It's no easy ride. A site for parenting teens.
I’ve been learning a new skill of late: the skill of practicing mindfulness. It’s a skill that helps to focus a mind that is overly busy and distracted. For someone like myself, someone who thinks about a million things at once, (often ruminating about worries and fears or mentally trying to solve all of life’s…
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To quote Oscar Wilde’s most excellent character Lord Goring, “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance” is to unashamedly declare a wholehearted enjoyment of oneself. But is it okay to do so? In a moment of self indulgent adulation, Lord Goring the epitome of vanity, takes great pleasure in stating how wonderful…
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Have you ever thought to yourself, “I should be… slimmer, smarter, more easy-going, relaxed and happy, or productive?” If you have, how has it made you feel when you don’t meet your expectations? Do you believe your children should be… obedient, honest, healthy, athletic, clever, progressing? How has it made you feel when they are…
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I was running late…again. I could feel the stress rising inside of me. The internal acceleration of adrenalin was great; the temptation to just put my foot on the accelerator felt greater still. My shoulders rose to my ears and I was clutching the steering wheel, intent on getting to my destination as quickly as…
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When I was a new Mum staring out on the daunting journey of parenthood, I hungrily devoured any parenting books that were recommended by people who I respected. I was a novice in need of advice. From toilet training to tantrums; fussy eaters to shaping a strong-will; there was literature in abundance that promoted commonsense…
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If you were asked to describe what happiness feels like to you, how would you describe it? Is it that wonderful moment of heightened joy when everything you’re experiencing is exciting and good; when your step is light and your buoyant mood moves you to dance or sing? Or is it a more settled, peaceful…
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I love the British phrase “Well done you!”. Whenever a friend said it to me, it felt like someone had given me a gentle pat on the back; a thumbs-up; an encouragement that I’d done a good job. Nothing flashy, no fanfare; just a simple acknowledgement that they’d noticed my effort. It brings a smile…
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I was reminded this week of how thoroughly positive it is to plan a getaway. Whether it be a family holiday or time away just with your spouse, be it a weekend or a week; having something to look forward to is an effective antidote to the humdrum of everyday life. Sometimes the mundane can…
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In a creative response to being unwilling to pay the exorbitant price of muesli bars that fit all my dietary needs at the moment, (sugar, gluten, dairy, egg and fructose free) I came up with my own version of a muesli bar. It resembled something I’d bought previously and enjoyed. The quantities and method I…
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If there is one thing I have learned about teens and tweens it is: that there is nothing they hate more than being nagged. Nobody likes being told what to do; least of all a teenager. A nagging parent is like an annoying drone in the background of your favourite song. No matter how much…
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