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 Michelle Key.
Tell us a little bit about yourself… I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and immigrated to Australia in 1978 when I was six months old. I’ve lived most of my life here in Sydney, other than four years abroad (one year in London and three years in South Africa) before returning to Australia in 2008. I’m married to a South African who LOVES Australia and we have three beautiful boys (aged 6, 3.5 years, and 16 months). I’m officially a Kindy Mum this year – as well as a Soccer Mum – and I’m learning the ropes of juggling motherhood with school activities and spending time with hubby. I’m also the co-owner of North Shore Mums Smiles2U with two other wonderful mums. We work together to create care packs for mums and kids in hospitals across the North Shore. Currently we support RNSH, Hornsby Hospital, Sydney Adventist Hospital (SAN), Ryde Hospital and most recently WISE Specialist Emergency Clinic. I find it incredibly rewarding and to see the joy our Smiles bags bring to the kids’ faces, and when we receive feedback from mums it makes all the hard work we put in worthwhile. We’re even celebrating our 2nd birthday this month!
Michelle with her husband and three sons
How long have you been an NSM moderator? Since the very beginning, five years ago!
What do you enjoy most about being a NSM Moderator? The beautiful friendships I have developed with such special women who are always their for each other when the going gets tough. We share the highs and lows of parenthood, motherhood, kids, work and life. They understand and it’s inevitable that someone is online at crazy hours during the night when you need someone to reach out to!
What’s the hardest thing about being a NSM Moderator? The negativity that comes when people assume admin delete things unnecessarily or when people don’t agree with us when we don’t allow naming and shaming on North Shore Mums. We’re here to create a positive, happy, environment for everyone.
What do you love about the North Shore Mums community? You post your question and within a few minutes you have at least five to ten answers! It’s instant – and more reliable and trustworthy than searching Google.
What’s the best piece of parenting advice you’ve ever been given? Listen to what your heart is saying, do what feels right for you and go with the flow. We’re only human after all and it’s OK to make mistakes, that’s what helps us learn and grow and pass onto our own children.
What’s your favourite shopping centre? Westfield Hornsby, as I know where everything is!
What’s the weirdest thing your kids like to eat? Not so much weird, but my six year old has loved sushi from a very early age and would have it every day for dinner if it was offered!
Where do you buy your kid’s clothes? Cotton on Kids, Myers, DJs and Target.
What’s your go-to store for emergency kid’s birthday party presents? Hands down, Kmart! It’s the best!
What’s your favourite place to go on the weekend with your family? I love to go to the park, kick a ball with the boys, go to the movies, and out to a family lunch.
What’s your favourite spot to have a picnic? By the water at McCarr’s Creek, watching the boys kick the ball. We don’t get down there often enough!
Do you have a favourite family-friendly cafe? Munch Deli Cafe in West Pymble
What’s your guilty ‘trash TV’ show? Too embarrassed to say!
What children’s CD or show do you want to NEVER hear/see again? Not necessarily a CD or show but the song “Daddy Finger, daddy finger, where are you? Here I am, here I am, how do you do!” NEVER AGAIN!!!
If you were given a whole free day (child free) to do whatever you like, what would you do? Spend the day on the beach, enjoying the sounds of the waves, reading a book, soaking up the sun and relaxing.. with a glass of wine in hand! One can dream, right?
Best holiday destination you’ve been to with kids? Hamilton Island! It was the best… would go back in a flash.
What do you love most about living on the North Shore? The green trees, lovely big backyard for the boys to play, enjoying the recent renovation of our home (9 months long AND whilst pregnant with number 3) and being close to school, the grandparents and yet not too far from the city.
Michelle with her eldest son Jonathan on his first day of soccer
