We’re celebrating real-life SweetMamas! Whether she’s a famous face or the mom in your playgroup, check back weekly to discover her Sweetest Things, as well as her tips on raising them fabulous.
SweetMama We Love: Nan Forler
Hometown: Waterloo, Ontario
Mom to: Dillon and Maia
Also known as: Teacher, anti-bullying activist and author of Bird Child, published in 2009 by Tundra Books. Visit www.NanForler.com for more on this SweetMama.
SM: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I live my sweet life as a writer, an educator and a “sweet mama.” I have been writing for 15 years, but really became passionate about it when I took time off work, when my kids were small. My first published picture book, Bird Child, a book about bullying and the ability to rise above it, was released in Fall 2009. I have been thrilled with the reviews and positive response from parents and teachers. Standing up to a bully, whether a child is a victim or a bystander, takes great courage that comes from the support and guidance of adults, and this book provides a wonderful opportunity to initiate this discussion.
SM: What’s your secret to raising them fabulous?
Of course all kids are born fabulous and it’s our job to keep them that way. We try to do this with our children by grounding them in family and home life, and surrounding them in love. We have lots of family traditions and togetherness, time with extended family and long talks about life. When the outside world is harsh, our kids always know they have consistent love waiting for them at home.
SM: What’s been your biggest challenge in balancing motherhood and the other parts of yourself?
I like to work late at night when the house is quiet, but since life begins early in the morning as a mother, the sleep sacrificed for writing time is a difficult balance.
SM: Knowing what you know now, what’s the one thing you wish you could tell all new moms or moms-to-be?
It’s easy to lose yourself in the midst of being a mother. For me, writing always makes me feel like myself again. Keep something for yourself, something you do that you are passionate about and don’t feel guilty doing it. A happy mama is a great mama.
What is the one item you can’t live without for yourself?
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When I am not with my fabulous kids, I am living on my Mac laptop. Obviously, it’s a necessity as a writer, but the creative applications are also great for making powerpoints for anti-bullying presentations and for creating my website. My uber-creative kids and musician husband also love it.
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What is the one item you can’t live without for your children?
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Ontario Maple Syrup. I am a strong believer in eating local, seasonal foods. I grew up in Elmira, Ontario with a sugar bush in my backyard and my kids have inherited my love of the sweet stuff, not just for pancakes, but for savoury foods as well. We use 2-3 gallons a year!
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Are you a SweetMama we could love? Want to nominate a SweetMama you know? Email us at SMWL@sweetspot.ca