Syahifah Azmi on Raising a Big Family with Wan Zack Haikal

Syahifah Azmi knows how to set her priorities and find the perfect balance when it comes to raising a big family. She discovered an unexpected inner strength and plenty of advice thanks to her husband, Wan Zack Haikal. Her husband is, of course, no other than the famous footballer—his name would surely ring a bell amongst football fans. She shares a glimpse of raising her beautiful family with her husband on Instagram every now and then. When we recruited her to be an influencer on our Ibuencer platform, she accepted it with no hesitations. Her latest addition to the family arrived last December, making her a super mum! For those who don’t know her personally, Syahifah is a very friendly and down-to-earth person. No exaggerations, but she is actually humble about it upon getting to know her. Image credit: Syahifah Azmi/Wan Zack Haikal official Instagram account Syahifah gets candid about her personal life and her newfound perspective on marriage and raising her big family. Born on 12 November 1988 in Terengganu, this spectacular mum tied the knot with Wan Zack Haikal on 30 May 2014. Together, this beautiful couple are blessed with four children: Wan Ziyyadh Haikal (7 years old), Wan Shyfa Dellyssa (5 years old), Wan Zuhayr Haikal (3 years old) and Wan Zayn Haikal (4 months old). Lately, Syahifah, just like all mummies, may have been busy preparing for the month of Shawwal. And even though the festive season is right around the corner, she took her time to chat exclusively with Motherhood.com.my! Image credit: Syahifah Azmi/Wan Zack Haikal official Instagram account. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Can you share with us, how did the two of you (her husband) first get to know each other? *laughs* It was my husband who made the first move. He saw a photo of myself on Facebook through our mutual friend. He asked for our mutual friend to introduce us and we began our friendship through Skype, actually. At that time, he was away in Slovakia. What made you attracted to him? His hard work and dedication. I was still in university studying when we first got to know each other. I felt that I was not suitable for finding love or falling into it. I’m just not good at having male friends, let alone having a male companion. I’m actually good at accompanying my friends to go on dates. *laughs* The period of getting to know him was quite long and difficult. But my husband respected it. His patience and perseverance throughout our friendship that turned into a meaningful relationship melted my heart. Alhamdulillah. Syahifah with two of her children Wan Shyfa Dellyssa and Wan Ziyyadh Haikal. (Image credit: Syahifah Azmi/Wan Zack Haikal official Instagram account) How do you find the time to manage your household? Can you share some tips with us? For this, I am actually very thankful and grateful to have been blessed with a very supporting and understanding husband. He helps a lot in many ways to ease my burden. Syahifah and her husband welcome their latest addition, Wan Zayn Haikal, on 1 December of last year. (Image credit: Syahifah Azmi/Wan Zack Haikal official Instagram account) At first, I was always feeling stressed because I was chasing time and deadlines to complete my tasks including chores. Then, my husband told me not to feel stressed about it. I remember him telling me that if I don't have time to do laundry in the morning, I can do it in the evening. If I don't have time to cook, order it later. If I don't have time to fold clothes tonight, I can do it tomorrow night. He said all of these to me where things can be done later and I can do them calmly without having to stress on it just to get them done on time. I will put the children to bed early, right around after Isya’ prayers. And then I will spend time with my husband by watching a movie with him while folding clothes. This will also be the time where my husband and I will exchange stories about ourselves. Honestly, I don’t really have much to share on tips. But I think it is best to enjoy every moment with your husband even when the children are awake *laughs*. Image credit: Syahifah Azmi/Wan Zack Haikal official Instagram account. What is one thing that inspires you in life since becoming a wife and a mother? Alhamdulillah, I have grown a lot and am more mature in plenty of ways. It taught me how to be grateful for the things I have in life. For instance, never compare yourself to others. Learn how to live your life humbly and always be grateful with what you have instead of wanting more. It is the necessities in life that can lead to happiness. InsyaAllah, He simplifies our affairs in this world and the hereafter. What is your favourite suhoor dish and why? Fresh milk and oats. For now, I am into these two because I am still breastfeeding my youngest. So, I need a little more energy during the fasting month. Plus, it is super easy for me to prepare. Syahifah photgraphed with her husband, Wan Zack Haikal holding their youngest, Wan Zayn Haikal, including their three children Wan Zuhayr Haikal (left), Wan Shyfa Dellyssa (middle) and Wan Ziyyadh Haikal (right). (Image credit: Syahifah Azmi/Wan Zack Haikal official Instagram account) What is the one food that your husband likes the most and why? My husband really loves singgang ikan tenggiri (A sweet and sour fish, a local dish cooked together with turmeric, salt, onion and ginger). He can eat this dish every day as it is not greasy and does not contain fat. Preparing it is also easy, so I don’t mind it if he wants it every day *laughs*. Tell us a little bit of your Raya-Shawwal preparations for this year. Alhamdulillah, the preparation is as usual just like before. I just find it a little bit challenging to find matching Raya clothes for us because we have more children now. I wish and I hope I can get matching outfits for our family. But even without it, we can still celebrate Hari Raya together with the rest of our families back in our kampung. Syahifah photgraphed with her husband, Wan Zack Haikal holding their youngest, Wan Zayn Haikal, including their three children Wan Zuhayr Haikal, Wan Shyfa Dellyssa (front) and Wan Ziyyadh Haikal (middle). (Image credit: Syahifah Azmi/Wan Zack Haikal official Instagram account) For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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