As I sat down I found myself reflecting on the past year (still can’t believe we are in new year) a lot of lessons that motherhood has showed me. It’s often said that life is the greatest teacher and 2023 has been no exception

Join me as I unravel the lessons that have shaped my journey as a mum over the past year

1. Embracing Change

One of the lessons last year has taught me is the inevitability and beauty of change. Whether it is watching my youngest child take those initial steps into nursery or my eldest starting Reception class. As a mother, witnessing the separation anxiety that often accompanies the early days of nursery/school can be challenging. This reminded me that change is not just part of life, but is a catalyst for growth.

2. Patience is a Virtual

Motherhood and its demands more often will test your patience and last year has been a masterclass on embracing patience. Dealing with the terrible (I mean wonderful!!) 2’s and the tantrums that comes with this age, and playing the constant role of mediator when my kids are in disagreement. Motherhood has taught me to weather the storm with patience, offering a comforting presence.

3. Prioritising Self-care

In the whirlwind of everyday life as a working mum and looking after the family its is easy to overlook the importance of self care. I have come to realise that my well-being is linked to my family well-being. Taking a step back from mum life and practicing self-care has improve my health and well-being. Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, so carving out time to do what I love has been a blessing.

4. Being Present

In chaos of modern day life distractions are all around and fill up our time. The art of being present is truly a gift. I have learnt that being present for my kids is not about the quantity of time spent with them but the quality of attention I have given them. Whether it’s simply being present for my kids, engaging in imaginative play, reassuring them during challenging moments or reading them a book the importance of presence lies in the connection of those shared moments.

5. Adaptability

With kids, change is constant and as a mama adapting becomes second nature. so last year has taught me to be flexible in my plans. As a mum, I have learnt to navigate my childrens ever changing needs with a flexible mindset. I have adapted to the beauty of going with the flow.

6. Breaking Free From Quilt

As a mother, quilt, can be like a heavy anchor hindering us the ability to fully embrace the present and future. I have learnt to let go of unnecessary quilt and give myself some grace. All I can continue to do is to be there for my little ones and love them.

7. Accepting Imperfection

Embracing imperfection in motherhood unfolds as a liberating journey. I have come to embrace that imperfection is a collection of beautifully flawed moments—from the mess of my living space to incomplete homework and hurried rushes to appointments. Through these imperfections I have discovered that what truly matters is the love that we invest in each other.

Conclusion:

Motherhood is undeniably the most fulfilling job, but it can also be grueling and at times, downright terrifying. Throughout my journey, the art of patience has become my constant companion. Parenting continually reinforces the idea that the most precious aspects of life demand time, understanding and nurturing. As I navigate the ever-changing demands of motherhood, I carry with me the invaluable lessons acquired in 2023 as a guiding light illuminating the path ahead.

Happy New Year!

Emma xx

The post Navigating Motherhood; Reflecting On Lessons I Have Learnt As Mum in 2023 appeared first on adventuresofmamma | Family Lifestyle Blog.

7 simple ways to keep your toddler away from your decorated Christmas tree

1. Choose a fake tree!

Pine needles that sheds from the real tree are not just messy and annoying but can also be a risk to your baby/toddler if they manage to eat them. 

2. Let them Touch the Tree

What toddlers wants is to know and explore. The more you tell them No, they want to find out “why they have been told NO” therefore leading to more curiosity. Just let them explore it and after a while they will be bored with the tree and move on to something else.

3. Give them their own tree

Try and give them their own tree. This could be a small tree that they could decorate themselves. You can easily found a mini tree on amazon. It does not have to be expensive. if you are into DIY you can try and make your own Christmas tree.

4. Use Non-Breakable Ornaments

Use kids friendly Christmas ornaments on the lower part of tree, where your little one can reach. You can also try and make your own DIY child friendly ornaments

5. Put a barrier around Christmas tree

You can do this by creating gift fence around your tree. Putting decorated boxes in front of tree or you could put fence around the actual Christmas tree.

6. Decorate Top Of the Tree

Only decorate half top of the tree where you little one can’t reach and finish the rest of tree at a later stage.

7. Add Bell ornaments to you tree

If you are a parent yo a toddler you know silence is not always golden. So decorating your tree with the bells will act as an alarm to alert you that the tree is under attack.

Final thoughts….

Although Toddler years may be stressful at times, they’re also so rewarding in many ways. One thing to remember as you go through this stage is your Toddler is only little for a short time, this will be over before you know it. There is beauty in toddler years, so find ways to enjoy your Christmas tree with your little ones.

I hope these simple tips and tricks will help you keep your decorated family christmas tree intact before Santa visits.

Have a wonderful festive season

Emma xx

The post How to keep your Toddler away from the Christmas Tree appeared first on adventuresofmamma | Family Lifestyle Blog.