Ever wondered about the people behind the scenes at North Shore Mums? Well, wonder no more! We’re bringing you a series that profiles each of the moderators, some of whom you may know, others who you have yet to get to know! So welcome to Meet the Team, where you can find out a little about some of the amazing people who help to keep the online community working smoothly. Meet lovely moderator Laura Matrljan from Asquith.
Tell us a little bit about yourself… I am 34 with two kids, Luka 6, and Rocco 4. I love to sew, eat, drink and watch reality TV. Sometimes I can do all four of those at once!
How long have you been an NSM moderator? I think three years? I’ve lost track. It’s been a while and a few grey hairs.
What do you enjoy most about being a NSM Moderator? I enjoy the close friendships and daily interactions I have with my fellow moderators the most. They are some of the most compassionate, intelligent, and wonderful humans you could ever want to meet.
What’s the hardest thing about being a NSM Moderator? Social media can be very one sided and sometimes the decisions we make for the good of the group are not always going to make others happy. Let’s just say that over time you have to develop a very thick skin. I’m like a crocodile!
What do you love about the North Shore Mums community? I love the way North Shore Mums brings people together. It’s a wonderful space for mums to share the bad and the good of being a mum and know you’re not alone.
What’s the best piece of parenting advice you’ve ever been given? To ignore the advice!
What’s your favourite shopping centre? Macquarie Centre. Its like some kind of glittery labyrinth with coffee and amazing milkshakes.
What’s the weirdest thing your kids like to eat? My youngest eats grated cheese. It’s not that weird I guess, but he won’t eat it sliced, which I think is weird!
What was the last band or show you saw live? I recently saw a comedian called Stephen K Amos. I gave my pelvic floor muscles a good workout that night!
Where do you buy your kid’s clothes? A little place I like to call Hand Me Down city. We have some very generous friends!
What’s your go-to store for emergency kid’s birthday party presents? Smiggle.
What’s your favourite place to go on the weekend with your family? We are out and about working all week so we actually love staying home and watching movies or spending time with friends.
What’s your favourite spot to have a picnic? Crosslands Reserve in Hornsby Heights. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful national park right near our house.
Do you have a favourite family-friendly cafe? Pennant Hills Hotel is great for lunch or coffee with a little indoor playground to keep the kids busy.
What’s your guilty ‘trash TV’ show? Millionaire Matchmaker. I feel like Patti might be my spirit animal.
What children’s CD or show do you want to NEVER hear/see again? There was a Best of Wiggles DVD that my kids watched constantly. It mysteriously went missing. In my bin.
What was your runner up for your kid’s names? Luka was never an argument. Rocco was another story. Hubby wanted Dylan. I didn’t. Rocco it was!
If you were given a whole free day (child free) to do whatever you like, what would you do? I would do nothing. I would lie in bed and binge on TV, ice cream, and wine, and go to the bathroom with the door closed.
Best holiday destination you’ve been to with kids? I don’t have an answer for that yet! I’m yet to find it.
What do you love most about living on the North Shore? I get to be near family, friends, and a wonderful community of people.