By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
From a heartfelt blog written by an overwhelmed new mum to South Africa’s most trusted parenting platform, BabyYumYum.com has become a lifeline for families navigating the highs and lows of parenthood. At the helm is founder and CEO Amanda Rogaly, whose passion for honesty, inclusivity, and support continues to shape the brand. Next month, Rogaly and her team will extend this mission further with the 2025 Neurodiversity Parenting Workshop — a day designed to empower, educate, and connect parents and caregivers of neurodiverse children.
What inspired you to create BabyYumYum.com?
When I first became a mother, I realized that parenting is both the most beautiful and the most overwhelming journey. I wanted to create a safe, trusted space where parents could access honest, expert-driven information without judgment. BabyYumYum started as a content platform, but at its heart it has always been about community — letting parents know they are not alone, no matter what challenges or questions they face.
From content hub to practical solutions — what’s the evolution?
Parents don’t just need articles; they need real, practical tools they can use every day. Over time, BabyYumYum evolved from being a “library” of knowledge into an ecosystem of support — offering access to health services, tech tools, loyalty programs, and even safety solutions. Our aim is to move from simply informing parents to truly equipping and empowering them.
What’s your bigger vision for BabyYumYum.com?
My vision is for BabyYumYum to be the ultimate parent partner — not just in South Africa, but globally. That means expanding beyond content to create scalable services, tech-driven solutions, and community-led initiatives that make parenting easier, healthier, and more connected.
In fact, in the next few months we will be launching a very exciting membership-based loyalty program, built in partnership with our trusted expert content, which will give parents even more value, support, and rewards. We don’t aim for “small wins”; we aim for impact — shaping the future of parenting support so that every parent, no matter their background, feels empowered to raise the next generation with confidence and joy.
Why create a Neurodiversity Parenting Workshop?
Every child deserves to be celebrated for who they are. Parents of neurodivergent
children often face unique challenges — from navigating education systems to managing stigma — and yet, their voices are underrepresented. Creating this workshop was about giving parents not just information, but a supportive space to learn, connect, and feel seen. It’s a natural extension of BabyYumYum’s mission to stand beside parents at every stage of their journey.
What reassurance do you want to share with parents?
Parenting a neurodivergent child can feel isolating at times, but you are not alone.
There is a growing, vibrant community of families walking a similar path, and there
are experts ready to guide you. Most importantly, neurodiversity is not something to fear — it is something to understand and embrace. Your child’s differences are also their strengths, and your role as a parent is to help them shine.
How do partnerships strengthen the workshop?
Partnerships are powerful because they bring diverse expertise to the table. Old
Mutual highlights the importance of financial resilience for families, The Neuroverse brings world-class neurodiversity knowledge, and Nutripaeds adds crucial insight into nutrition and wellbeing. Together, we create a holistic experience for parents addressing not just the child, but the family unit as a whole.
What can parents expect to take away?
Parents will walk away with two key things: knowledge and confidence. Knowledge in the form of practical strategies, expert guidance, and resources they can apply
immediately. Confidence in the form of reassurance, community connection, and the understanding that they don’t have to do this alone. Emotionally, we want parents to feel uplifted; practically, we want them to feel equipped.
Event Information Note:
Date & Time: Saturday, 13 September 2025 | Registration 08:00 | Event 09:00 –14:00
Location: The Forum at The Campus, Cnr Sloane Street & Main Rd, Bryanston,
Sandton, Johannesburg
Tickets: From R650 – includes access to all sessions, lunch, and exhibitor space
Tickets available at: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/322513-the-neurodiversity-
parenting-workshop/#/
