LagosMums Mum of the Month- Dawn Immanuel

Our Lagosmums mum of the month is Dawn Immanuel. Mum of one, Wife, Writer, Award-winning Editor, Caoch and Author.

Please tell us about yourself.

My name is Dawn, and I’m a mum to a 16-month-old boy.

Can you share more on all the hats you wear?

Mom, wife, editor, writer, troublemaker.

Share one unexpected thing about you.

I sing pretty well. I’m even planning to release some music next year. You heard it here first.

How did you meet your husband and how long have you been married?

I met my husband on social media and through a mutual friend of ours, and we’ve been married for three years.

Do you and your spouse have the same parenting style?

Yes, we do. It’s one of the things we discussed before we decided to start having kids. I didn’t want a situation where one person was doing one thing, while the other was doing something else.

Can you tell us one of the funniest things your child has done?

My son is still learning to talk, so we’re still waiting on that.

What are some ways children & parenting are different from when you were growing up?

I’ll say that children these days are allowed more room to express themselves and have a personality. Parents—fathers, especially—are a lot more interested in being supportive and present.

How are you raising your child to be ready for an ever-changing world?

Honestly, we’re just training him to have a mind of his own, whilst still being open to change or moving with the times. We’re instilling proper values in him, so that even when the world changes, for the better or for the worse, he’d retain his essence.

What do you love the most about all the many expressions of
your purpose/passion?

My purpose is Christ, and what I love the most about that is that I get to serve him with my life. It’s such a great privilege. For my career, I really like that I get to be a part of the process of sharing stories with the world.

What inspired you to start Writing, Editing and Coaching other writers/authors?

The TEDx answer is that I had a talent, and I simply gave it expression. But lowkey, I just didn’t like reading a book and seeing errors in it, or how it could have been written better. I wanted to be one of those who got to shape the story with the writer.

Share what you love most about your work.

The feedback after the job is done. The gratitude from the author for living up to (and even surpassing) expectations. That is hands down the most rewarding part.

How important is a support system for a mum? Who is in your tribe and what kind of your support do you have?

Oh boy, I cannot stress this enough. Parents, especially those with a new baby, need A LOT of support! It makes the journey so much easier when there are people to stand by you and help you. I’m grateful to have been blessed with people who supported me during my pregnancy, by not overloading me with information; not putting fear in me. Even now, with a 16-month-old, these people still support me with physical help, funds, kind words, and keeping in touch. Every parent needs a solid support system.

How do you balance work and parenting? Is it possible to achieve this?

It is possible to balance working and parenting. Tasking, but possible. I try to fully show up when I should, to what I should per time. For example, when I’m with my family, I focus on that. I make sure that I am present, and not working on the side. When I’m working, I immerse myself in it. I have to say, though, that having support makes it much easier to find this balance.

What has motherhood taught you about yourself?

Motherhood has taught me that I’m a very patient person. I used to think I wasn’t, but when you have a child who insists on doing the direct opposite of what you’ve told them 100 times, it unleashes something in you. Especially if you’ve decided against the physical discipline route.

What is one motherhood myth, you would like to burst?

“Motherhood will be the happiest season of your life.” This is a huge lie. While there are joys to be found in it, there are times, many times, when you will feel like running away and just leaving everything behind. Being a parent is already not easy, now imagine how much is required of a mother. Understanding that it won’t always be cuddles and kisses will help expectations and preparation.

Use one word to describe one thing that should not be missing from every home.

Love.

Share one self-care tip. How do you relax and spend time on yourself?

Apart from pretending to use the toilet just so that, I can have some alone time????? Okay, seriously, I go on a drive with my husband—grocery shopping or just a random drive to nowhere in particular.

Can you tell us how you stay stylish and your beauty routine?

Not gonna lie, I don’t have any beauty routine per se. Water, sunblock, moisturiser, eating healthy—that’s about it. About staying stylish, it helps to have a monthly budget for clothes and all that stuff.

What do you love about LagosMums?

I love this spotlight on mums. I really do. It makes us feel like superstars; I’m sure the other mummies will agree.

#Mumgoals Trivia

○ N1 Million or more sleep?

The money, without even thinking too much.

○ Would you prefer to go on a shopping spree or an all-expense-paid trip to your dream destination?

Shopping, shopping, shopping!

○ Homeschooling or traditional school.

Homeschooling.

○ A spa day or Eat out?

Eat out. I like food. ????

It was lovely learning more from our mum of the month, Dawn Immanuel. Thank you for sharing with us. You can connect with Dawn Immanuel here.