All posts filed under: Children

Potty Training Whilst Flying

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Minnie has been ready to potty train for a long time but we had to postpone whilst we were living in other people’s houses.  First day into our rented property in Christchurch, I showed Minnie her big girl pants and we were off! Minnie has been taking herself off to somewhere private to have her number twos for about a year now.  And for the last month she has started telling me she’s having a wee.  Even Jackson has his evening poo in the potty, which his sister takes great interest in.  Basically I thought we’d get through this quickly.  One day in and I’m not so sure.  The problem we seem to be suffering from is not what I expected.  I was sure Minnie would hate the mess and wet of peeing through her pants…not so.  In fact she is delighted every time she wets herself because that means she can choose a new pair of pants and leggings to wear…on reflection I should have seen this coming.  My little budding stylist changes her …

Good Parenting

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I feel like I will be writing on this subject a lot, as it’s an on-going question burning in my mind throughout my days and weeks.  How can I be a good parent for my children? In any other vocation you can find, mould and shape a job so it suits your talents.  It’s in an employer’s best interests to have you working at what you are best at and it’s most worthwhile for you to dedicate your 40 hours a week to something you get satisfaction out of doing. With parenting you can bring your talents. strengths and best features to the role, but they won’t cover the vast spectrum of what the job requires so there will be times and whole areas where you will fail. Take me, I’m a “completer/finisher”.  I can organise, I can solve problems, I can see something complicated and make it simple, I can bring order, I set out to do something and I have the focus and discipline to finish it.  In parenting this means, I can …

Presentable

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I have reached the end of another day.  Finished clearing away dinner, tidying up the living room and sorting out the laundry while Gareth baths the children and I look down at myself to make the unfortunate discovery that once again, I look like a tramp. My hair is unsalvageable (must not have a fringe, must not have a fringe), I have Jackson snot and puree on my shoulders, moist biscuit on my sleeve, the trousers I am wearing are too baggy, the flairs of which are caked in “street” from being dragged around all day.  I look like I’ve been accosted by a restaurant bin bag.  Don’t get me started on the rest of me; tatty nails, smudged mascara, unshaven legs, and feet that should be soaked in E45 for at least a week.  I just rested my head on my hand and found some “mush” at the back – eurrck! When I think of how many people have seen me today I wished I’d worn a sign saying ‘this is not how I …

Good behaviour

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You know when your children are wrecking you so much that you are already dreading the teenage years.  Like seriously if they can give me this much attitude and they’re not even walking and talking how much more will they punish me when they have a mobile phone and some education under their belt??!! Well in those moments of despair I always find it’s necessary (if I want to continue loving them) to look at a photo of when they are on their best behaviour.  In Jackson’s case, when he’s asleep. God bless my sweet boy on the 36 hour flight to NZ from the UK.

Child’s Play

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This week we began our search for a new home and a new car and Gareth is getting ready to start a new job.  All massive, adult-themed tasks to bear. Of course in the midst of all our “achieving” our toddler and baby demand some attention.  They want to enjoy the day, they want to live in the moment not plan for the future.  Why shouldn’t they? We’re taking care of all that serious stuff so they’ll manage the family’s fun. It’s good that no matter what your age you have an important role to fulfil in the family.