Bed time for Kids

Back in India it is very common for kids to go to bed at the same time as parents and can be anywhere between 9-11pm. When Ronen was born he didn't have any set pattern waking up as he pleased, having a nap when he felt like (or when I felt like). Even when we came to Australia we were still living in India time. Ronen and I would go for walks at around 6.30pm and I found it a bit weird that there were no children in the park at that time. 

It took me almost a year to figure out that things need to change. Even though I was not working we put Ronen into daycare 2 days a week. This helped him get some social exposure and gave me some free time too. He loved going to daycare. (Daycare also helps in building up kids immune system). Once back from daycare Ronen would be hyperactive as he would have had his 1.5 - 2 hr nap there in the afternoon and he wouldn't hit bed till about 10.30. That is when I realised I had to shift him to Aussie way of living for his and my peace of mind. 

First step was to cut off the afternoon nap (Ronen's nap time was cut at 1.5 years) and keep him busy through the day. The days that Ronen was home with me were planned out in a way that there was always something for us to do in the mornings. We would have our playgroup or library or swimming or playground. Lunch would be around 12 followed by afternoon tea at around 2.30pm, Bath at 4.30 - 5pm followed by dinner and then bedtime at 6.45 - 7pm. 

We also have made it a habit to read in bed before sleep and it is a habit till today. Ronen wont sleep without a story (though the book has been replaced by youtube on certain days now). 

We still havent been able to make the change with our dinner time but it gives me PLENTY of time to myself before I hit the bed. That is also a time in which I dont have to do anything as dinner is ready, kid is in bed, R is at work and I am the queen of the castle. It feels good even to wake up early and start the day.

My advise to all desi mums is to make this change as early as you can and you will have a much happier and stress free time for yourself.

Public Libraries

One of the best amenities in Australia is a Public Library. Every suburb has their own Library and it works very closely with the community.

This is a first place a person must go to when they land in Australia. They have information about everything and anything. Bus Routes, Local Community Events, Kids Hours, Day Care Centers and anything you will need assistance with. They also run English speaking classes which are a real help for someone who is not too comfortable with the language. I have seen many Indian parents attend these sessions.

There are also

They also have unlimited access to the newspapers around the country and you can book a time for free internet time. Most of the libraries now have  a WiFi hotspot and people usually take their notepads and laptops and access the internet. 

You can access the database of books online and can also request them to purchase a book if it is not in the system. The staff are usually very polite and patient and they are more than happy to show you around. 

There is a mobile library for people who cant go to the library and for the old and frail who still love to read there is Home Delivery Service available too. 

All the libraries have a very cool decor. The kids love their section and there is lots to do. The best thing is that they don't mind kids making a bit of noise in their section. Mums can relax with a book or magazine and a cup of coffee while kids have a great time looking at their books. 

Most of the libraries also have a Toy Library which is great to introduce kids to. They learn to share and exchange their toys and they get to play with new toys every couple of weeks. 

Every member can borrow upto 35 items of books, CDs, DVDs, magazines. 

Its one of the best places to be, so pack your kids and visit the local library for a great day out.

Why this blog??

Ever since we moved to Australia I have learned something new every day and am still going strong. Especially being a mum teaches you so many things all the time. 

Through this blog I want to give an insight into my parenting style, whats happening around me, what are other parents upto, what are kids doing these days, what are they playing with - basically it will be a rundown of my mind. 

It will also document a few learnings I gained when I came to Australia and it will help mums who have recently moved here to pick up a few pointers.