A famous quote reads “The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to your children”.
Tanya Clark Tiziani, model and mom of two
What does motherhood mean to you?
Motherhood is a life-changing experience – from birth to the teens. The realisation that you are impacting and shaping the life of another person through your own life certainly changes the way you look at things. I absolutely love being a mum.
What is the best lesson becoming a mom has taught you?
That there’s no rule book for parenting; you should never measure yourself against other parents or your kids against their peers.
What did your own mother teach you about life?
My grandmother always told me that independence is key; once achieved, it can never be taken away from you.
What would you like to teach your children about getting ahead in life?
Like my grandmother, I agree that achieving independence is the key to a successful life.
Tell us what your perfect Mother’s Day gift would be?
Pamper hampers are a mum’s best friend – especially those that include a great hand or body cream, or a new hair product. Gifts that are simple and practical are winners in my book, rather than those that are too fancy.
Jo-Ann Strauss, businesswoman and mom of three
What does motherhood mean to you?
Motherhood is the greatest gift and shouldn’t be taken for granted. I say this because not everyone is able to have kids. It is the biggest blessing, but a huge responsibility. And it’s an eye-opener for parents in terms of what they want to do and be; ideally someone their kids can be proud of. It has changed me hugely, in a paradigmatic, seismic kind of way. Society doesn’t value motherhood – or fatherhood – anywhere near enough.
Do you think parenting boys and girls differs
I’m not keen on parenting in a way that differentiates between gender. Girls and boys should not, in my opinion, be raised differently from each other or only have access to the traditional toys designed for their own gender. Both should, instead, have access to the full spectrum of toys, and be permitted to be creative in their play. So if my daughter wants to go to school dressed as a fireman and my son wishes to wear a skirt, I would encourage that. Adults tend to enforce their opinions on their kids, instead of engaging with them and asking them questions about their play.
What has motherhood taught you?
Time is the most finite resource we have, and I’ve become highly protective of how I spend mine. My kids have taught me time management in a way that only three kids under age four can do!
What did your own mother teach you about life?
“Don’t just be yourself, be your best self.”
What is your perfect Mother’s Day gift?
I try to teach my kids that it’s better to gather experiences rather than things. So for Mothers’ Day, I’d love to get a group of hard-working girlfriends together for a treat at a Sorbet salon. Or, we could even gather at one of our homes and do each other’s manis and pedis using at home.
Devi Sankaree Govender, investigative journalist and mom of two
What does motherhood mean to you?
Without an ounce of doubt, this is the toughest assignment I’ve ever looked straight in the eye and still taken on. Yet, it is also the most inspirational mission of my life. My daughter and son – Kaiyuree and Sayuran – have altered my DNA for the better. There is this theory that children choose their parents for lessons their souls still have to learn. I’m thrilled they chose me and, while it’s a lot of pressure (they do sometimes drive me crazy), I’m devoted to being their mum. I am a lioness but I avoid over-protection and rather have them learn from their missteps. I’m there for support – lots of hugs, kisses and soul food.
Do you think parenting boys and girls differs?
My daughter is a ranked SA golfer and my son has found his groove in public speaking and debating. Just from these choices, you can see that stereotypes aren’t paramount in our home. So, yes, we go for personality and interest.
What is the best lesson that becoming a mom has taught you?
My kids have taught me to love unconditionally. I know this sounds like your typical answer, but when my daughter had colic for the first three months of her life, over the time that my husband and I were completing our MBAs, it hit me that I just couldn’t hand her over to somebody else. We had to make a plan. Children (and parents!) grow together. There is no plan B. We are the only plan and, daily, we must work through our niggles. We actually have a motto in our home: “We are an extraordinary family of unique people making exceptional contributions to society.”
What did your own mother teach you about life?
My mum, Moganagie Govender, has quite a few favourite lines, such as, “You will learn to cook when you are hungry.” However, she didn’t encourage my sister and I to cook when we were at school and, instead, said: “Study, study, study … nobody can take your education away [from you].” My other “mum favourite” is: “Earn your own money and put it in your own bank account so that you don’t ever have to be reliant on anybody else.”
What would you teach your children about life?
“Learn for life.” It basically means don’t mindlessly stuff information into your head so you can senselessly recall it for an exam. Rather, absorb every experience as a learning opportunity – make information come alive. That way, you won’t have to memorise anything. If you understand something practically, you are already learning for life.
What is your perfect Mother’s Day gift?
A voucher! It might seem boring, but I love make-up and beauty products and most importantly, I love making my own choices!
Minki van der Westhuizen, model & TV host and mom of three
What does motherhood mean to you?
It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever done; the hardest, but also the most rewarding. I can honestly say I’m in the best season of my life, while my daughters are young and with me all the time. Being a mom has made everything come together for me.
What is the best lesson that becoming a mom has taught you?
That life is a balancing act. And it has taught me to be present. I’ve learned to be more patient and simply to focus on them 100 percent. Moms who have flexi-time in their work, as I do, have the ideal situation. I’m so grateful for all the time I get to spend with my daughters.
What did your own mother teach you about life?
I grew up in a loving home; my brother and I were my mom’s main focus. But she taught me not to neglect your partner, which is a piece of advice I’ve taken to heart. My parents are real role models – they’ve been married for 37 years. So, while it’s difficult with the demands of kids, and especially a baby – you will be tired and get irritated – it’s important to take the time and make the effort to let your husband feel special. I treasure this advice from my mom; that your central relationship deserves work and attention.
What would you like to teach your girls about life?
To be independent and self-sufficient. Children do well when you give them the right tools. I’d like my daughters to be streetwise, but also to have a solid relationship with God.
What is your perfect Mother’s Day gift?
I’d love a new fragrance for Mother’s Day. This is something that’s guaranteed to make any hard-working mom feel special.