Where in the world do you live? And, are you from there?
I was born in South Africa and started earning Frequent Flyer miles at a very young age due to the international nature of my Dad’s job. My childhood homes included Connecticut and Milan, Italy (this was when I was too young to appreciate the art of fashion shopping). As an adult, I mostly lived in South Africa, but also had a wonderful experiment with life in Israel. I moved to Toronto, Canada in 2000, and finally started growing roots.

What languages do you speak?
My native tongue is English, and although I tell people I can also speak Afrikaans, that skill is rustier than the old bicycle leaning up behind my garden shed. I can swear in seven languages, but that probably doesn’t count as fluency.

When did you first become a mother?
My older son was born in September 2003, so almost eight years ago! My younger son will be six on Christmas Day. I was 33 when my first child was born.

Are you a stay-at-home mom or do you work?
All moms work! In answer to the question, I do have a job outside the home. I love having a job that takes me away from home, but I wish my commute wasn’t so long!

Why do you blog/write?
It’s a wonderful form of expression. I suffer from social anxiety and find it very difficult to talk to people, and writing gives me a voice. Plus, it’s a great creative outlet to paint pictures with words!

How would you say that you are different from other moms?
I believe that all moms are different in their own special way. One thing that defines me, though, is my role as a special needs parent. I view both of my kids as having special needs: my older son because of his autism, and my younger son because of his role as brother to a child with autism. Balancing the needs of my two children can be quite a juggling act, and there are times when I have to make one child sad so the other can be happy. I think having children later in life has benefited me, because I am more patient than I was when I was younger. And patience is essential in a special needs family.

What do you view as the challenges of raising a child in today’s world?
I worry about the greed and selfishness that seems to permeate society, and I want to raise my boys to be individuals who care for and respect their fellow human beings. I want them to grow up knowing that you don’t have to be ruthless and aggressive in order to succeed.

I worry about the prevalence of video games and computers. I do not want my kids to fall into an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle, and hope that they will pick up on my love of running and lead an active lifestyle. Early signs are promising:  both boys love the outdoors.

For my older son, I worry about whether he will get the opportunities he deserves as he grows up, in spite of his challenges. I want him to grow up knowing that he is a valuable part of society with a lot to offer.

How did you find World Moms Blog?
I stumbled upon one of the original posts, checked out the site, and then emailed the founder and kind of butted my way into the list of writers.

What do you like best about writing for World Moms Blog?
I love reading posts from moms all over world, learning about how things are done in different places and different cultures. It is interesting and entertaining, and I even get some great ideas to try out on my own family! The writers here are all unique in their own way, but share the special bond of motherhood. And another great thing is that being a part of it has led to the formation of some new friendships!

Kirsten Doyle (Canada)

Kirsten Doyle was born in South Africa. After completing university, she drifted for a while and finally washed up in Canada in 2000. She is Mom to two boys who have reached the stage of eating everything in sight (but still remaining skinny). Kirsten was a computer programmer for a while before migrating into I.T. project management. Eventually she tossed in the corporate life entirely in order to be a self-employed writer and editor. She is now living her best life writing about mental health and addictions, and posting videos to two YouTube channels. When Kirsten is not wrestling with her kids or writing up a storm, she can be seen on Toronto's streets putting many miles onto her running shoes. Every year, she runs a half-marathon to benefit children with autism, inspired by her older son who lives life on the autism spectrum. Final piece of information: Kirsten is lucky enough to be married to the funniest guy in the world. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to check out her YouTube channels at My Gen X Life and Word Salad With Coffee!

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