Resilient Parenting

Bringing Christmas into focus: Mindfully celebrate the birth of Jesus.

By: Joanna Myers December 6, 2018

Blogmindfully celebrating, true meaning of Christmas1 Comment

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…

Do you love yourself?

By: Joanna Myers November 23, 2018

Blogbeautiful things, God's love is good, I am preciousLeave a Comment

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…

Are you burdened by what you should be doing? Maybe it’s time to change your thinking.

By: Joanna Myers November 8, 2018November 9, 2018

Blogchange your thinking, motherhood, tyranny of the shouldsLeave a Comment

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…

Confession: I am not the greatest model when it comes to driving!

By: Joanna Myers October 25, 2018October 25, 2018

Blogeyes on you, kids, motherhood, parentingLeave a Comment

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…

The value of advice: arming yourself with knowledge.

By: Joanna Myers October 13, 2018

Bloga good read, it's never to late to learn, parenting advice2 Comments

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…

Can you know happiness in hard times?

By: Joanna Myers September 13, 2018August 12, 2019

Blogmotherhood, parenting, Teens, the happy lifeLeave a Comment

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…

“Well done you!”

By: Joanna Myers September 7, 2018September 7, 2018

Blogkids, parenting, Well doneLeave a Comment

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…

Plan to Getaway

By: Joanna Myers August 24, 2018

Blogfamily goodtimes, getaway fun, holidays, Travel2 Comments

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…

My Muesli Bar

By: Joanna Myers August 7, 2018

Keep Calm and Eat Cakedairy free, gluten free, sugar free1 Comment

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…

Can I encourage you?

By: Joanna Myers July 31, 2018

Blogparenting, relationship, Teens1 Comment

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…