Embracing the messy, mundane & momentous
Many bloggers do this thing called “Wordless Wednesday” and today I am getting on board. As the name suggests, it’s a post with few words. Today I’ve decided to let my pictures do the talking. Here’s how Miss A and I spent our morning.
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It is often said, amongst parents, that a holiday with young kids is a bit of a scam, with less of the relaxing part and more of the effort part. Whilst it’s true you need to redefine your expectations of a holiday when you have little ones, it’s possible to relax, reset and recharge. You just need to pick the right time, the right destination and have the right attitude. Two weeks ago I posted here about my hopes, fears and goals for this holiday. And the verdict is in.
Here are my top ten reasons in favour of holidaying with little ones, and why Noosa is the ideal destination….
A sense of humour is key to being a happier mum
There is a saying exchanged amongst married men that goes something like this: Happy wife, happy life! The chances are you have heard it. And perhaps there is some truth to it -the men obviously think so. But what happens when kids come along? Does the code change?
I believe that happy kids = happy mum; and happy mum = happy hubby; and happy hubby = happy family; and happy family = happy life. Sounds simple enough right? But there’s something wrong with this order. The evidence strongly suggests that kids respond positively to happy parents. If they sense frustration, conflict or despondence, this can have a knock-on effect to their self-esteem as well as their behaviour. We need to be happy within ourselves first. So, how to be a happier mum?…
A fresh peach, still warm from the sun!
I have a very special tree in my garden. Actually, I have three. But let me tell you about the first one.
For the birth of my first daughter, a dear friend of mine gave me a small peach tree to welcome her into the world. Amongst all the gorgeous clothes, soft toys and nursery items she received, this tree was unique. I remember thinking my friend was so clever to give a gift that would grow alongside my daughter. And it has.
This spring, my daughter’s peach tree flowered – a sign of fruit to follow. Over the spring, we had the loveliest time watering the tree and observing the natural life cycle of plants. Being three and a half, this was the first year my daughter really understood that this was her tree and a very special gift she had received….
Beautiful Coastal Natives
Life as a stay-at-home mother of three pre-schoolers is tough. It is also very busy. My three children are heavily dependant on me and they shadow me all day long. Life is spent primarily at the home and it’s a fairly domestic existence. Ground Hog Day is a common syndrome in an endless cycle of feeding, washing, nappy changing and sleeping. And, as every mum knows, there is no such thing as ‘free time’.
These days I do everything fast. I eat fast. Drink fast. Talk fast. Email fast. Walk fast. Shower fast. There is nothing leisurely about my day at all. It can be hard to enjoy your kids amidst the noise and business of daily life. At the moment I am focusing on meeting their primary needs and there’s not a lot of time leftover for anything else. A friend of mine recently asked me how I make space for ‘slow mothering’ as opposed to ‘fast mothering’.
I have just enjoyed four tranquil days of slow mothering.
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