Family, It's a journey

09/08/2022

I had to duck to the local library today……no not for story time or to wade through the books in the junior section. I was there for very boring grown up reasons: to have a JP witness some doc’s…..yep not much fun.

But it made me reflect back to the many outings I had with my kids to the local library. We went through all the stages, love reading - to - can’t stand reading…..i’ve read all the books & its boring - to - I’ve move up to the next level & there are so many great books…..From begrudgingly trying a new author - to - falling in love with their writing and eager to read of their books as possible.

Teaching your young child to love books is a joy - yes it is hard work, but the adventures they will have in the pages really is priceless.

Has your child found a love for reading? What’s their favourite book ATM? Let me know in the comments below.

31/07/2022

I have always considered consistency to be important in raising my kids. Don’t get me wrong that doesn’t mean we were a boring family and everything had to be planned - we do a lot of spontaneous things and have a lot of unplanned adventures. But I noticed consistency in my parenting & in my expectations of behaviour & manners helped our family to function smoothly.

I still think consistency is very important but I have been learning to implement adaptability in parenting. My goal as a parent is to raise kids who become stable & resilient adults therefore I want to model being adaptable. What is Adaptability? “the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.”

The last 2 years of Covid has taught us many things and one of those things was that we can be adaptable. I am a very adaptive person but as a parent I recognised areas to improve especially now as we have transitioned to be a family with 2 teenagers!!

My parenting style has not changed, I am still consistent but practicing adaptability allows me to respond to situations and stresses (there seem to be more of those in teenage years!!) in a manner that is an example to the teens I am raising.

A few ways I have been implementing adaptability in my parenting are: helping my kids to problem solve; showing & encouraging resourcefulness; being willing to listen the view of others; accept differences of opinion; recognising & taking opportunities to learn or experience something new.

Is adaptability a part of your family? How do you work on it with your kids?

13/07/2022

Soon as we all agree we are still learning, lets learn together hey! Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming post about something I’ve been learning in parenting lately.

09/07/2022

These words are so true & timely for me as I my eldest turns 16 this week ❤️

Sixteen is holding on.
Sixteen is letting go.

Holding on to the days you want to spend with me.
Letting go when you’d rather be with your friends.
Holding on for dear life with you behind the wheel.
Letting go of control and trusting you’ve got this.
Holding on to hope you’ll make good decisions.
Letting go of believing I can make them all for you.
Holding on so tight with each and every hug.
Letting go and hoping you’ll always come back.
Holding onto moments I have left with you under my roof.
Letting go of thinking I can keep you here forever.
Holding on to all the memories of my little boy
Letting go of you as you become a man.

Sixteen…
Holding on.
Letting go.

Thank you to Raise Her Wild with Mehr Lee for sharing

27/02/2022

With the flooding over the weekend in South East Qld and schools being closed today, what does that look like for your kids?
Are they worried about items that may have been ruined? Is your child concerned for people they have seen on the news.
Many kids have alot of empathy and they deeply care - often for people they do not know. As many people have lost much of their belongings, today is a good chance for your kids to take action. But HOW?
Here are a few suggestions:
- Sort through cupboards for items to donate: clothes, bedding, toys, stationery etc (Contact council emergency shelters to donate).
- If someone you know or lives in your street have been affected, make a meal or a cake/slice to deliver to them or to the local emergency shelter or SES group.
Share any ideas you have come up with here and
lets work together to impact our community
while helping our kids cope with the events of
this weekend.

26/02/2022

The news coming from Ukraine is heartbreaking, here in Australia we are seeing graphic images on news broadcasts. For the younger generation, the news coverage can be very upsetting & difficult to process. Pause for a moment to check-in with the kids in your household.
Here are a few suggestions to see if they are ok?
- Chat with them, ask them what they know & understand about the event. Help them to have clarity (appropriate to their age) with any misunderstandings.
- Moderate how much & how often they see the news, be with them when they are watching to answer any questions.
- If your family prayers together, pray with your child for the people of Ukraine.
- Remind kids that there is good that happens on the news as well. As you find good/positive news stories on your newsfeed, share them with your kids.
- Remember to keep checking in with them,
especially as they go to school next week and
other kids may be discussing the situation.

24/12/2021

The expected Christmas = fun, laughter, gifts & enjoyable time with family, BUT what if your Christmas is an unexpected Christmas = heartache, emotional struggles and loneliness.
It easy to expect that everything will be happy on Christmas Day but realistically we all journey life’s up and downs and we can’t plan timing to suit us. No matter your journey ATM, please know its ok if your Christmas isn’t all Merry and Bright.

You may be juggling sharing kids with split parenting, be missing a loved one, still awaiting that positive pregnancy test, have a recent diagnosis, or struggling with mental health issues.

No matter the season you are in, you are not the only one trying to put on a happy face today. Life is hard somedays and very unpredictable.

If your Christmas is more like an unexpected Christmas, try to just capture a few specials moments today that will form a genuine positive memory and be very patient with yourself and your loved ones today.

Much love to all no matter where you are at, and if you are having an expected Christmas: please be understanding and kind to those who might be not so merry and not so bright today.
-Sue

01/12/2021

So excited to be counting down to Christmas with my family.
Huge thanks to .network for this countdown with activities.
Are you counting down? Do you have an advent or elf on the shelf activity?

21/11/2021

As we all head to the end of school year here in Australia, I’d love to check in…..How are things going in your household?
Are your kids tired, having friendship or even teacher struggles? It is common for things to get a little unravelled towards the end of the year.
I’d like to encourage you parents that your consistency, understanding and support are SO important to your kids at this time. PLUS they need you to cheer for them - Celebrate WHO they are and WHAT you love about them.
Take a moment to let your child/ren know that you notice them and appreciate them ❤️

14/11/2021

110% agree with this. We just got home after a great weekend away together camping. As a family we are always more closer connected after intentional time together & camping has always been that for us.
Did you do anything over the weekend to strengthen connections?

"Whether you’re raising a preschooler or a high schooler, it’s important to invest time in having fun together. You might...

Play peek-a-boo with your infant.
Play Simon Says or a game of Checkers with your kindergartener.
Play Pictionary or an outdoor activity with your fifth grader.
Go hiking or take a cooking class with your eighth-grader.
Go to a sporting event or try a new restaurant with your high school senior.

What fun things do you do to build connection and spend time with your kid? What's really worked to strengthen your bond in your family?