THE MAGIC OF BEING A MOM

Amy Kleinhans Curd has cherished the lessons she's learnt from her mom and passed them on to her kids

- ROXANNE MOONEYS

THE mindfulness movement may in be full swing right now but being able to quiet her mind is something she's been doing for years. Her mom was the one who taught her to do this when she was a child - and it's a skill that's helped Amy Kleinhans Curd navigate the pressures of life.

We're catching up with the former beauty queen ahead of Mother's Day and she's more than happy to share the lessons she's learnt from her mom, Hillary.

Her mother is the reason she's so grounded and she's learnt several parenting lessons from her, Amy (53) says.

“My mom and I used to do yoga together from an early age,” she adds. “To stimulate your internal organs, to teach yourself how to breathe properly and control your anxiety.

“My mom taught us to use all of our senses - to look at the sky and our surroundings. She showed us the most beautiful fabrics, interior decorations and art.

"She took us out into nature. She taught me the importance of having fun, dancing, lots of laughter, and music to fill the house. It brings a wonderful balance to our family life.”

Hillary (82), a former mathematics and art teacher, also taught her three daughters the value of routine and discipline something Amy carried over to her kids.

“From preschool I'd teach my own children that when you come home in the afternoon, you undress and fold your clothes or put them in the washing and you take a nap. As they got older and didn't need to nap as often, they learnt to take quiet time after school then do their homework.

"It's worked well their sense of commitment and discipline is commendable”

Amy is mom to Gugu (38), Phillipa (24), Thomas (22) and Georgia (16). Her kids, along with husband Leighton Curd, are her greatest joys.