This week we caught up with stylist, blogger and busy mum-of-two, Jules Sebastian.
She enthusiastically shared those ‘starting school feelings’, juggling #mumlife and her new role as ambassador for everyone’s favourite online reading program, ABC Reading Eggs.
Tell us about where your family is right now? What’s happening? What’s dominating day-to-day life?
So my hubby Guy (Sebastian) and I have Hudson who is five and started school this year, as well as Archer who’s three. The boys are absolute bundles of energy and literally never stop! They keep going and going until bedtime especially Hudson, who was born raring to go. For a chilled-out person like me, that’s really challenging because they run rings around me.
I’m also a stylist, blogger on www.Julessebastian.com and host of online series Tea with Jules. It can feel tiring trying to juggle both work and home life, but that’s what most mums have to contend with.
You mention your son, Hudson started school. How did you feel? I know when my son started I was both nervous and excited! I’m not embarrassed to say I cried a lot!
Of course, I felt teary. I thought – oh that’s my baby! However, I was happy for him as he was so excited.
As a mum today with children of that age, everyone seems to be talking about ‘school readiness’. What’re your thoughts on this?
Hudson was four on the first day of school in February and turned five a month later. Knowing he would be one of the younger ones in the class, I really put a lot of time and thought into trying to figure out whether he was ready for big school as we wanted to make the right decision.
So I talked to a lot of friends who are teachers as well as his preschool teachers to get their opinions. I’d advise any parent who’s unsure about this issue to do the same. In the end, we went with what we felt was right as well as the advice of his teacher who said if we held Hudson back for another year he might get bored as he’s a bit of a bright spark and handles himself really well in social situations. It was the right decision as he’s done so well, and really loves going to school.
You’re currently appearing in a digital campaign for Reading Eggs, tells us about your passion for this product.
I think it’s just great for young kids as it’s a really good online program, I’m so glad I discovered it! I think as a parent technology is one of those things you have to keep an eye on, so it’s wonderful that this is something kids can do online which is also educational and helps prepare them for school and continues to help after they’ve started.
Hudson likes how the program is easy to follow and gets really chuffed about how much he can now recognise words. He’s really motivated to go through the online books and all the activities and likes the competitive nature of going up levels and getting rewards. He loves it – he thinks of it as a great game!
So, the upside to a ‘ready child’ starting school, other than peace of mind, might be a little alone time for you! What will you do once your youngest starts school as well? Any plans?
I’ll probably be able to take a nice deep breath! I’m a doer! I’m not someone who lazes around, so I expect I’ll just keep working on all my various projects. However, hopefully, I’ll be able to take a bit more “me-time” as well. If I could have a dream day, I’d go get a massage, have brunch girlfriends, watch a movie, walk in the sunshine and just chill. Who knows if that will actually happen!
You’ve got a year or so to work it out! That dream sounds good until then. Speaking of being a doer, you’re clearly super-mum! When you’re not working or parenting you’ve also got a charity. Tell us a little about that…
With our own family feel so blessed and lucky to have two beautiful healthy boys so we really wanted to create a charity which focused on families and give back to others. We support communities, groups and initiatives which benefit children and empower women whilst taking a stand against domestic violence.
For example, we’ve donated sleeper beds to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead so that families can stay together through treatment and have plans to improve several domestic violence crisis accommodation centres to make them feel more like a home.
Yep, I wasn’t kidding when I said she’s super-mum! Thanks for chatting with us today Jules and sharing your thoughts on parenting, schooling and giving back. If you’re interested in ABC Reading Eggs check out this video of Jules and her son Hudson (with a cameo from little Archer!)
More information on ABC Reading Eggs
ABC Reading Eggs makes learning to read easy and fun for young kids using a progressive sequence of interactive lessons, games and activities. The comprehensive program is designed by expert Australian educators and has been used by over 10 million children worldwide.
ABC Reading Eggs includes hundreds of one-on-one reading lessons that teach children essential early literacy skills, including phonics and sight word recognition. Parents can access detailed assessment reports to track their child’s progress and print out certificates and worksheets which complement the program. Based on scientific research and the most up-to-date learning principles, ABC Reading Eggs uses a highly motivational reward system which keeps children engaged while they learn to read. It also includes an online library of over 2500 children’s books to suit all reading levels.
Try ABC Reading Eggs for FREE and Learn to Read in 5 Weeks!
Join more than 10 million children worldwide and try ABC Reading Eggs for free. For more information click the banner below! Happy reading! 
