As I type this, it is -34 degrees celsius, but with the windchill it feels like -44 here in Edmonton, Alberta! Yikes! Needless to say, our province is under an extreme cold warning and we are being told to stay indoors as much as we can. Now, usually this is the time of year that […] Read more…
Tips to help your children become more independent in the kitchen
I remember visiting my daughter’s preschool class a few years ago and being shocked at seeing children using tongs to put fruit into their plates and pouring their own milk from a jug into their cups. I certainly wasn’t allowing my then three and a half year old daughter to do that at home! That […] Read more…
How to help your child learn a new skill independently
I recently shared a photo on social media of my daughter holding my niece and the response was incredible! Why? Because they were both wearing matching hats that were knitted by my daughter herself. In the caption, I mentioned how I felt nervous when my daughter told me that she wanted to learn how to […] Read more…
10 Back to school lunch tips that will make your life easier!
The kids have been back in school for about a month now, and since then I have been trying to figure out a way to make my mornings easier, especially when it comes to putting their school lunches together. I’m sharing what has been working for our family and all the school lunch tips that […] Read more…
6 Week Self-Development Course, SIGN UP NOW!
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here and that you want to take the first step towards building and living a better, more fulfilling life for yourself! Read more…
Eid Open House Tips
Thinking of hosting an Eid Open House this year? Here are 5 tips to make it easier for you! Read more…
There is beauty in our struggles
Ramadan Real Talk- The first week of Ramadan was incredible; I didn’t feel hungry nor thirsty, I was reading a chapter of the Quran a day, I wasn’t rushing through my prayers, I had energy to fulfil my children’s needs, and I was able to keep up with the chores and errands with ease. Needless […] Read more…
Ramadan Preparation
Ramadan is just around the corner and I haven’t decorated our home yet, nor have I prepped any meals. But, you know what? I’m okay with this! Read more…
Ramadan Acts of Kindess
Kindness and community involvement are two things we should practice year-round, but with Ramadan just around the corner, let’s make more of an effort to up our game in these areas! Today, I’m sharing 10 ways you and your family can practice acts of kindness this Ramadan and ways you can get involved in your […] Read more…
Selective Mutism in Children
“Why is she just standing there by herself and not talking to anyone else, that’s so rude of her!” “She doesn’t even acknowledge us, how rude!” “It’s a part of our culture and religion to say salaam, she’s not a good Muslim because she doesn’t even do that! This is so disrespectful and rude!” “You […] Read more…
What NOT to say to someone who has anxiety
Anxiety is a disorder that many individual suffer from on a regular basis. Being aware of what anxiety is, and gaining knowledge of this disorder, helps others interact with those suffering from anxiety in a way that makes them feel understood and supported. With that said, I have compiled a list of phrases and statements […] Read more…
12 Tips on Hosting a Children’s Halaqa
Halaqa’s are a great way to bring children together and for them to increase their love and knowledge of Islam! Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know to host your own children’s halaqa! Read more…
10 Productivity Tips for Mothers
I hear from women all the time that they wish they were more productive, that they were more organized, had more time in the day, and that they wish they could focus on projects and hobbies without getting distracted by their children. So, if you are one of these mothers, then you, my mama […] Read more…
15 Different fun and easy ways to teach children about Hajj
My children are 2, 6, 8, and 11 years old, so one of my challenges as a parent is figuring how to teach each of my children about Islam so that it’s easy and fun for them! When it came time to teach my children about Hajj, I wanted them to enjoy the learning process, […] Read more…
This was me 10 years ago
2009 was the year I graduated from university, a moment I never thought would happen. Read more…
A Dua Come True
I recently had a dua come true in the most unexpected and sudden way that it blew my mind. In fact, I still can’t believe it happened! Read more…
My Journey To Better Physical and Emotional Health
Sometimes, the BEST things for us in life are the HARDEST to do, and cause us discomfort and pain while we do them, but we NEED to do them regardless. Since September, I have been focusing on my physical and emotional health and I have to say that focusing on these two aspects of my […] Read more…
Diastasis Recti- What you need to know about it
A couple of months ago, I wrote about how I found out I had diastasis recti (DR), since then I have received so many questions about this condition. So today, I’m answering the most frequently asked questions about diastasis recti and I’m also sharing what I learned so far in my journey to getting fit. […] Read more…
Stop telling others they need patience, when what they really need is STRENGTH
“Just have sabr (patience), things will change eventually on their own.” This is a sentence I have heard so many times, and in some cases hearing these words helps, BUT in other cases it simply makes a situation WORSE. Read more…
Why Does a Gender Pay Gap in Canada Still Exist?
It was the near end of my Sociology class and the very last assignment for the semester was going to be handed out; little did I know that this assignment would lead me to a dose of harsh reality of a gender pay gap that existed amongst Canadians. Read more…
No, I’m not pregnant, I have DIASTASIS RECTI!
Do you have a noticeable mummy tummy that stands out? Do people often stop you to ask if you are pregnant when you really aren’t, and in fact, you had your baby months and even years ago? Well, you could have diastasis recti and not even know it! Here’s my story of how I found […] Read more…
10 tips on how to help children with back to school anxiety
I still remember hearing my son’s teacher tell me he was having a tough time adjusting to his environment at school and that he may have anxiety- my heart sank. A future therapy session confirmed that my son did indeed have anxiety- my heart sank further. Read more…
Easy and Inexpensive Backyard Privacy Screen
I built this privacy screen for my deck, it was really easy to put together, each panel cost less than $20 to make, and it took me less than 10 minutes to build! Read more…
Creating a backyard oasis on a BUDGET
My summer project this year was to create a backyard oasis on a budget; I’m so happy to say that not only did I come under budget, but I’m very pleased with how the entire space turned out! Read more…
The one thing I did that increased my productivity and made my kids less cranky
A few years ago, I did one thing that increased my productivity and made my kids less cranky and get along with each other more. This one thing took me just a few minutes to do and was FREE, yet the payoff was immense. Curious to know what this one thing is? Keep reading to […] Read more…
What Anxiety Feels Like for Children and Teenagers
Ever wonder what anxiety feels like for a child and teenager? I’m sharing my experience with this disorder to give you an idea of what growing up with anxiety felt like for me. Read more…
A New Beginning
It’s official, I have moved to SumairaZ.com! Some of you have already noticed the change in my usernames on social media and I have been receiving many questions about about why I made this move. Read more…
30 LIFE LESSONS I HAVE LEARNED IN MY 30’S
I’m a few years into my 30’s now, and I can wholeheartedly say that I have never loved myself more! Read more…
Why you should NOT tell a mother she’s too blessed to be stressed
Does this sound familiar? A mother tells her friend about how difficult her week has been with her one month old colicky baby keeping her up all night and her toddler throwing massive tantrums for what feels like all day long. The mother’s friend speaks up and says, “You shouldn’t be complaining, there are so […] Read more…
Do Women Lose Themselves In Motherhood?
Do women lose themselves once they become mothers? Read more…
Why Self Love and Self Care Are Important For Mothers
I have to admit, the last few months were quite tough for me- an exhausted mama of four who hasn’t slept well since the birth of my now 18 month old baby- so, it was time to refocus and build myself up again! Read more…
The Winter Blues and Motherhood
As the colder weather rolls in, I start to remember the lonely winter days being spent in isolation. Those days, there I was- Trapped. Alone. Miserable. Read more…
Don’t Compare Me To Your Mother
There are many things that set me off, and this particular sentence is one of them- Read more…
10 Things NOT To Say To A Mother
There are many things you shouldn’t say to a mother, for instance things that are rude, insensitive, or just plain ANNOYING! Read more…
12 Reasons Why A Mom Could Be Running Late
Before having children, my definition of being on time meant arriving at my destination 10 minutes early. Of course, after having children, that all changed! Read more…
Dear New Mothers, It Does NOT Get Easier!
Dear new mothers, I’m sorry to tell you that it does NOT get easier. As a new mother, you may hear people telling you that it WILL get easier, but I’m here to tell you that people are lying, and things may actually get worse. But don’t worry, there […] Read more…
The Negative Things I Hear As A Breastfeeding Mother
Often times, you hear about how mothers are not supported for their decision to feed their babies formula, however, I find that I’m not supported enough as a breastfeeding mother. Read more…
I’m a Mom Who Hates Cooking & Baking
Once upon a time, I loved cooking, baking, and experimenting with recipes in the kitchen…. Read more…
3 Before 30 – Having Three Children Before The Age Of 30
I had my first daughter at the age of 22, and let me tell ya, I didn’t think I was “ready” to be a mother back then… Right when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, I was a university student with half of my degree yet to complete, my husband had not […] Read more…
My Miscarriage Part 2
*Part 1 of ‘My Miscarriage’ can be read here It’s Happening That night, I went to the bathroom and noticed blood…and that’s when I knew it was happening. Read more…
Talking To Our Daughters About Anti-Bullying and Self Confidence
I wanted to talk to my seven year old daughter about bullying (like I do every year), but this time I wanted to invite other girls her age to join in on the conversation. Read more…
I hope you have a BOY!
“I hope you have a BOY,” is a phrase I heard too many times during my pregnancies. I mean…really? Read more…
The Baby Blues & Postpartum Depression
It’s important to distinguish between the baby blues and postpartum depression. Read more…
My (Un) Planned Pregnancy Pt.3
My (Un)Planned Pregnancy Part 1 My (Un)Planned Pregnancy Part 2 Within no time, the nurse arrived by my bedside and held my hand. With every contraction I felt extreme pain and fear – this was by far my most scariest moment in life! Read more…
My (Un) Planned Pregnancy Pt.1
When I first found out I was pregnant with my first child, I was in shock! My husband and I were not ready to become parents at all, for we were still in the process of pursuing our own goals and dreams. Read more…
That Second Pregnancy Guilt
When I was pregnant with my second child, I was overwhelmed with an extreme sense of guilt… I couldn’t help it but feel guilty for not spending enough time with my first child, for I was on bed rest for 7 weeks due to unexpected complications… Read more…
I Lied To My Therapist – Postpartum Depression & The Baby Blues
As I held my newborn daughter in my arms, I realized my life was exactly as I envisioned it to be – it was perfect! I was healthy, I had a supportive husband, amazing family and friends, living in a beautiful home, and a promising career ahead of me. But most importantly, I had just […] Read more…
How I was able to potty train my child in one day!
I was SHOCKED when my toddler was potty trained in one day, for it had never taken this short amount of time with my other three children! In fact, with my other children, the whole potty training process was a stressful one and took at least a week. However this time around, I had done […] Read more…
10 things I wish I had known before I started potty training my child
I have four children and they were all potty trained at different ages, ranging from 2 years old to 3.5 years old. The experiences of potty training each child were completely different, but there are a few things I wish I had known before I began potty training them all. Read to the end […] Read more…
Why I didn’t get help for my mental health as a mother
I became a mother 12 years ago and since then my motherhood days have consisted of so many emotions, hardships, beautiful memories, and tears (of sadness, frustration, and happiness)! My mental health during pregnancy My body has grown during each pregnancy to accommodate the tiny beings inside of me, my hips grew wider, and […] Read more…
5 Things I’m doing for my mental health this summer as a mom
As a mom, I know how my summers can be all about my children, so much so, that it can be easy to forget about myself! I’m usually in the kitchen at least 25 times a day giving the kids snacks, cooking for them and constantly cleaning up after them. Not to mention, so much […] Read more…