Smooth sailing back to school
Did you enjoy going to school as a child?
Oh yes, I loved school! It was my first real taste of interacting as an adult, actively engaging with the community and building relationships. I discovered so many new feelings and began to explore myself as a person. It was a fun time of self-discovery, and growth and friendship!
What year is your eldest daughter in? And how wereare you preparing for the new school year?
She is studying in the American system and has just started 4th grade. I believe the best way to prepare for the new school year is to make the most of the summer holidays. We spent quality time together, catching up with friends and having fun. My daughter went to camp, which was a fantastic experience, and we also joined our very own Wigiwama Summer Reading Club (editor’s note – this summer Wigiwama has launched a special campaign to inspire kids to read more and give their parents some well-deserved me-time).
Does your family have any special traditions to celebrate the start of school?
My daughter goes to school in Portugal and usually we don't have any special celebrations for the new school year. However, we are planning to make the first day of school special in our own way. After her first day back, we're going to meet up with her best friend, whom she hasn't seen for a while, and we're going to take a relaxing walk together. I think it's a simple but meaningful way to mark the start of a new school year.
What advice would you give other parents about preparing their children for the new school year?
I think it depends on the child and their age. I try to instill a love of new knowledge and curiosity in my children. Other than that, we enjoy little girly pleasures together, like picking out a new backpack that my daughter is excited about and choosing all the cute stationery. It's all about creating positive associations with school and fostering a love of learning.
It's not easy to combine business with small children. What keeps you strong and motivated to keep going?
I am very motivated by my husband's example of perseverance and desire to move forward. Basically, that's enough.