Hundreds of mothers from across the region logged on to Sagicor’s Mom Masterclass Webinar last evening for an engaging and insightful online session focused on parenting, wellness and financial empowerment.

The free webinar explored a range of important topics, including children’s health, self-care, financial wellness and modern parenting, while creating a safe and supportive space for mothers to learn, share and connect. The session was hosted by Assistant Vice President of Digital and Alternate Channels at Sagicor Life Inc. (Barbados) Carolyn Shepherd and featured an expert panel.

During the discussion on financial wellness, Senior Manager of Wealth Management and Operations at Sagicor Investments Trinidad and Tobago Limited Renee Ottley addressed common myths surrounding wealth creation. “One of the biggest misconceptions about wealth building is that you need to earn a huge salary and have a lot of extra money before you can start, so waiting for the perfect time or waiting to have a salary increase often means that we will never start at all. So building wealth really begins with awareness and consistency. It starts with understanding where your money is going, creating a realistic budget, reducing unnecessary spending and being intentional with even small amounts of money. So a mother who consistently saves or invests a small amount over time is often in a stronger position than someone waiting for a large lump sum to finally start and that may never come.”

Author, Entrepreneur and Internet Personality Nicole McClaren-Campbell out of Jamaica, delivered a heartfelt message on the realities of motherhood and self-worth. “Each mother deserves permission. Permission to rest, permission to choose themselves without guilt, permission to define what motherhood means to them,” she shared. Later in the session, she also encouraged mothers to extend grace to themselves throughout their parenting journey, particularly during the postpartum period. 

Meanwhile Sagicor Advisor from St. Lucia, Kizzy Flood highlighted the impact that stress and burnout can have on mothers and families. “While stress and burnout have a real impact, there is something that is not talked about enough and that is mothers being kept in a constant cycle of short-term decision making,” she explained.  “Many times mothers are stretched and things become urgent and this is why mothers need guidance, as sometimes the plan needs to carry them, until they have the capacity to carry the plan.”

The discussion also examined early childhood development and the question of when children should begin nursery or preschool. Pediatrician Dr. Maria Chase, noted that the decision varies depending on individual family circumstances, but offered guidance based on developmental milestones. “For me, I try to tell parents to hold out until two, two and a half, because there are important social things that happen at that age for kids. Their interaction with children is different. It’s more back and forth versus I just see something that you have and I take it, versus reactive, it’s more interactive at that age. Preschool is supposed to start at two. They get the best out of it. Like us, children burn out as well.”

The webinar also featured several interactive polls and lively audience participation with the chance to win a number of prizes throughout the evening. The Mom Masterclass Webinar formed part of Sagicor’s ongoing commitment to supporting families and empowering women through meaningful conversations, practical guidance and community engagement.