Hi Mamas!
My name is Yasmin and I’m a mum of two living in Maroubra. After finishing school, I studied a Bachelor of Primary Education and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a focus on Germany. This part of my degree sent to Germany for an exchange year where I met my husband in the lovely little town of Tübingen. After returning to Australia and finishing my degree, we moved back to Tübingen for five years. During this time, I learnt to speak German fairly fluently, taught at a bilingual school and our oldest child was born. We moved back to Sydney when borders opened after COVID 19 and I began teaching in my role of Specialist Music Teacher at school in Randwick. Last year we had our second child and I began craving a sense of musical community, so I started my little hobby business, Vocal Village..
Vocal Village is a very casual singing group for parents, grandparents and mums to be. We sing simple arrangements of popular song that parents like to listen to – no kids music here! But really, the kids LOVE it! Singing in a group, like a choir, can trigger the release of several “happy” hormones including endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin. When we sing with others, our nervous systems also synchronise. This is called co-regulation and creates the feeling of a shared emotional experience. It’s why choirs, and Vocal Village, feel like family!
It’s not just the parents benefitting from the singing, your kids do too. Even if you think you can’t hold a tune, kids just adore hearing their parents sing. Singing to babies creates a strong bond with the caregiver and can be a powerful tool for showing love and affection, babies can be soothed and calmed by singing, and singing can help them regulate their emotions.
Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?
I have lived in the East since I was 2 years old. I grew up in beautiful Coogee and apart from my years in Germany, I could never leave it!
Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?
Beautiful, family-friendly, relaxed
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How many children?
2 lovely bubs! An energetic 4 year old girl and an incredibly affectionate 17 month old boy.
Favourite Park?
Hands down Centennial Park – So many different things to do! Bike riding, playgrounds, water play, duck watching, exploring and most importantly, Cafes!
Favourite Beach?
I will always have a spot for my childhood beach, Coogee. Though I do prefer swimming at Coogee Beach, being in Maroubra now for almost 4 years, I love how quiet and family friendly it is.
Favourite kids friendly cafe?
We love The Browns Brew Co on Maroubra Road. It’s a family run café and my daughter loves the owner, Bec, and her daughter Lani, who are always behind the counter or in the kitchen.
Favourite Coffee Spot?
If I’m without children, I love going to The Bathers in Coogee and watching out the windows, or The Pool Café in Maroubra. It’s always best during whale watching season.
Favourite date night place?
We love going to Maybe Franks at the Spot and catching a movie at the iconic Ritz Cinema! If you have the time for a “date lunch”, I highly recommend heading to the Ritz for a weekday matinee session (Cheap Tuesdays!) and grabbing a Thai lunch special before or after.
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Where in the east have you yet to explore and would like to go?
I would love to do more of the Vaucluse area. We don’t often venture out there, but when we do, it’s gorgeous!
What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?
More live music events!
Favourite Local Shop?
If The Florist down at Maroubra Beach. Every time I walk in there it feels magical!
Favourite wet weather location?
At the moment I’ve been enjoying heading to the Coogee Pavillion and letting the kids let some energy out in the kids play area up the back.
Favourite Local family Weekend Activity?
Heading to Wylie’s Baths in Coogee for a swim, crab watching, coffee/babyccino and a ham, cheese, tomato toastie! Best in Summer, but always a good idea in winter for a quick dip and cosy coffee after.
Work or SAHM?
I work part time as a primary school music teacher and have both kids on a Friday.
Motherly advice?
Don’t get too caught up in books or online advice. Sometimes they are good, but ultimately, you know what’s right for your child, follow your gut. You are the best mother for your child!
Also, don’t forget to things that YOU love doing – look after yourself!
Instagram tag for Vocal Village – @vocalvillagesing
