is an investment that pays dividends in the form of stronger, more resilient families. Waheeda Joosab The family, often referred to as the basic unit of society, holds…
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Why moms are losing joy in parenting
Parenting is a beautiful journey filled with countless joys and rewarding experiences. However, it is no secret that the demands and pressures of motherhood can sometimes lead to losing joy…
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Women’s Mental Health in the Security Industry
Guest post Both men and women in the security industry face mental health issues. Women make up only 10% of the UK security industry, putting them in a minority. However,…
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The need for a Muslim woman authors network
In recent years, there has been a growing movement of Muslim woman authors who are reclaiming their voices and telling their stories through literature. Muslim women authors are gaining recognition…
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How to unravel your life’s problems
You’ve often heard me say, the way to solve most of your problems is to Just dua it, then do it. I realise that this is not so simple for…
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Finding a spouse the halaal way
When I posted on Instagram about finding a spouse the halaal way, I didn’t realise the post would blow up the way it did. It has done way better than…
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What I wish I knew before self-publishing
In this blog post, I will explore some of the hidden costs of self-publishing that authors should be aware of before publishing their work.
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‘Muslim Romance’ is not an oxymoron
People are wary of the literature they choose, and rightly so. However, keeping a more open-minded spirit, it is noticeable that there is a need for clean and halaal Muslim-centric…
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When should your child start school?
Early in January, just before schools opened for the new academic year, I had an interview with Haafidha Rayhaanah Omar on Radio Islam about the best age for children to…
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How to deal with children who perform poorly at school
Undeniably, the role of parenting becomes more challenging as children grow. One of the more difficult tasks is helping your child deal with failure. Early on a Sunday morning, before…
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Poem: Incidental Love
It surprises people to know that I was quite the introvert at school. I preferred, and still prefer, my own company, although I taught myself early on to fake it…
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Anxiety
What is anxiety? Anxiety is a body’s natural response to stress. It is a deep feeling of fear, apprehension or dread for a known or unknown future. It’s normal to…
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Book review: Mornings in Jenin
It feels strange to review a 12-year-old novel, but for this, my first book review on this site, I wanted to choose a book that has a special place in…
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Title Reveal for my upcoming book
I am delighted to bring some exciting news to the fans of For My Father. (For those who are new here, For My Father was a blog novel which I…
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I work with a toxic colleague
Dear Waydi I work with a toxic colleague who, among other things, keeps harping on about the amount of good work she and her family do. Although we work together,…
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P Tracker App Review
I have been using P Tracker since September 2020 and have found that, in my humble opinion, it is the best app for tracking my monthly cycles. Read my P…
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Why starting school young may be a mistake
The most difficult part of my teaching career has, by far, been convincing parents that their ‘three-turning-four year old’ child is, in fact, not ready for formal schooling, or that…
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I heard my father calling me an embarrassment
Ask WayD is a free online advice column to help you deal with life’s problems. You will be taken seriously, not ignored or scolded or misunderstood. Dear WayD I heard…
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Family time: 10 reasons you should be having more
As a teacher, I see children from all walks of life… and I notice a thing or two about the way their upbringing affects their academic and social performance. It…
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The holistic eight
Educators are unaware of outlets and resources that exist to explore their personal and emotional needs, such as counseling services, social support groups and the variety of physical wellness options and memberships which may be available.
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Mental health Tips for Educators and Schools
The role of teachers today has expanded to include more duties than ever before. This includes the task of creating well-rounded, emotionally stable learners. Society expects teachers to parent and to teach, to discipline and to love, with little regard given to…
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Teenage mental health
Teen wellbeing is the state in which a teenager realises their true potential and is able to cope with the regular stress of life. In this state, we are able…
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Self Love
Winning blog post – SA Parenting Blog Awards 2022 – Category: Health & Wellness Self love definition Self-love is the concept of maintaining a high regard for oneself, and prioritising…
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Journaling for mental health: Fun ways to use a notebook
Journaling for mental health is very much like that diary you kept as a teenager. However, there are many other ways of expressing oneself instead of the regular Dear diary……
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Self-care in a selfless field
As an educator, you hold a ‘special’ role in society. On the one hand, you get those who love the nobility of the profession, and on the other hand you get those who love to hate it! What doesn’t show, from the outside, is how…
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Here’s why you should be journaling for mental health too!
What is journaling? – Journaling is a tool that allows one to reflect on complex thoughts and emotions while promoting a positive thought process and self-talk. It generally involves keeping a diary or journal in which you can reflect on your thoughts and feelings about the things going on around you. Journaling usually takes place at a specific time each day, unique to each individual’s lifestyle. Some find it therapeutic to journal their thoughts at bedtime, while others find that journaling on a quiet breakfast table helps them to shape their day in a more productive way. It’s up to YOU!
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Reflective journaling for teachers
The Mindfulness & Lifestyle Journal and Planner for Teachers aims to assist teachers, both newly trained and experienced, who are unprepared for the social and emotional demands of the classroom.
When used consistently, it assists teachers when dealing with conflict in the classroom, in the staffroom, as well as with school administration. Thus, it can help one feel more in control, which, in turn, leads to better job satisfaction. -
Destination Happiness
Destination Happiness is the inherent belief that happiness, success and prosperity lie beyond the here and now. It is found in the recurring pursuit of JOY which, we believe, will only come when we’ve found a good job, or when we’ve achieved a certain qualification, or when we’ve found the right partner, or when…
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6 reasons we lose our joy
What is joy? Joy is a simple, yet profound word that encompasses a feeling that is deeper than happiness and closer to contentment. It is evoked by one’s perceived wellbeing, success or good fortune and is more a state of mind than an emotion. In short, joy is a good feeling within one’s soul.
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Talk Therapy for traumatic birth experience
Different women may perceive trauma differently, however there are some known factors which may lead to birth trauma. It may occur that birth is traumatic due to the fear that you or your baby are coming to harm.
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Back to School, 2021 edition
Helpful tips for parents and teachers for Back to School 2021. Pandemic-related wellness for teachers. Teachers mental health during covid.
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Maternal wellness and late onset PND
I have covered the topic of postnatal depression many times and I have mentioned the concept of late onset PND a few times too. However, after a few queries regarding…
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Five fascinating reasons to try Talk Therapy
Five reasons talk therapy is amazing! With an open mind and heart, you can attain the tools you need to navigate life anxiety-free.
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Online therapy – How it works
With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, online options of everyday activities have become more popular. From online shopping to online therapy, it seems that life can now be lived…
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Pregnancy-related moodiness
Perinatal mental health: Moodiness
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The emotional roller coaster that is Pregnancy
Perinatal mental health: Emotions, challenges and scenarios
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The Ups and Downs of Perinatal Mental Health
In essence, roughly 30% of a baby’s most critical days for optimal development lies within the most emotionally taxing days of its mother’s life. Perinatal refers to the time during…
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6 postnatal care tips for new and experienced mums
When it comes to postnatal care, not enough can be written about it. Whether it’s from well-meaning friends and family or from online forums or podcasts, everyone has an opinion…
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Postnatal Mental and Physical Health Tracker + Podcast
Those who know me, know that I am quite vocal about mental health during the postpartum period. I draw on my own experiences and talk about it as a way…
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Parenting opportunity to teach resilience
In my first podcast episode, I discuss the many challenges that Lockdown brought and how they could be used as an opportunity to teach our children to be resilient and…
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Behavioural fatigue VS Covid regulations
Creating policies that are too strict for too long (such as Covid regulations) may result in behaviour fatigue.
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A peek into The Dunning-Kruger Effect
Learner overconfidence – When a learner really doesn’t know that she doesn’t know…
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How to be a Resilient Teacher
South Africa continues to experience a situation where a large number of qualified teachers are choosing to leave the profession… and it is not at all surprising. With class sizes rising and salary and pension expectations dropping, it is no wonder that the Rainbow Nation has found itself in such a quandary.
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Let children play; teach resilience
As the Lock Down in SA loomed near, there has been an influx of activity packs, daily lock down ‘schedules’ and online lessons for all ages offered by a variety…
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The King’s Ring
I love the message that this poem offers. Please enjoy it and create your own meaning. The King’s Ring by Theodore Tilton Once in Persia reigned a King, Who upon…
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Teachers are like candles
I wrote this poem about a lovely lady (a colleague) who, in her own quiet way, has made a tremendous impact on my life. The poem was read aloud to…
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A new year, to start all over
It’s been a little over a year since I’ve last blogged. I suppose I must have been busy last year, then. It’s what we do, us humans, isn’t it? We…
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Shout Out to Men
I’ve decided to put my Psychology qualifications to use and start up my Counselling Practice. Waheeda Joosab Mahomed Counselling Services My focus is on women who are going through women-related…
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The Sleep Sabotager
With Superhero, our nighttime routine was as predictable as clockwork. No naps after 4 pm, bath-time at 5 pm, followed by a soothing massage, a change into pyjamas, a feed,…
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On becoming a Mummy again
What Way-D says about having her second child.
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On wearing the veil
I share my views and reasons for donning full hijab.
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