Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east:
I have lived in Maroubra or Malabar my whole life. We love living in Malabar. I thinks it’s an Eastern Suburbs hidden gem.
Three words to describe living in the eastern suburbs?
Vibrant, friendly & fun
How many children:
3 Boys: 13 year old twins and a 10 year old. Yep I wanted a urinal in my place but the architect wouldn’t agree!
Favourite Park:
Malabar, although by boys are a bit old for the park now days.
Favourite Beach:
Hard to pick, it’s like choosing my favourite child. North End Maroubra in the Summer.
But Coogee in the winter. I have a special place in my heart for Coogee due to my connection with Coogee Surf Club. The function room at the Surf Club is named after my Grandfather and my Grandmother was the first female member of Coogee Surf club.
Favourite kid friendly cafe:
Crayz Espresso at Matraville. A fun little play nook for the kids+ the food is great.
Favourite Coffee Spot:
Zeebra Cafe at Maroubra Beach…..I can never resist their carrot cupcakes with icing!
Favourite date night place:
Those who know my husband would laugh at a date night, but if we do go out we like to change it up.
Favourite Local Day Out Activity:
The beach hands down, but I also love a day out at the races with friends.
Favourite Local Shop:
Hamblins Florist at Maroubra Beach. Alysia and Vicki have a wonderful eye and I smile every time I step into their beautiful shop.
Favourite wet weather location:
Child’s Play classes, at the PCYC Daceyville, are perfect in all weather conditions.
Describe an ideal day in Sydney’s eastern suburbs just for you?
Start with Malabar to Maroubra headland walk with friends. Followed by a day at the beach with the kids. Afternoon spent relaxing by the pool then an early BBQ with family. I’m so fortunate that my brother and sister both live in Malabar so all our kids are super close. They’re more like siblings than cousins.
What area of the east have you yet to explore much but would like to?
Some of those hidden beachside walks around the harbour.
Work or Stay at home parent?
Work. I run my own business Child’s Play Movement & Gym Program. I’m so lucky as it’s my passion teaching children to move well. Even my own boys think it’s a pretty cool job. Perhaps they will be the future of the business!
Motherly advice?
No matter what age your children are, trust your instincts. YOU know your child best. Also if something is worrying you about your childs development, seek a professional opinion. I see lots of parents trying not be worried or concerned, thinking they might be over-reacting. Get professional advice and put your mind at ease.
About Child’s Play
Leigh has been teaching Physical Education to children for over 20 years. She has her Master’s Degree in Education (Syd Uni) and a Bachelor Degree in Physical Education. She spent 8 years teaching PDHPE in Schools before joining forces with her mother in 2004 to further grow Child’s Play. Leigh is the Owner of Child’s Play and teaches every lesson. She was an Olympic Swimmer and the first female Captain of the Australian Surf Life Saving Team. Her passion is to give every child the opportunity to develop good movement patterns that will lay the foundation for an active, healthy life. Leigh is the mother of three boys, who of course, all attended Child’s Play.
Leigh Habler
Director of Child’s Play
M: 0402 225 804
