Wednesday, June 15, 2016
mother + maker : meagan from whole family rhythms
I wouldn't describe myself as a crafty person, nor do I host daily activities to keep the children engaged. But sometimes I find myself turning from one activity to the next, unsure of what to set up for the kids, how to direct their focus and how best to nurture their creativity. I've long admired Meagan from Whole Family Rhythms and over the past few months I have discovered much contentment and solace in her Seasonal Guides.
Inspired by the Steiner philosophy, the Whole Family Rhythms Guides are a step-by-step walk through the seasons - setting intentions, creating rhythms, expressing gratitude and embracing the natural world. Each guide offers gentle encouragement for those wanting to create rhythm in the home, one that serves and nourishes the whole family.
If you're anything like me, you might adore the idea of a Steiner-based home rhythm but might find it difficult to implement in your schedule. Perhaps it all seems a little too esoteric for you? Or perhaps you are inspired by the concept but just don't know how to start?
Many think that rhythm lacks the structure of routine and are critical of its productivity. But think of rhythm as having a fluid structure, an ebb and a flow, one that can change pace depending on the weather or your mood. When you look at it this way, you see that rhythm is the perfect structure for families with young children; nothing is set in stone, it can all be put to the side if need be. But on those days when rhythm is craved, there is much comfort in knowing what's coming next. It helps our children feel secure, comfortable and at ease.
Labels: mother + maker , motherhood , simple home
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
motherhood and the anxiety switch
I chatted to a few friends at the school gate and we all decided that she seemed fine and I was probably just worrying unnecessarily. And then we spoke about motherhood and worry and the fact that as soon as we birthed our firstborns it was like an anxiety switch went on. Even the most carefree and confident among us experiences some sort of motherhood-induced anxiety.
Today, after a somewhat sleepless night, I started thinking about my anxiety triggers; many of which are unavoidable at this stage of motherhood. Exhaustion is pretty powerful at setting off my switch, as is solo-parenting and a sudden influx of work. And when they all combine? Pass the rescue remedy!
Over the years I've come to notice the early, physical effects of anxiety and I understand the importance of working through it sooner rather than later. A few things that help:
- early nights : even if my sleep is broken, if I can get a few good hours in before midnight I'm in a much better frame of mind the next morning. I follow a bedtime routine and make sure lights are out before 10pm.
- listmaking : with a constant stream of emails hitting my inbox, various stories that need to be written and photo editing to be done, I can quickly become overwhelmed with work. I find that the lists that go 'round in my head aren't all that realistic and if I'm not conscious of my words, I can easily utter this one (which only exacerbates my anxiety). But, when I write to-dos on my list (which is attached to the fridge) I can see what needs to be done and subsequently, I don't have to remind myself to do it later.
- exercise : even if it's a ten minute walk around the block, getting out of the house, out of my head, and working up a sweat can ease my worry and boost my mood.
What are your anxiety triggers and how do you work through them?
also : 10 ways to ease anxiety and how to ease fear and worry in pregnancy.
Labels: motherhood , pregnancy
Thursday, June 02, 2011
I'll admit that I was suffering from motherguilt because I had never taken Che to the dentist. Motherguilt has incredible power; it makes me ponder my choices, it keeps me on my toes. Sometimes it makes me really organised, organised enough to make an appointment with the dentist and keep it. Daniel and I had been talking about the dentist with Che quite regularly - how important it is to get check-ups to ensure your teeth stay strong and healthy. His one question was: "After we go to the dentist, can we get ice-cream?" Our response: "Ice-cream goes against everything the dentist stands for."
I was a little apprehensive and envisioned a writhing, unhappy three-year-old clenching his teeth together. The book in the reception area helped - the story of a young boy who opens his mouth wide so the dentist can count all his teeth! As soon as Che hopped on that mechanical chair his mouth was open - he was eager and waiting. I was pleasantly in awe. He has twenty teeth, thinks the cleaning paste is 'yucky' and only had trouble keeping his mouth open when he was giggling so hard the dentist has to take the utensils out of his mouth.
I squeezed a check-up in straight after - still no fillings! But...I was asked, politely, if I tend to clench my teeth sometimes. "It's just that there's a bit of wear on the front teeth," she explained to me. I was lying there, thinking about all those times where as a mum I get so frustrated that I clench - and hard. "Yes," I admitted. "I do...and how bad is that - for my teeth and my parenting." Oh motherguilt, you're still there, even after the dentist.
Labels: ché , motherhood , parenting
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Literally hours after I peed on the stick to confirm that there was indeed a tiny little baby inside me, I phoned the local hospital to request Val as my midwife. Val has been catching babies for longer than Daniel or I have been alive - there is so much reassurance in her 34 years of midwifery. She's a passionate midwife too - passionate about guiding women through labour and birth, whether in a hospital or at home. In 2008 she was awarded NSW Midwife of the Year and since then her name has been passed around the circles of pregnant women here on the Central Coast - hence the need to phone as early as possible in pregnancy to request her support. She told me that some women phone her the morning after the possible conception - just in case.
Labels: growing a baby , motherhood , natural birth
Thursday, October 14, 2010
This morning was completely enjoyable. Peaceful even. This evening has been everything but. I understand opposites and how they work. Sometimes I don't understand my three-year-old. Seemingly fine one minute, a raging boy the next. Tears and the smiles. Up then down. This way, that way. My patience is being challenged like never ever before. I know he loves me so why do I seem to be on this side of the rebellion? I think it's time to consult some books. Recommendations appreciated. Pretty please. And thanks for listening (reading).
Labels: motherhood , steiner , three
Friday, September 03, 2010
'Tomorrow' became the end of the week. Time is flying by and the busyness of Spring is intoxicating.
Che just put liquid soap on my toothbrush and brushed hs teeth. And swallowed it. "Yuk," he said. Hmmm. At least it was organic.
I was a little surprised about your responses. So many of you became mums in your early twenties. Inspiring!
I always thought I'd be a young mum. I had no doubt in my mind that before I was 25 I would have a little one in my arms.
And so when my doctor told me that yes, I was expecting, I was a little surprised but not shocked. Almost three years and nine months later I wouldn't change a thing.
And yet the one thing that seems to be the deciding factor in becoming a parent is money.
When Daniel and I discovered we were going to be parents we didn't even own a toaster. And we survived. We flourished even.
I have been watching One Born Every Minute weekly since in started screening on SBS and regardless of the kind of births (and birth support people which, although shocking, represents the stereotype of the typical support person, scary, I know) shown, one subject that keeps popping up in interviews with new parents is money.
The young couples seem to comment on their complete lack of cash. The older parents who are financially stable and well established say that nothing, not anything, can compare to the joy of being a parent. Consciously, I'm sure, the editors have put these clips together, one after the other, a perfect juxtaposition.
We cannot deny that we live in a world largely dictated by money. And I know that if I had four teenage boys who inhaled a loaf of sourdough and a bottle of milk like Daniel does, there is no way I could afford organic food.
Which leads me to my next question: will you/did you let money affect your choices regarding children?
Labels: motherhood
Sunday, August 29, 2010
In today's Sun Herald's Sunday Life liftout there is an article titled "Prime Time." It features the doe-eyed beauty Natalia Vodianove - a mum-of-three at the youthful age of 25. While the term 'young-y mummy' is used (I detest the pop-culture slang of it all) it brings to light the rise of young mothers - those having their babies in their early twenties. It seems that the past five years have been all about the older mother, rising infertility rates and the race to conceive before nature decides otherwise.
Labels: motherhood
Saturday, July 17, 2010
When there is grass growing through the peg basket it's a sure sign of neglect. I'm ok with that. What I find most difficult about being a mum is guilt. There is such a thing as motherguilt, you know. Because my life has become that much busier in the past few months there are some things that just don't make it onto my 'to do' list. And sure I like the idea of a spotless home, an empty laundry basket, fresh loaves of bread pulled straight from the oven and a happy family...but that picture isn't an honest one of my life right now. The happy family is it. And I suppose that's all that really matters.
Labels: motherhood
