I love this and it is so true, according to some wise individuals we should be reading to or with our children, at least, until the age of 13! Wow – how many of you still read to your children after they start school and can read themselves? [Read more…]
My Top 4 Bits of Parenting Advice
I have never really been someone who readily dishes out unsolicited parenting advice – I think I have been burnt once too often by the reaction you get from some people, so now I mostly just smile and nod knowingly! So rather than call this advice, we will file this list under the title of “I wish I knew Then, What I Know Now!”
My Top 4 Bits of Parenting Advice
- First up – cut yourself some slack; you most definitely are not expected to be the perfect parent, especially the first time around! Just remember all children will eventually “eat”, “sit”, “walk”, “Sleep” – so don’t sweat the small stuff and do not compare your children with their peers or yourself with others parents (it’s dangerous). We all get there in our own time.
- Let your children discover the “world” for themselves, try not to be a helicopter parent, calculating your child’s every move, constantly doing everything for them – it’s exhausting and they do need to find out stuff for themselves. Sometimes they need to “burn” themselves to find out that something is indeed “hot”! Which certainly does not mean you should not protect your child but be careful to not “over-protect” them.
- Remember to look after yourself and remember to put yourself first sometimes. Nurture those relationships that are important too, especially your marriage. You are of no use as a parent if you are constantly stressed out, take time out for yourself, find a hobby, read a book, get a pedicure (yes even Dad’s!) – you get the picture!
- Last but certainly not least remember to enjoy your children, laugh with them, talk to them, especially as they get older. Very often we are so busy with our own lives; we forget that our children are “people” too. Make time to share family meals, get to know your children, find out what makes them tick, what they like or what they don’t! You may not always agree or get along but that’s life. Just remember that someday they won’t want you around or want to talk to you and then it may be too late!
Walk A Little Slower Daddy
“Walk a Little slower, Daddy.” said a little child so small.
I’m following in your footsteps and I don’t want to fall.
Sometimes your steps are very fast, sometimes they’re hard to see;
So walk a little slower Daddy, for you are leading me.
Someday when I’m all grown up, You’re what I want to be.
Then I will have a little child who’ll want to follow me.
And I would want to lead just right, and know that I was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy, for I must follow you!!
~author unknown
Images: ©FAR Photography
Mammabella
My Community Feature this week is somewhat different as it is more of a cyber-community feature. Both my husband and I are rather passionate about education, both in our immediate family enviroment and in the greater community around us. We are always on the lookout for new and innovative ideas and concepts, like the one that I am about to introduce to you.
The website is called Mammabella, which is a fun website developed out of the need to create both an interest and appreciation of the Afrikaans language. Afrikaans is spoken natively in South Africa and it is the third most spoken mother tongue in the country. Most English-speaking schools, in South Africa, require Afrikaans to be studied as a second language, which can be difficult for parents who do not speak the language themselves and are not able to assist their children. Mammabella could be instrumental in encouraging learners from a young age to enjoy learning this language.
Who Is The Person Behind Mammabella?
Kirsten Rossiter, is the creator of Mammabella, she is a home-schooling mom of 3, a musician, songwriter and graphic designer. “Mammabella is a true extension of who I am and what I do – I love music, language, art and teaching.”
Why Did You Create Mammabella?
Mammabella started off as a challenge…to encourage my children, to want to learn Afrikaans. I began by making up funny, catchy songs in the car, in the kitchen, in the bedroom…anywhere…to try and teach them a basic Afrikaans vocabulary, made up of day-to-day things. I have been very impressed and surprised by the impact these songs have had on my children, they have grown in confidence in their Afrikaans vocabulary and actually started showing an interest in learning the language. After this personal success I decided to make my music available to other families too. I hope that Mammabella helps spark an interest in other children and encourages them to learn Afrikaans and enjoy it!
Where Does The Name Mammabella Come From?
The name Mammabella is one that is very close to my heart. Princess, a special Malawian friend to my daughter, Bella, used to call me Mammabella, in other words Bella’s mother. I was never Kirsten to her, only Mammabella…and I fell in love both with her and the cute little name she gave me. Shortly after she moved back to Malawi, my ideas for this site began to form, and there seemed no better name than Mammabella as a way of remembering little Princess.
What Can You Hope To Find On The Mammabella Website?
The website offers fun, sing-along songs, catchy tunes and entertaining pictures that will take your children on an Afrikaans musical adventure and while at the same time giving them a foundation in basic Afrikaans vocabulary. A selection of modules are available on the website, along with registration details and costs. Mammabella is currently offering a free introductory module, so pop over to their website and start your Afrikaans Musical Adventure!
Each song that you purchase forms part of a module that includes the following:
To find out more about this fun and inspiring website click on over to Mammabella or email them on [email protected]. You can also follow them on Twitter.
Images: Mammabella
Motherhood – Words of Wisdom!
Words of wisdom for all mothers out there! As my darling hubby always says – “if it was easy everyone would be doing it!” So give yourself a break – you are doing the best darn job you can!
Have a happy Friday!
Image source: Pinterest
All the Things Children Need!
AS my children are growing up I am realising more and more that it is so important to teach them how to be “little people”, all the material things in the world are not sufficient replacement for what we as parents – “big people” can teach them! It is a constant process and each day we are faced with new and different challenges, I think the most important thing is getting the basics right. Go back to old traditional values, teach them good manners, respect, loyalty, the list goes on – if we can get these things right, we can equip them for so much throughout their lives.
So at the end of the day it’s not about what we can give them but about who we can help them become!
Image Source: Pinterest
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- …
- 23
- Next Page »