Hey sisters.
I read a lot of questions on here and comment occasionally. But I'm always overwhelmed by the support and great advice that you all have to offer.
My kids are younger (4.5 years and 20 months), but reading about everyone else's experiences gives me good insight into issues that may arise in the future and I believe that you can tailor a lot of advice given to your own situation.
So, in that spirit, I was wondering what good advice you seasoned mummas might offer to someone who's just starting out on their motherhood (or fatherhood) journey?
I realise that not everything will apply to everybody, but maybe you've got some ripper advice that you wish someone had given you sooner. Or maybe you've started a tradition or routine with your kids that you feel helps with connection and might benefit others.
I know there has to be a wealth of information and experience out there waiting to be tapped!
I'm pretty fortunate to have a beautiful, supportive village around me, but I also feel like I've found an even bigger village here in forums such as these.
And some of the topics posted make me wonder; what do you wish you could go back and tell your younger self?
Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for your responses xx
Seeking any and all advice from the Sisterhood
Seeking any and all advice from the Sisterhood
Posted in:
Life Lessons, Kids, Teenagers
4 Replies
The one piece of advice i love (before anyone makes judgement and slams what i have to say have a really good think about it).
Dont become all about your kids and nothing else. You still need to nurture yourself and other relationships especially marriage. At some stage kids grow up and move out. If you wrap yourself 100% around your children what happens when they move out? Will you still even like your husband or have anything in common with him? Can you talk about other things besides the kids? Do you have common interests still? Do you have any hobbies that you like to do without kids. Nurture common and singular interests and hobbies.
Take time to talk about other things than everyday mundane things. Go to concerts, sporting events, trips away dinners pincnics without kids. Even if its just a picnic on the floor in the lounge room after kids go to bed. But a) try yes i know easier said than done and do something regularly and b) make the rules no mention of kids during these times.
One of the excellent pieces of advice my mum gave me is, if you say no, be prepared to stand your ground and not back down, no matter how many times your kid pesters you. If you don't have the energy to stand your ground, say yes! Otherwise your kids learn they can bully you in to changing your mind by repeated asking etc.
I have to say it made the teenage years a lot, lot easier because my son knew he couldn't pester or bully me, or wear me down into giving in.
Take it one day at a time...even one hour at a time somedays.
Nurture you....take time out everyday just for you even if it is 5mins....just do it.
Kids will not stave themselves they will eat if they are hungry they are very good at judging when they have had enough.
1 maintain your independence (especially financially)
2 communicate openly,honestly, and often
3 enjoy kid free time with hubs
4 ask for, and accept help (village and all that)
5 have a damn good sense of humor. Laughter will see you through a lot of shit moments
6 know you are stronger than you think
7 friends and family will come and go out of your life, trust it's not you, it's just how things are
8 never say never