Name: Serap
Job Title: I’m a full time mum
What exactly is that?
I look after my 1 year old daughter, and have taken an extended break from paid work to do so.
How did you get there?
I met my husband when I was 30, we married when I was 33, and at 36 I fell pregnant. For the past 5 years I had been working as the reservations manager for our family owned property management and holiday rentals company Aphrodite Rentals, and I worked until 4 weeks before my due date.
Describe for us a typical day for you
Amber (our daughter), will wake me between 6 – 7.30 in the morning, I go to her room, get her up, change her nappy, and have a little play before putting the kettle on for tea and breakfast. I make our breakfasts, have a little play with Amber, then get her dressed. I then take her to my room, put children’s programmes on the tv, and get myself ready, while Amber entertains herself.
I find mornings are the easiest time to go out, so on Monday we go to a “Mum’s and Tots” group, on Wednesday we have a playdate with a friend and her little girl and on Fridays we go good shopping. Other days we just play in the garden or take a stroll in the pram or on Amber’s trike.
At midday I need to start thinking about preparing lunch, which is usually at 12.30. Between 1 – 2.30 Amber is usually ready for a nap. This depends on any naps taken in the morning, and on last night’s sleep. She usually sleeps for 2 or 2 1/2 hours. During this time I have my lunch, if I have not eaten with Amber, then do some chores – usually washing or ironing. I clear away the toys from the morning’s play, have a cup of tea and reply to messages (this is when I’m filling this form in!). Once or twice a week I’ll swim in our pool. Amber will wake between 3 and 4.30, and we usually play indoors, but sometimes take a short walk to the local park. I start preparing her dinner around 5, as Amber eats between 5.30 – 6. After dinner there a bit more play time until her bath at 7, which her dad usually does. Then it’s story and milk and I put Amber to bed at 8.
What’s the best thing about what you do?
Watching Amber grow. She learns new things all the time and it’s incredible to see. She’s also a lot of fun, and a very loving child, so I get lots of cuddles!
What’s the one thing you would change if you could?
It can be lonely being with a small child all day, so I would want to live closer to my family so that I’d have more adult company in the day.
What did you want to do for a living when you were at school?
I wanted to be an educational psychologist.
Tell us about something you were insecure about when you were at school
I often felt like I didn’t fit in at school, that I was different from the other girls due to my family’s situation. I had some counselling when I was in my 20’s to deal with the ongoing issues from this, and that really helped. I now have my own family and home, which I enjoy very much.
What advice would you give yourself at 18 if you could?
To not worry about what anyone else thinks – to do what makes you happy.
What’s your favourite thing to do in your pare time?
Read books, watch films, catch up with friends.
What’s the title of the last book you read?
I’ve recently finished On Chesil Beach, and am now reading A God in Ruins
Please share with us one beauty tip
Don’t over pluck your eyebrows!! I have ruined mine forever – it’s my only regret in life!
Share with us one money tip you have learned
Just to live within your means. Don’t worry about going for a nicer car or bigger house if it means going without in the shorter term. You live in the shorter term, and having money for holidays and handbags is important!
Please share a life lesson with us
To love yourself. All of yourself. Even the not-so-good bits. Love those bits, because they make you who you are.
Tell us about your favourite recent purchase of £25 or under
Those plastic spiral hairbands. They really don’t leave a dent in my hair, and hold it so much better.
Where can people find you online for more details?
Email serap_osman@hotmail.com
and our website aphroditerentals.com.
