Changing Parenting Style

With my first son Tyler, I wrapped him completely in cotton wool, and then in bubble wrap, and then a quilt.....you get the picture. As a first time parent I had no clue. I was overprotective and a little bit crazy. Every little thing panicked me. Don't get me wrong everything still worries me but I just handle it in a different way now.
After having three children my parenting style has really changed. I know what really matters and what to brush off. With Tyler I didn't like him to get too messy and I taught him to be gentle and kind and never let him play boisterously. He is such a sweet sensitive soul because of it. However, when we went to playgroups I would intervene if a disagreement happened over a toy or if someone was pushing and shoving I would move him away from the equation. As a result, along with being so kind and caring he also didn't know how to stick up for himself as his mama was always so fiercely protective. Jaxon being number 3 it is a whole different ball game for me and I really noticed it when I took him to his first playgroup last week. These little arguments over toys need to happen, they need to be questioned and they need not always have their own way. I know now that this isn't just one child being mean, or naughty but it is them learning how to communicate and be patient. The same with tantrums, I would avoid them at all costs with Tyler and do anything to distract him, but if distraction doesn't work for Jaxon and he really just wants to shout it out, I let him. Imagine being a child and your whole world was that packet of chocolate buttons that you weren't allowed to eat. They just don't understand, and its all a learning process. I just let him thrash it out and then give him a cuddle. It was a funny feeling watching certain things going on in that playgroup, when I know 8 years ago with Tyler I would have been so upset and annoyed by them. I'm not saying that I sit there and let Jaxon take other children's toys or let other children whack him with trains and lego blocks but these days I am much more relaxed about everything. These little Toddler groups are a place for our little monsters to grow, learn and become sociable. Last week Jaxon learned to wait his turn for the slide.....I wonder what he will learn next time!?

Mrs H x

Week from hell.

This week has been ridiculous. So far, since last thursday, so thats 6 days ago, between them my children have battled conjunctivitus, tonsilitus, an ear infection and a sickness bug!! Honestly, you cannot make this stuff up. Each time i think, thank god thats coming to an end, something else hits! These poor kids need a break! So does this poor mama. Im praying to god I dont get ill as that would literally be the icing on the cake.

Cheer me up, give me some positivity. What fun things have you all been up to?

Mrs Hx

Lets get organised!

Since I became a mum of 3, 16 months ago, my life has become chaotic and unorganised. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't change my little family for all the neat filing systems and empty washing baskets in the world but I do always wish my life was a bit more organised. Purely for the fact that if everything was planned in advance and in order, then I would have more time to spend doing the things that my children and I love to do. Somehow though, every time I try to get order in my life I always end up back where I started. I have enlisted the help of some fellow bloggers to make myself ( and you!) a list of tips to keep on top!

• So, firstly, from Jen over at Just Average Jen "Write coffee at the top of your to do list and then it is easy to do at least one thing."
• Rebecca, over at The everyday mummy says "get things prepped the night before"
• Mummy Gummie Blog's Lisa says "write a list with only three things a day, that way it isn't daunting and you get the satisfaction from having a completed list"
• Birthdays and parties are always sorted last minute in my house. When I say last minute, I usually mean a mad dash to the supermarket half hour before the party starts! Hannah from The Amphletts buys cards in bulk, including a variety of aged and plain ones so that she never gets caught at last minute like I always do!
• When working or getting important stuff done, Louise over at A strong coffee to go says " don't have Facebook or twitter on! So easy to get distracted!"
• Lastly, Hollie from thrifty mum says "Before bed, visualise the next day and write a list, get out anything you can prepare in advance and then get a good nights sleep. You'll feel mentally and physically rested that way and therefore more able to take on the day."

With all of this in mind I have made packed lunches and laid out uniforms and bags and coats for tomorrow morning. Here's to an organised week!

Mrs Hx

Living Arrows 5/52

This weeks Living Arrows, sees the end of January. Thank god, hasn't it been dark and cold!? I honestly have never longed for springtime as much as I am right now. I want to be able to just throw a cardi on and walk out the door, and not worry about hats and scarves etc. I'm fed up of winter bugs and coughs and sneezes, and I'm fed up of uber dark mornings where it still feels like night time!

Anyway enough of my moaning. This week Jaxon had his hair cut as it was getting a bit wild. He hates having it done as he doesn't like to sit still and he doesn't like anyone touching his ears or neck. I was armed with dummies, chocolate buttons, the lot. He's still ended up with a wonky chop, but he is still gorgeous. Glad I decided from an early age not to short back and sides him with the clippers until he gets a bit older as it just wouldn't be doable!

There isn't too much we can do in this cold and dreary weather (I'm moaning again, but can you feel how much I am so done with winter right now?) but we did manage a short trip to the local park, before we all froze and marched home for a hot chocolate!!

“You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth” Kahlil Gibran