Our Lagosmums mum of the month is Osezusi Bolodeoku. Mum to three lovely children, a wife, the CEO of FOS Creative Arts (an inclusive centre that provides support for families and children with special needs), an Educator, a Special needs expert, a Behaviour Analyst, and a Cognitive and Autism specialist.
Please tell us about yourself?
I am Osezusi. My name means “God has brought us light.” I believe that I’m a true reflection of the meaning of my name. I am an honest, open person whose values are embedded in integrity, excellence and empathy.
As a creative enthusiast, I have been told I have a unique sense of fashion – truth is, when it comes to fashion, I really just go with the flow or how I feel at the time.
Often, I liken myself to be philosophical doubts personified. Philosophical doubt is a principle of ABA which says a behaviour analyst must always question and research. I am always in questioning and research mode.
Possibilities are all I see in all situations because of my positive-mindedness.
I am grateful to have discovered my purpose in life and boy, am I walking in my purpose!
Possibilities are all I see in all situations because of my positive-mindedness. Click To TweetCan you share more on all the hats you wear?
Oh well, I wear so many different hats. I am a mum to 3 lovely kids, a wifey, and Lady Light to ALL the children at FOS Creative HUB.
As a professional, I’m an educator (aka Teacher), a special needs expert, a behaviour analyst, a cognitive specialist, an autism specialist.
Share one unexpected thing about you?
I am such an ‘efiko’ (bookworm)
Tell us about your beautiful family.
We are a family of 5: hubby and I have 3 kids.
Twins who are almost 9 years old (boy and girl) and a 4-year-old chairman.
How did you meet your husband and how long have you been married?
I met him the first day I resumed work in the bank after training school and we have been married since 2010.
Do you and your spouse have the same parenting style?
Initially not really. But now he has come to trust my parenting style. So yes.
Can you tell us one of the funniest things your child has done?
These kids do so many funny things on a daily basis.
What do you love the most about your work and all the many expressions of your purpose and passion?
There are not enough words to express how much I love my work. I love how it affords me the opportunity to have an impact on the destinies of the kids I work with.
Share with us what you love most about your work at FOS Creative Arts?
Every morning I look forward to seeing and working with the Lights (kids) at the ABA Centre. One of my favourite things about ABA is how personalized/individualized the treatment is that it affords us the flexibility to tailor each child’s goals to suit their needs. This makes goals more achievable for our Lights so much so that we sometimes have to watch previous videos to remember how far our Lights have come.
Seeing their efforts and achievements is fulfilling.
Can you share how the pandemic has affected you either professionally or personally? What is your one takeaway?
One thing the pandemic taught me is to make each day count, tomorrow is not promised.
How important is a support system for a mum? Who is in your tribe and what kind of support do you have?
I am glad to have some solid support system from my spouse to my domestic staff to the digital village of which LagosMums is a part of the support system.
I am glad to have some solid support system from my spouse to my domestic staff to the digital village of which LagosMums is a part of the support system. Click To TweetWhat are some ways that children and parenting are different from when you were growing up and now?
The world has evolved in so many ways. The amount of exposure at our children’s fingertips is alarming compared to when I was growing up.
Parents then were more authoritarian. This parenting style will not work for most kids today as kids these days would not just cower in fear if told not to do certain things, rather their curiosity will have them investigating for themselves.
It is a totally different ballgame now
How are you raising your children to be ready for an ever-changing world?
We have an open line of communication in our home. My kids are well aware that we are there for them. This makes it easy to discuss everything and anything.
It is an “All for one, one for All” kind of home.
When my kids are curious, which they often are, they bring their questions to me.
Sometimes we role-play: they book an appointment with Lady Light (not mummy) to talk about issues of concern.
The world has evolved in so many ways. The amount of exposure at our children’s fingertips is alarming compared to when I was growing up. Click To TweetHow do you balance work and parenting? Is it possible to achieve this?
I try to be intentionally present in my children’s lives. I do school runs which is a great time for me to instil values and have a feel of their day at school. At times when I cannot be there, I am thankful to have a support system I can always rely on.
What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
The love of Christ. If I being human, love my children this much, it leaves me in awe of how our heavenly father loves us.
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?
I read.
I read feel-good books (fiction). The world is hard as it is.????
I find research quite relaxing and informative as well.
Can you tell us how you stay stylish and your beauty routine?
Oh, thank you…
My style is innate. I go with how I feel. As for my beauty routine, I really don’t have any. I just would never go to bed with makeup on and I guess I drink water and mind my business.????
What do you love about LagosMums?
I have always been a fan of LagosMums. Love the premium content you provide us.
I have always been a fan of LagosMums. Love the premium content you provide us Click To TweetTrivia
○ N1 Million or more sleep?
N1 Million please
○ Would you prefer to go on a shopping spree or an all-expense-paid trip to your dream destination?
Shopping o????
○ Homeschooling or traditional school
Traditional school
○ A spa day or Eat out?
A spa day
It was so lovely learning more from our mum of the month, Osezusi Bolodeoku. Thank you for sharing with us. You can connect with Osezusi Bolodeoku here.
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