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Accepting help in the world of parenting.
So today I had one of those parenting experiences that catch you completely off guard and leave you a little breathless. You know, one of those experiences that stop you dead in your tracks and stay on your mind for days, replaying itself in all kinds of different colours and sounds. Let me share it with you… I had to do the school run with all 5 kids, on my own. As soon as the alarm went off this morning the anxiety set in. How will this go down? Being the new mom in the school, I am already aware of the other class moms trying to figure out what I’m…
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The Pee Files #5 –
A good few weeks have passed since I last wrote… As most of you know, our house is in utter chaos at the moment! We left the US on June 8th, and our container of furniture and household items only arrived 4 days ago. Adding to our craziness is the fact that my husband (darling of note!) decided to get the kids a puppy… OK, she is adorable, I have to admit, but it’s like having another baby in the house (like I need that:) ). And to top it all off, I decided to start potty training my almost 3 yo. Don’t ask me why? I should be a…
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My Girl … Never Apologise For Being Flamboyant
Tonight I had an earth shattering realisation – perhaps even life changing (but we’ll have to check back on that one) – I parent in a very controlling way. As a parent, I am always trying to control my children. And I mean that in the nicest way possible… not in some crazy-mom obsessive kind of way. Let me explain; I am forever telling them to sit nicely, eat with their mouths closed, mind their P’s and Q’s, greet politely, say please and thank you – and I am laser focused on making sure these things are always remembered… control, control, control. Not that this is ALWAYS a bad thing,…
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Little Adventures for Little Ones – Review
One of the most adorable phases that I have experienced about having children, is watching them develop their little personalities within their own fantasy play! Watching them go from raging pirates to dainty princesses, brave knights to puppy dogs rolling about on the grass. It never ceases to amaze me at how creative they can become. That’s why I just LOVE the name of this gorgeous boutique! “Little Adventures” – I couldn’t have said it any better! The Little Adventures® Story In 2002, two moms discovered the lack of clothing quality dress-ups and princess costumes available for their children, they decided to take action. Jenny Harrison, mother of ten, and Heather…
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SuperSkills – Review
What exactly is SuperSkills? Well – “We created a Superskills box to proliferate [pro-lif-uh-rayt] advanced vocabulary building in an easy-to-use 4-minutes-a-day word-building tool pack. Our monthly subscription plan provides children the tools to create and build their own success based on their strengthening SUPER POWER” – SuperSkills team “Superskills Box is a monthly subscription box for children age 8 & above. It aims to help children be successful from a very young age by giving them an easy 4-minute-a-day way to learn sophisticated vocabulary words. Results are better and faster reading & understanding, increased imagination, creativity and curiosity and high SAT scores. All key success factors for any child“ Take a…
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5 Steps To Protect Your Gifted Child From Being Bullied – Guest Post
Gifted children are at greater risk for being bullied simply because they stand out from their peers. Many of the same attributes that make gifted learners so unique are also the same ones that bullies use to pick a child out of the crowd. For example, a gifted child might struggle with anxiety or enjoy a hobby that the bullies find different. It is also common for gifted children to be physically smaller than their classmates if they advanced a grade level early. When you suspect bullying might be occurring, use these strategies to intervene and protect them before it damages your child’s self-esteem. Recognize The Signs Of Bullying The…
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Dear Friend – With No Kids!
A little while ago a very dear and special friend made a passing comment that she never read my blog because she wasn’t a mom. As human nature would have it, I was a tad offended. However, once I was able to get over my self pity and think a little deeper into why she made that comment, I was sad for a different reason! You see dear friend, I too know what it feels like to long for a baby. To watch as others are filled with an unspeakable joy whilst I sit in the background broken and hurting. I remember all too well all the Dr’s appointments, all…
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5 Silly Songs We Sing That Enforce Our Family Rules.
Every family has it’s own weird little quirks… In our family we tend to sing silly songs about family rules…Or whatever really! Just today my husband was telling me about a song that he and the boys made up in the car on their way back from a haircut. It goes a little something like this… SIR is a pie, SIR is a pie, SIR is a pie… A smartie pie – And each kid gets to carry on with the song, filling in whatever pie they want to be. Yup, it’s a little weird, and super silly, but the kids love it! We use the same theory when trying…
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Why Men Should Be from Pluto & Not Mars !!
Sometimes living with 3 men (soon to be 4) is more exhausting than being a parent. Not only do I have to contend with clothes and shoes lying all over the place, and a distinct bouquet of smells, I also have to coach them through every minor search (whether it be for a pair of socks or an old broken toy)… Let me share a conversation that took place between me and my 3 men this morning. Mom: “Boys! Where are your gloves and Beanies? It’s time to go.” Boys: “In my backpack.” (Says Sir) Mom: “Are you sure, have you looked?” Boys: “YUP!” (Sir) “Me too!” (Echoes Hulk) Mom: “Ok, we’re running late. Go get your…
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Arty Apple Bespoke & Personlised Crafts – Review
Arty Apple ‘Specialising in bespoke, personalized gifts and nursery decor that are affordable, good quality and most importantly designed to suit each and every little one that I make them for. Everything is lovingly made by hand and can be created to suit particular color schemes, nursery and bedroom themes or to match to favorite things. Made with the same love, care and time that I use for my own little ones, you can be sure of a high-quality product and very personal service”. We had just found out that we were pregnant when I was contacted by Amy of Arty Apple. I was fortunate enough to browse her…
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So What If My Boys Are Adopted…
Before I say anything else, let me make an opening confession… This is an incredibly emotional and difficult post for me to write. So forgive me if I get a little carried away at points, or if something might come across a little too strongly. I am a blogger, and while that may not seem like much to some people, it works for me. I spend a fair bit of my time writing about family (mainly my own), and my experiences of raising children. I share my views honestly, and bravely divulge things that I would otherwise choose to keep private… I am comfortable to write about most things concerning my family – however messy they may be. But still, there…
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Pregnancy Discomforts No-One Wants to Talk About
I never thought I would find myself in this position again. This pregnancy sure was a blessed surprise. So much so that I had forgotten (put out of my mind) what pregnancy is like. Obviously we remember how it all went down. But there are some… erm… uncomfortable situations that we tend to want to forget/not talk about. 5 Pregnancy Discomforts If you are pregnant, hang in there! If not, I’m sure you remember these days all too well. After all, pregnancy truly brings the most beautiful gift! Every second is worth it! With Love One Messy Mama x
