I will be honest, every single time I get a new message on Instagram or a new email asking me a question or a tip or two on something you think I have knowledge of, I love it. I truly do.
I enjoy getting the emails and messages from my followers and helping them in a way I can. So many emails and messages mean that you value me and the work I do. Also, I’m a strong believer that if you have taken time out to drop me a line to say ‘Hey hello, I love your work. keep it up’ or fired me a question, ‘When can I start potty-training?’, it’s my responsibility to give you back what you deserve and expect, to the best of my ability, which is exactly what I try to do (most) of the time. I say most because I do not reply or entertain any rude behavior.
Sometimes it happens that I get asked the same questions over and over again. While I do prefer replying back to as many of them as I can, it gets difficult for me to send the exact same answer to 5-6 of you. So I thought I’d rather put them all together here in this blog post so you (and I) can come back anytime and read them in one place.
So here are some of my Instagram FAQ’s and my answers:
1. Who takes your Instagram photos?
Most of my photos are taken by me. If there’s a photo in which I’m in the frame, then it’s most probably taken by my sister or my husband. Some people use tripods, I have one too but never got around to using it just yet.
2. What apps do you use to edit your photos?
I mostly use mobile apps. VSCO Cam and Snapseed. At one point I also used UNUM to plan my grid. Now I don’t have a fixed plan. I’m experimenting.
3. Why did you start Plannerfolk? Any more products coming up?
I started Plannerfolk soon after we had our third, BabyZ because I felt like my life needed to fall back into a routine and I needed more focused goals. As I couldn’t find anything close to what I need in India, I decided to create one on my own. I soon started loving it, and I knew moms like me would just love it as much as I’m. Hence Plannerfolk was born.
I do plan on expanding the line this year. InshaAllah.
4. Have you partnered with anyone to set up Plannerfolk?
I get this question from so many of you, No, I haven’t partnered with anyone to set up Plannerfolk. It’s a family run business very close to our heart. If in future, I partner with someone then you will know it. For now, we are only working with our amazing Plannerfolk Pals to spread the word across social media.
5. How do you manage social media and kids?
This is another question I get asked very often, honestly, it’s not easy, it’s never been. But I think it’s important to set goals and prioritize things in our life. If you know your goal and have a vision then things will fall in to place. I’m not an expert but the best I can do is to be the best mom to my kids and the best wife to my husband.
6. How long have you been blogging?
I started my long in 2012. So that’s six years, right?
7. How is life in Qatar? Do you miss Hyderabad?
Life in Qatar is sweet (honestly, I can’t find the exact word to describe what I feel). It’s a beautiful country to live in. It’s now our little home away from home. It’s more special for us before this is the place where our children are growing up. They are making tons of beautiful memories of this place which they will probably cherish for the rest of their lives. So that makes everything here even more special.
That being said, we do miss Hyderabad a lot. I miss it a lot. It’s where I spend two decades of my life. No matter where I go, Hyderabad will forever have a place special in my heart and thinking about going back to Hyderabad makes me jump with joy.
8. How do you have the patience to reply to each and every question you get?
First of all, thank you so much if you think I reply to your questions all the time. I do reply to as many as I can. There’s a human at this end too.
But in all honesty, I do not reply to each and every question that I get asked on social media. Some are rude, some are hurtful, some are encouraging and some are genuine queries that I like to help you with. I choose which ones to answer and what to ignore. So yeah, that’s that.
9. Any potty-training tips? How do you do it with your kids?
Speaking of potty-training, I have never really ‘trained’ them. Our eldest was in diapers until 3+ years. I don’t think it’s a textbook method to follow. When your child is ready they will let you know.
Our youngest daughter was also in diapers for almost 2.5 or 3 years until one day she told me she doesn’t want to wear diapers anymore and that she’s a big girl now. I’m in for a pleasant surprise. Some parents potty-train their children when they are one year old too, that’s amazing but that’s not for my family.
I strongly recommend you to see what works for your family and your child and act accordingly. Hope it helps.
10. Can you explain types of cloth diapers? Where can I find them in India?
I did you separate blog posts on the types of cloth diapers and best places to find them in India earlier. You can check them out. If you have more questions about it leave them in the comments section below.
11. What do you pack for kids’ lunch? Can you give any simple lunchbox ideas?
Generally, I pack one fruit, one vegetable, one protein rich food item and one treat. So on a typical day, it’s baby carrots, cucumbers, watermelons, papaya, banana, boiled egg, chicken sandwiches, and for treats I give biscuits, crackers or cookies, sometimes brownies or donuts too. Mostly depending on what’s available at home on that given day. I’m also doing a series of Lunchbox ideas on my Instagram, in case you want to follow it.
Let me know if you have any other questions by leaving them in the comments section below. I’d love to answer them for you.
Neha gupta says
Loved reading this post. Will definitely check out the apps you mentioned for Instagram. Love your photographs and wish you all the very best for your business. The planners look very promising.
Haajra Fareen says
Thank you for your kind words. Let me know which apps you used for your Instagram photos. x
Neha Tambe says
Lovely clicks and you have managed to answer quite a few queries. I am a list mom and I so agree that planners help be on track and focus
Haajra Fareen says
I’m a list mom too. Thank you so much. 🙂
anupriya says
Wow! I loved the pics. And I am completely with you on your attitude towards potty training. For my elder one I was very paranoid about it. But things fell in place only once he was 3 years. So for the younger one, I ain’t bothering. He’ll let me know when he is ready.
Haajra Fareen says
Absolutely. So glad to hear that I’m not alone in this. 🙂 x
priyadarshani panda says
i love your insta feed and you are doing great …thanks for answering so many questions …just ignore the negativity you are an awesome mommy and an awesome instagrammer and blogger keep rocking!!!
Haajra Fareen says
Thank you so much for your support and such kind words. Do stick around for more fun coming up on my Instagram and blog. 🙂 x
Sapna Krishnan says
I could totally relate to everything in point 5. It sure is difficult to manage anything with kids, forget social media. But a little dedication and planning definitely does help.
Salma says
Thanks for answering these stuffs. It’s really tough time mommying and being a mommy blogger. You are doing that beautifully maa shaa allah. Stay blessed sisy
Haajra Fareen says
Thank you for being so supportive and encouraging Salma:)
Nayantara says
This is such a great idea to cover on a blog. I am too obsessed with my feed and the flow of content. But I dont use any apps, maybe a good idea to do so. I too am taking it easy with potty training. he will tell me when his time is right.
kinshoo says
Your pictures are awesome. We are trying for potty training at 3.. i share your thoughts on this. Good Luck for your business
Deepa says
These are great helpful answers for new mom’s. I found Instagram ones helpful and will surely use them for my pictures.