RAISING ‘STAR’ KIDS: Get More Inspiration on Bringing Out The Very Best in Your Child

So far, we have featured Angela Osaigbovo, Kiki Hector-Fowobaje, Serena Teluwo, siblings, Oluwadare and Oluwadarasimi Alabi, Precious Adedayo Ige and Cherish Ifeoma Amby-Okolo’s inspiring stories in our ‘Raising Star Kids’ series.

Today, meet 6-year-old Halle Rumm who has won medals and an accolade for swimming, and her motivator mum, Pauline Rumm, Publisher of Motherhood In-Style Magazine:

Halle was first introduced to the swimming pool as a baby but because her parents were very inconsistent with her classes, she only got to properly learn how to swim when she turned 5. Coincidentally, her school was putting a school team in place and was in search of swimmers. She auditioned and was picked.

Her mum tells us, “Initially, it was rocky because competitive swimming is a different ball game from swimming leisurely and Halle wanted to quit. She had to learn to face her fear and came to understand that one cannot get ahead by quitting. Our role as parents was to be there for her every step of the way, encouraging, supporting and validating her efforts.”

Halle is also an avid tennis player. She was introduced to the game in December 2013, had one or two sessions with her trainer and was so thrilled. She resumed training after the holidays in January, 2014 and started rallying 6 months after.

Halle has participated in swimming competitions and one tennis tournament. Her first competition was the AISEN (Association of International School Educators of Nigeria) tournament in February, 2014, where she bagged the third position for backstroke in the 6 years and under category which earned her an accolade from her school, Grange.

On striking the needed balance between her academics and love for extracurricula, her mum adds, “We have had to prioritize, schedule and reschedule to establish routines that work for us.” She advises that, “You may never know what talents your child has until they are introduced to a whole range of activities. When you eventually do, practise consistently to harness their skills and streamline based on their interests. Academics are very important, so, parents must strive to strike a healthy balance.”

See excerpts from our brief chat with Halle:

What do you do after school?

“Depending on the days, I go for scrabble, etiquette and public speaking in school. Outside school, I go for either tennis or swimming classes.”

How would you rate yourself academically?

“I think I am smart.”

Your favourite subject

“My favourite subject is Science.”

Favourite book you’ve read

“Cinderella. I like it because it’s magical.”

How did you discover you could do this and what do you do to get better?

“I didn’t know. I just tried it. My mum has helped by always taking me to my lessons. I practise more daily and stay focused.”

Apart from this, what other hobbies do you have?

“I like making things with my loom bands and playing.”

Your role models

“My role models are Aisha Sesay and Christiane Amanpour. I’ll like to become an interviewer in the future.”