 Firstly, congratulations!! Earlier this week, my niece and her partner welcomed into the world their very cute and precious son. It got me thinking how the circle of life continues. I always thought that I would have boys, for no other reason than the fact that I have 4 brothers. For me, I was lucky enough to have 2 beautiful daughters - maybe this is to make up for not having a sister, they are my world. I would've loved a sister, I remember crying when my dad told me I had another brother! Seeing photos of my niece so happy, I started to reflect upon my own amazing journey of having the girls and becoming their mummy. A role I am so lucky and privileged to have. Becoming a new parent is a rollercoaster full of emotions, expectations, excitement and fear. I remember thinking how everyone else seemed to have their shit together and was cruising this new mum stuff. I struggled. I gave myself a hard time - I’d been a midwife and could enable the families and in particular give mum’s permission to be kind to themselves, to take it easy, something I was unable to tell myself. I believed that I had to prove to the world that I could do this on my own, without help and support, to prove that I was a good midwife and a good mum. The reality of it was (although when I reflect back I realise I was good at it), I gave myself a very hard time. I felt I’d failed on so many levels. It took ages to get up showered and dressed in the morning, feeding every couple of hours taking it’s toll. I don’t think I managed to leave the house for the first week; sitting, weeing, walking and feeding were all so painful. But I did it! If I was able to give my new mum self some advise it would be - “Looking after a new baby is a full time job and boy is it tiring. The cleaning can wait, accept help whenever it’s offered. You don’t have to be ‘supermum’. Sometimes just looking after your new baby, meeting their needs of nappy changes, feeding, winding, rocking, cuddling, taking photos, beaming proudly at the bundle you have created, sleeping, and repeat, is enough. You ARE enough.” Take your time. If your little one falls asleep on you, enjoy the moment. Perhaps it’s Mother Nature’s way of telling you to slow down. To rest and recuperate, try not to compare yourself to other mum’s and perhaps the best advise is it’s ok to find things difficult, tiring and emotional and it’s DEFINITELY ok to ask for help. Just a thought - Perhaps if we as mums were more honest with each other about not coping or finding some days harder than others, we would make things a whole lot easier for ourselves and each other. Be kind to yourself and each other. You’re doing OK and that is enough. If you'd like to get in touch or share your experiences; either click on the button below or leave a comment.
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  No one has ever said that being a parent is easy!
Especially if that is being a single parent; having to juggle child care and work commitments, alongside social lives (both ours and probably even more so our children's) and human interaction with others. Some are fortunate to have family members or partners to help out and step in, whilst others rely on friends and other single parents in similar situations. It's ok to ask for help, this is not a sign of weakness, instead it shows strength, to be able to recognise that we can't always do it alone, and nor should we. Ultimately, we do the best we can for our children and ourselves on any given day. This should not be underestimated, and should instead be celebrated. None of us are Mary Poppins, and if we manage to get through the day, sometimes that is good enough. However, it can be all to easy when we're tired, stressed, busy, doing household chores, feeling low or just not able to be there for our children, to put them in front of a screen - whether this is TV, computer/games console or smart phone/tablet. I, like millions of other parents managed to survive by allowing this to happen from time to time. This does not make us bad parents, it makes us human! As long as we are able to recognise this and are mindful as to when this is happening and how often - not all day, every day - then that is a great first step. Recently we were on a train journey; opposite us there was a mum and her son - he was probably 5 or 6 years old. He had a colouring book and coloured pencils. There was not a screen in sight. They talked for the whole journey (and wow could he talk!), he was so excited to share what colours he was going to use, what they could see outside the window, what they were going to do once they arrived at their destination. They talked to one another about what they were looking forward to - it was beautiful, yet sadly it seems so rare to see out in public. From personal observations, and talking with friends, at times it feels like we have been thrown back into the Victorian era. To a time where children should be seen and not heard. Although today they are not sent to the nursery or into a corner, but given a screen to keep them quiet. Human beings, both children and adults are innately sociable creatures, we thrive on interaction from others in our tribe and further afield. Through discussions we learn invaluable skills including listening, conversation, discussion, negotiation; we learn through intonation, facial expressions and body language. We rarely, if ever, learn any of this via our apps, virtual reality and the world of social media. I am very aware, there is a time and place for these gadgets, but we also need to be aware that they should not replace our parenting or interactions with our children. Before we know it the time has flown and has disappeared all too quickly, the time when our little children want and need us to be their everything in their world. It is during this time that we need to teach them resilience, courage, the ability to question, to share, be kind and safely explore the world around them - we try to be the best parents we can be, but this means we have to be part of it and not a spectator. Play games with them, walk and talk outside in the fresh air, listen to their worries; actively be there for and with them. Our girls are now in their 20's, we still (when we're together), sit around a table to eat our meal and share what's happening in our lives, we play games and even watch TV or a film together, and chat about it afterwards. Ultimately, we all need to feel loved, valued, wanted and cared for; children are no different. If you are struggling and would like some support, why not get in touch with me below  Summer holiday survival
You’ve managed to sort out the childcare headache for the summer holidays, congratulations this in itself is no mean feat. Here’s to enjoying six weeks of carefree days, sun, sea and… screaming kids. I remember it well the anticipation of sharing precious time with my 2 girls and yet there were some days when I couldn’t wait for school to be back. Does this make me a bad mum? No, it makes me human! I was fortunate enough to raise the girls before social media took over our lives; before everyone posted what a fantastic time they were having together, pictures of what they were eating, where they were staying - what we need to remember that it is just a snapshot, one moment in a 24 hour period that might not actually be anything like the photo posted on instagram would have you believe. Often as parents, and as individuals, we feel that we are not good enough, that we are bad parents/people and that everyone else has got is sussed. Truth is, you’re not and they haven’t! There is no real rule book on how to be a good parent, we’re all just winging it. Some days are better than others, but we are all just trying to be the best parent we can be today. If you’re struggling how to entertain the kids for the remaining few weeks why not give some of these a go, they don’t have to cost a lot of money, so what’s not to like? 1. Turn off from social media Challenge the family (this includes the adults) to have a morning/afternoon/day free from social media/internet. We as parents need to set an example, all too often we miss what is going on around us and not live in the moment because we’re so wrapped up in seeing what everyone else is up to. We miss seeing, exploring and experiencing life as it happens. We don’t need to take 20 photos or videos and post them to prove we’re having a good time, we can just live it! 2. Board... games The sun has gone into hiding, now what? Why not search through all the board games, packs of cards, lego, puzzles, colouring books and pens. Each one of you choose a game and spend the day getting lost in the competition, closeness, rules of turn taking, laughing together as a family. I often used this opportunity to realise which games the girls had grown out of, or maybe giving them an opportunity to simply play again, as all to often they want to be racing ahead onto the next stage. (No console/phone in sight) 3. Making dens Using a bed sheet/duvet cover, blankets and pillows, not forgetting a bucket full of pegs, why not make a den together? We’d peg the sheets to a couple of chairs, or use the sofa cushions to hold the sheet in place and make a tent. This often ended up sparking their imaginations; we became pirates and used cushion on the floor as stepping stones to get from one side of the room to the other without being eaten by crocodiles! As a reward we’d have a picnic in our den - usually some fruit chopped up and a glass of squash. 4. Movie memories Movie/duvet days are also great fun. Snuggle up under the duvet together and watch a movie. The kids will love the fact that you’re there with them, these are the precious memories that will be remembered. The chores can wait, and it’s far cheaper than going to the cinema. 5. Fresh air Take the kids out, even if it’s raining! This doesn’t mean paying a fortune. Walk around the area where you live, go to the beach/woods/park. Kick a ball around together, jump in puddles. Get them to pick up twigs, leaves, feathers and then when you get home use these treasures to make a picture of your outing. You don’t need glitter and paint, nature has provided you with all you need, that and some encouragement and imagination. 6. Unleash the artist When the sun does come back out, there’s always chalk drawings on pavements (the rain will soon wash them away again) or using an old paintbrush and some water, ‘paint’ a picture onto the path before the sun dries it up. 7. And... bake! Bake with the kids. It doesn’t have to feature on the Great British Bake-off or Masterchef, but the skills, time and concentration needed to weigh, measure, mix, stir, laugh, get covered in flour - obviously optional - along with the fun, laughs and connection with each other will be remembered for a long time. It’s ok for your children to be bored, you’re not there to entertain them all day, every day. When children become bored, and with a little bit of direction they begin to use their imaginations, to create, explore and discover - all of which are precious life skills. I’m not Mary Poppins, nor do I profess to be the best mum around, or know all the answers. However, I do remember some of the cheap, easy and fun things we did together. It’s about quality time together and reminding yourself you’re doing an ok job and that you are good enough. If you have any other tips, why not share them below in the comments. |
AuthorI am a counsellor who wants to empower individuals to be the best version of themselves. Archives
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