5 things I have learnt about motherhood

Hey readers,

This mother role is hard work, don't get me wrong sometimes it can be fun, lovely, honourable. On the flip side, you can feel anxious, scared or even dread at times.

 

It is so hard to get it right but sometimes just going along and being there in that you learn a lot more then any manual will tell you. Here are some of the things I have learnt going through the journey of motherhood.

1. Sometimes being a mum feels like a constant treadmill that you have to keep running to keep the balance right. It feels constant and repetitive. Sometimes I get this feeling of restlessness that will never end. 

For example the never-ending pile of washing. Just when you think you have completed all the washing within half an hour there is another load appeared.  But you know what it is OK to stop, have a break from it and do something different. Have a day off because you know what you deserve it regardless of what the media say!

2. Sometimes you mess up spectacular and you know what I have learnt that it is OK. Nobody provides that perfect parenting book.  Sometimes you just winging and learning as you go. Knowledge may be powerful but the experience is also up there with understanding in my opinion.

3. You know sometimes your child may act aggressively towards you. At that moment you just want to shout, "WILL YOU JUST STOP". What really they need is your attention and affection even if they are being little shits, sometimes there may be an underlying reason. 

This was one of my biggest challenges as I have Asperger syndrome which makes it really, really difficult to understand body language etc so I really had to work my butt off to understand and put myself in someone elses shoes. 

I don't always get it right because saying and doing ate two different things. But practice and working at it all you can do and remembering that no one is perfect.

4. Learn the art of negotiation and you will find that both child and parent will win. It is tough but gives it time and it gets better and your relationship changes. 

I definitely notice a change between me and my children's relationships. Sometimes it is hard to listen to your child especially if you have a million and one things to do. 

You just instant behaviours sadly we won't always get it. Listening is a valuable skill that will help strengthen your relationship. It does take time however I can verify that it has rewards in the long term. When I take a step back and listen my child is more willing and responsive. 

Over time it gets easier, not always of course because life is not like that. I can confirm though that there are significant changes in a  more harmonious environment. Which makes parenting a hell of a lot easier.

5. One of the major things I have learnt through raising my children is patience and dedication. I sometimes have to hold back/ put on a mask or stay quiet. 

I have found this helps as I can't always deal with immediate emotional responses due to my disability. I need time to digest and reflect before decisions. 

I have learnt to wait before I react as I am better mentally prepared to deal with that situation. Sometimes us parents just need to have five minutes away from the child to cool down the situation. It helps to break down the negativity and coming back to the situation at a later date with fresher eyes to deal with it.

Cheers for reading X

Reasons to love YouTube

Hey readers,

We are now in the internet age and where better place to explore than good old YouTube. 

I love YouTube and it has saved the day from boredom to dealing with the awkward questions my eldest asks me. Not to mention tutorials and reviews on products. 

I would otherwise be clueless and less knowledgeable so let's celebrate all things YouTube!

1. It's free (apart from some of the popular films).

2. It is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

3. The variety of information is amazing. There is so much out there from tutorials to free films. You can even get 30-minute type shows.

4. YouTube is a knowledgeable resource with a wealth of information perfect for the visual learner. Not to forget the stacks of videos on how to use WordPress.  

It has helped me tremendously as a blogger to help me feel more confident in working around the WordPress website. 

Also, you can take your time,  stop and pause. You can even come back and do little bits making it more manageable to fit around you and your needs.

5. Anyone regardless of background or experience cam upload a video and there are little restrictions on what can post (apart from the obvious). Giving people the free rains over the material.

6. It can be unedited and what you see is what you get. I will be honest I love really dodgy amateur videos just for the comedy purposes alone.

7. You can learn about someone's life and get to know the bloggers better on a social level. Because the individual is doing the recording and you get a sense of authenticity.

8. You can create your own playlist.  Remember in the 90s making mixtapes and the effort with stop and starting again with the tape recorder. 

Well, using personalised YouTube playlists is the modern way to tailor your needs. You can also pick the videos without the ads so playing right through without skipping even so often, win!

What are your thoughts on Youtube? Are you a fan? would you love to hear your thoughts in the comments section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

49 things you say as a parent.

Hey readers,

 

Pre-children I made a conscious vow not to say certain catchphrases or be a certain type of mum.

Bur moving forward in time to me being a mummy I can't help but say certain sentences, several times a day.

1. Please be nice to each other.

2. Please be quiet, mummy is trying to talk. 

3. It's not the end of the world.

4. You should be lucky not living in Africa or whatever equally depressing place inspires you to try to make the little sods eat their dinner.

5. If you don't do X then I am going to tell your daddy and you are going to be in serious trouble.

6. Go and play with your toys and give mummy some headspace.

 

7. What was his poo like, soft/wet)firm etc 💩 

8. Put your willy away no one wants to see it.

9. When I was your age I..... 

10. Because I said so, end of!

11. Just you wait and see. 

12. No pudding unless you eat your dinner. 

13. If someone asked you to jump off the cliff would you?

14. I've told you a thousand times.

15. Say pardon, not what!

16. What did your last slave die off?

17. It will all end in tears.

18. You will take someone's eye out with that.

19. I want, never gets. 

20. Don't sit that close to the tv, you will get square eyes. 

21. What part of no do you not understand. 

22. Your hands are not broke. 

23. No one said life was fair. 

24. Naked is not an outfit. 

25. When I was young we never had...

26. Who is the parent you or me?

27. Money doesn't grow on trees.

28. If you don't pick up your toys, I'm going throw them away. 

29. Go and ask your dad (or mum). 

30. I've had it up to here with you. 

31. If you want to act like a child, I will treat you like one. 

32. Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer. 

33. One day you will thank me.

34. Quiet down, I can't even hear myself think. 

35. Are your legs broken?

36. Let's play the quiet game.

37. I'm not asking, I'm telling.

38. When you have kids, I hope they are just like you.

39. Don't you use that tone with me, mister.

40. Stop crying or ill give you something to cry about. 

41. You better wipe that look of your face. 

42. Youll understand when you are a parent. 

43. I wasn't born yesterday you know. 

44. You kids will be the death of me. 

45. I'll wash out your mouth with soap. 

46. You've brought this on your self.

47. Youll live. 

48. Talking to you is like talking to a brick wall. 

49. I am going to count to three...

Do you recognise any of these phrases that you say now that you are a parent? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 20/12/2020

Reasons why you should love winter

Hey readers,

So it is currently pouring down and the wind is blasting my hair around. It has been like this for several days and it can get more down with all the greyness. 

So, I thought it would be good to write some positive reasons why Winter is actually not that bad and there are some positives to this miserable and grey season.

Let's start off with food - not any old food but comfort food. The yummy stuff full of carbs and gravy to warm up your belly followed by sponge pudding and custard.

A valid reason to stay indoors when it is so cold and wet. You can even be forgiven for wearing your pj's on all day. You can dose about have a duvet day, keep warm and watch as much trash as humanly possible.

If you are feeling cold a perfect way to warm up is to have a hot bath and getting all warm with fleece PJ's.

Blankets and hot bottles rule when it is so cold and all you can hear is the wind whistling and battering the windows.

I will be honest with one of my favourite things to do is to fall asleep with the sound of rain hitting my window. It is so soothing and it makes me feel grateful that I am safe in my warm home.

That being said you can not enjoy a winter walk in woodland and then know that you can come home to get warm again.

Loads of cuddles keeping you nice and warm, safe from any harm and lazying around is the best knowing that you can just relax at home with your loved ones.

Hot chocolate is the desired beverage - perfect to warm your cockles and feel all cosy inside.

What kind of things do you love about Winter?  Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

Classic Christmas Traditions.

Hey readers,

We all have the memories of things we did in our childhood, especially for Christmas that we hold on to and want to share with our children. 

I am going to share some of mine that we do for my children at Christmas.

Let's start with a golden oldie, leaving a plate with a mince pie, carrot and drink on the night of Christmas Eve. Obliviously, we as parents will have to leave some crumbs and icing sugar to let the child know Santa has been. 

In the morning when they see the plate they are beyond happy especially as they link to presents.

Having a select day to decorate the tree in December with the kiddos happens every year. It is a challenge for us parents to not want to kill our children due to the chaos but overall it is jolly good fun. 

That does not stop us, adults, though sneakily later on in the evening go and rearrange the tree.

On Christmas Eve we get into our comfy clean PJs to settle down early evening and watch whatever 'premiere' child-friendly cartoon is on and this year.

Another tradition that we do is write a letter to Santa to let him know that your child has been good and what your child would dearly love this year. This year my eldest basically wanted everything in Smyth's store ;)

Followed by at Christmas we do a reply letter from Santa, AKA mummy to tell my little darling how lovely they have been. 

Let's forget all about the bad times because Christmas is meant to be all lovely and warm. This will be left for Christmas Day.

Every year with my children we make a Christmas decoration (brought from the lovely Poundland) to go on our Christmas tree.

Finally, the last thing I love doing with my children is on Christmas Day after dinner going for a walk, more than likely to the park. There is something lovely about going outdoors when the majority of people are indoors. There is a strange type of eeriness to it.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 13/12/20