Where in the world do you live? And, are you from there?
I live in the Netherlands but I was born in Surinam.
What language(s) do you speak?
I speak Dutch, English and Surinamese and I also have a rudimentary knowledge of German and French.
When did you first become a mother?
I became a mother almost eleven years ago, when I gave birth to my son Jason.
Are you a stay-at-home mom or do you work?
I was a stay at home Mom but for the past couple of years I have been working one day a week. I still feel like a stay at home Mom, though.
Why do you blog/write?
I started to blog because I needed an outlet for my creativity and a space where I could express myself. Once I started, it became so much more: a document for my kids; a report of my journey and struggle with depression; a place to inspire and encourage others; a special spot on the internet to honor my soul and mostly a mirror in which I could see myself in a positive way.
How would you say that you are different from other mothers?
This is such a tough question to answer! I think I am different because of my background. I had some difficulties early in life that have permanently influenced my personality. I choose not to say damaged because I find, as a result, I can still grasp the concept of childhood. I still completely know what it feels like to be a child. That makes it easier to place myself in the shoes of my kids. And that is a big part of the way I parent my kids.
What do you view as the challenges of raising a child in today’s world?
It is my opinion that society nowadays encourages self-centeredness. It is all about self-fulfillment, self-development. I want to raise my children to be compassionate. I would like for their lives to be a blessing to others, that they not only live for themselves.
How did you find World Moms Blog?
I found World Moms Blog via Twitter.
This is an original interview and our second post from our new writer in the Netherlands and mother of two, Mirjam.
Welcome to World Moms Blog. Looking forward to read your posts at WMB 🙂
Do you know Jennifer Tosch? She is a blogger from Netherlands too and originally from Surinam. She had been with us to Chicago for BlogHER and one of the recipients of the International Activists Award. She operates a Black heritage Tours in Netherlands.
Thank you.
No, I don’t know Jennifer, but thank you for mentioning her to me!
Welcome Mirjam,
As a survivor of depression myself, I always get a “warm and fuzzy” feeling whenever I find a new friend who has come out the other side too!
I look forward to getting to know you better.
Love from Cape Town! xoxo
I am always happy to meet other depression survivors.
Much love back from the Netherlands! xoxo
Welcome to World Moms Blog, Mirjam! I’m so glad you are here. I can’t wait to read more of your posts. And, I so agree — life should be less about the self-centeredness and more about teaching compassion when it comes to teaching our children. Love this!
Jen 🙂
Thank you for the warm welcome, Jennifer.
I’m beginning to see that WMB is all sorts of awesome.
It is lovely to “meet” you! Welcome to the team, I look forward to following your blog, on twitter and reading your writing here on World Moms Blog.
Nice to meet you too. 🙂
Welcome in board!!!!
Thank you!
Welcome to the awesomeness of World Moms Blog!!!
You are so right. WMB is awesome!
Thanks for the warm welcome. 🙂
So glad to see you at WMB, Mirjam 🙂
Thanks, So far, I love it here!
“It is my opinion that society nowadays encourages self-centeredness. It is all about self-fulfillment, self-development. I want to raise my children to be compassionate. I would like for their lives to be a blessing to others, that they not only live for themselves.”
That resonates with me so much!! It is tough though! 🙂
Welcome to WMB – I can’t wait to read more!
Thank you.
Oh, It is really hard. But I have faith that what I put in to my children will eventually come out.
Nice meeting you!
Welkom, Mirjam! Great to see you here! Love your blog and I am glad to see another blogger from the Netherlands here! Groetjes uit Rijswijk!
Aw, thank you!
Really, Rijswijk?
That’s not far away from Rotterdam..
Aw, thank you!
Really, Rijswijk?
That’s not far away from Rotterdam..
Welcome to WMB Mirjam.
Kids learn by our example, so if we are compassionate chances are they will be too.
Wrote something about that a while back.
http://www.newdaynewlesson.com/teach-by-example/
Welcome Mirjam!