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11 Ways I’m #RockingMotherhood

April 26, 2017 by Rosie 7 Comments

I was tagged by the fabulous Alex over at That Butterfly Effect to take part in the #RockingMotherhood tag – thank you so much Alex! The tag was started by Pat over at White Camellias as a way for us to reflect on all the amazing things we do every day as mamas.

It’s so easy to beat ourselves up as mothers and I think this is a fantastic idea! Although I try hard to be kind to myself, sometimes, like all mamas, I’m too hard on myself. This is the perfect excuse to reflect on all the things I ROCK at as a mama and give myself a massive hug!

So here we go… Here are 11 Ways I’m Rocking Motherhood!

1. I empathise with my kids

I’m naturally a sensitive person and was painfully shy as a child. I think I carry these memories with me and so try even harder to empathise with my kids when they are frustrated or upset. Above all I want them to feel that I understand and will always listen to them. I’m a big fan of the positive parenting site AHA Parenting and read on there a phrase that has stuck with me “Connect before you Correct.” I don’t always manage it, but always, always try!

2. I put my kids first

Ultimately my kids always come first. I am a stay at home mum with both of them, so we literally spend all our days together – going to the park, playing, crafting, reading (and yes some tv too, I’m not supermum!) I absolutely love it, although it can be exhausting too. I’m trying to get better at making time for myself and looking after myself too. My children are my world though and I try really hard to give them opportunities for a balanced and fun day.

3. I like to surprise them

I love surprising my children with little things. Being creative is a passion and I would go mad if I didn’t have some kind of creative outlet. I especially love making and setting up creative play projects for Little M – he loves playing with them and I love seeing the look on his face when I have made something for him.

4. I follow routines

Our day has routine so the children always know what to expect. I really feel that regular routines, especially for meals and bedtimes, help to keep them so happy and balanced. Of course we have meltdowns like any family (!) but I do find that routines and early bedtimes really help bring out the best in my children.

5. I read to them

Since Little M was a baby we have read books at bedtime. He LOVES his books and it sounds cheesy, but it’s such a joy to see him enjoying his stories so much. It breaks my heart that some children do not have that experience. I think reading and a love of books is so important for all ages. We have read stories every night of Little M’s life – that makes me proud! We are now starting the same routine with LP too!

6. I play and have fun with them

I play and have fun with my children every day. I especially like to chase them and dance with them! Those are the things I want them to remember, because they honestly won’t remember if the dishes were done or not! That being said I’m a firm believer in making house jobs fun too, so my kids will want to join in and help. It doesn’t always work of course – but Little M does love vacuuming and using his trucks to ‘tidy up’!

7. I think of fun projects to do

I know many people cringe at the idea of doing crafts and creative projects with their kids – but I actually love it! It’s probably the primary school teacher in me! Don’t worry, I cringe at the mess like most of us, but I love seeing their faces when we do baking and arty things together.

Family traditions are important to me too – those are the things that I really remember from childhood. It’s always the simple little things – I always remember having a little present at the table at our Christmas Dinner. I’m enjoying continuing some of my childhood traditions and starting some of our own too.

8. I put myself out there

I had Little M just over a year after moving to a new country. Without many friends and with a new job, I just really had to put myself out there – for myself and for him. I felt myself getting into a slump after he was born and knew I had to just make the effort to make friends, so that he had a happy mama. It took a while, but I got there!

Now I have lots of friends and we are both happy and sociable! I’ve got a new confidence that I think only comes from having moved to a new place and having to start over. I’m proud of myself!

9. I say “I love you” ALL the time

I probably say it too much, but I’d rather they heard it too much than not enough! I love being affectionate with my kids. It’s so sweet when I hear Little M say “I love you” to LP now. It reminds me that he watches and learns everything from me and others around him.

10. I let them be messy

I think this is part and parcel of having a boisterous boy! Little M has always loved to play in the mud and do any kind of  ‘messy play’ – I have learned to embrace it! My creative side loves to let him go wild with the sand and play doh, but my perfectionist side is still cringing at the mess! I try to squash this in me and encourage him to get messy, because he is so creative in his play and comes up with some weird and wonderful ideas. Plus honestly, I just think kids should be allowed to get messy from time to time!

I do find it helps to have some rules for messy play – for example in our home play doh and kinetic sand stay in the kitchen. It is definitely easier to let kids be messy when the mess is contained to one area!

11. I try to be the person I want them to be

When you become a parent I think it makes you try harder to be the best “you” that you can be. When I feel like I’m being rubbish, not getting things done, or not handling things well, I always think the best thing I can do is to try and be the person I want them to be. That includes being kind to myself and sometimes letting things go. Because that is what I would want my children to do.

I really think we all have to work at being the best versions of ourselves. It doesn’t come naturally. I want my children to see me as being patient, kind and caring, as well as good fun and ambitious with my own dreams. I have bad days like all of us, but I hope by striving to be my best self I will set a good example to my children.

That’s it! I feel much better now about all the ways I’m rocking motherhood!

How do you rock motherhood? Come and join in the tag!

I’m also tagging 3 fantastic mamas to join in…

Anne at Just Only Home

Natalie at Surviving Life’s Hurdles

Claire at The Ladybirds’ Adventures

The Rules

  • Thank the blogger that tagged you and link to their blog.
  • List 10 things you believe make you a good mother (this is just a guideline. It can be more or less than 10)
  • Tag 3 – 5 bloggers to join in the #RockingMotherhood Tag.
  • Grab the #RockingMotherhood badge and add it to your post or sidebar.

Do share your post on Twitter with me @littlefishblog and Pat @whitecamillias. We would love to read them and are happy to retweet!

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Comments

  1. Susie at This Is Me Now

    April 27, 2017 at 12:15 am

    Ah Rosie you do rock!!! You sound like such a fun mum. I need to do some more creative stuff but actually when I ask Miss Belle if she wants to paint of play with playdoh she just says “puzzles!” – she’s jigsaw mad!! xx

    Reply
    • Rosie

      April 28, 2017 at 9:23 pm

      Aw thank you – you are so sweet! I think they just go through phases, Little M was the same when he was littler – it was more me doing the crafts and he just did his own thing! Now he’s older he likes to get stuck in too! Puzzles are fab too! x

      Reply
  2. Naomi Lynas

    April 27, 2017 at 7:04 am

    This is a great tag! You are definitely rocking motherhood!

    Reply
    • Rosie

      April 28, 2017 at 9:23 pm

      Thanks Naomi! xx

      Reply
  3. Alex @ That Butterfly Effect

    May 1, 2017 at 8:35 am

    That’s such a beautiful post, Rosie and you’re such a wonderful Mummy ? You do so many fun arts and crafts activities with your kiddies, I really need to get better at it! Xx

    Reply
    • Rosie

      May 1, 2017 at 11:08 pm

      You are too kind! I try, although sometimes I am more into the crafts than they are 😉 We all do our best as mamas and that is the most important thing. Thanks so much for tagging me, I enjoyed doing this! x

      Reply
  4. Natalie | Surviving Life's Hurdles

    May 18, 2017 at 8:05 am

    Thank you so much for tagging me in your lovely post. You made me think about all the good things I do for my son as a parent with a chronic illness instead of dwelling on all the negatives for a change. I love thinking of fun projects too and bring out the arts and crafts at any opportunity! x

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Rosie!

Lover of tea on the beach and avid recycler!

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Cute and easy heart stencil cards for kids. ❤️

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Sweet and simple ideas to inspire kids. 👩‍🎨
Art | Crafts | Nature
Lover of tea on the beach and avid recycler! 🐚🐠🐳 ❤️

Rosie
Do you feel like showering a little love this Febr Do you feel like showering a little love this February? 🥰
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I think we need all the love and good vibes right now and I do love a creative project that doubles as a gift! 💝 
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We loved making these dancing heart stencil cards - simple to make and sweet Valentines for your children to hand out. 😍
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When I get 5 minutes I'll make a blog post 🙄😆but they are easy enough to make:
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-Draw a heart shape on a piece of card and cut out a stencil. 
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-Place stencil on folded white card, sponge red and white paint, let dry.
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-Decorate with a pen and goggly eyes.
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-Spread a little love!
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These would be a cute and easy activity over the half term/winter break. ❄️
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Do your children like to make Valentine cards? 💕
Do you feel like you're balancing all the things r Do you feel like you're balancing all the things right now?
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Life is throwing everything at us at the moment. If you feel like you’re about to topple and fall with the weight of it all, you are not alone. 

Working, parenting, home schooling. Trying to stay calm and look after ourselves as well as our families. Whatever your situation, I know you are juggling a lot.
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But you are strong, you are capable and you have got this. We have got this.
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Think of a memory that makes you feel calm and happy. Hold on to it until the time you can make it happen again. And in the meantime try to to seize the little moments of every day joy. 
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I think of the beach when I need a pick me up. How about you?
Don’t you just love when a crafty project double Don’t you just love when a crafty project doubles as something useful??
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You can turn this easy Christmas tree stencil idea into simple gift wrap! 
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Get your children printing and decorating Christmas trees on a sheet of parcel paper. You’ll keep them busy and creative, then can wrap gifts for the grandparents or friends in the paper! 
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This year, more than ever, people will really appreciate the small, personal things that you do for them. Things that are made, thought about and given with love. ❤️ Have a think about how you can make someone feel special this year. The simple ideas are always the best!
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Are you planning to add a personal touch to gifts and cards this year? Have you made gift wrap with your children before?
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Joining in with @makemerryandcreate @littlelion_mom @playwithmamma and #makeyourchristmascrafts
Wow, it’s been a while! I took a bit of a soci Wow, it’s been a while! 

I took a bit of a social media break, as life took over. As it does from time to time. So taking the time to say hello to you all again.👋 

I’m Rosie and I love to share simple ideas to inspire kids to get arty, crafty and creative. 🎨 

I also 💚the outdoors and try to share this love of nature in many of my projects. 🌲 

This is me and my crew, back in October on my 40th birthday! A beautiful beachy day. 🏝 

Since then we’ve bought a house, moved and had one kiddo in isolation for 14 days 🤪- hence the radio silence. 

A break has helped me ditch the overwhelm and simplify my priorities. But now, I’m so ready to start getting creative again and bring on all the festive vibes! 🎄

When life gets overwhelming, don’t be afraid to step back and focus only on the things that are important. Take a breath, get outdoors and then reprioritise, one step at a time. ❤️

How are you doing with lockdowns, winter and festive preparation? What helps you step back and reprioritise?
What is your lasting memory of this past few month What is your lasting memory of this past few months with your kids?

For me it’s been bike rides and making things together. 🖍 ✂️ 
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Funny how our minds gloss over the stresses of home school and lack of ‘me time’ 🤣
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I’ve not been on social media much lately - I’ve been making the most of the end of summer, adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and figuring out what is next for me now that my littlest has started school. 😊
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One thing I am doing is starting to sort through the pile of creations 🖼 (and clutter too!) in the house. It’s reminding me of all the lovely things we have done together (even when mum guilt sometimes tells me otherwise) and helping to clear my mind too. ❤️
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If you’re feeling a little lost at the moment I can recommend a good sort out as a starting point! @whatkatysaiduk is a wonderful inspiration on decluttering. 🥰
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Are your children back at school, or are you still in the thick of homeschool? 
Anyone else swamped with projects from this year?! I’d love any ideas on how you like to organise art work!
(Press trip) Do you have a Dino fan in your family (Press trip) Do you have a Dino fan in your family?
We had a roarr-some time at @roarr_dinosauradventure in Norfolk last weekend.
With dinosaur trails, a splash zone, Jurassic putt and much more we all had an amazing family day. I was really impressed with the social distancing and safety measures in place too. Full review to follow soon!
Have you been on any fun family days out recently?
Is home school still happening in your family?! Af Is home school still happening in your family?! After 12 weeks of lockdown we’ve ditched ‘home school’ for ‘life school.’ So far the kids have made and decorated their own cakes, helped do laundry, vacuum and mop. 🧼 Plus lots of free play, projects and learning about topics they are interested in - mainly dinosaurs! 🦖 🦕 
I feel so much more relaxed for letting go of formal work! (Let’s face it there wasn’t much of it happening anyway...😬) But I was still pressuring myself mentally and it was starting to create power struggles (with my eldest very spirited child!) When you start doing things that you and the children are motivated to do it takes the pressure off everyone. And the miracle is that’s when the real learning happens! 🌟 
My son has even written about his fossil collection - a change from tearing my hair out to get him to write! The kids have played more independently too, as I’ve ‘left them to it’ more. Plus - the house is even starting to look just a little bit cleaner! 🧹

So if home school is just not happening anymore, I’d recommend doing an Elsa and just ‘Let it Goooo’. Swap it for ‘life school’ and I guarantee the kids will be learning equally valuable lessons. 💡Just do what works for your family. ❤️ Are you still home schooling? Do you feel like you’re trying to ‘do it all’? Or have you embraced a more flexible approach?

I’d love to hear any ideas you have that we could try? My kids love dinosaurs and creative things. Plus I’m trying to encourage independent playing and helping in the house, so all ideas welcome! 💡
Sleeping with her babies. 👶🏻👶🏾❤️
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I’ve been listening to black voices over the last few days. Thinking about the BLM movement and ways I can do more. I wasn’t sure whether to share, but I’ve learned it’s better to speak than to say nothing.
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I’ve always thought of myself as someone who embraces diversity. I’ve travelled, met and befriended people of all colours, nationalities and religions. As a teacher I’ve valued each child’s individuality, as well as seeing them all as equals. I try to encourage my children to be kind to all others.
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But I realise this is NOT enough. I need to do more. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last week it’s that - we have to take ACTION against racism. It’s not enough to just ‘not be racist’, we have to be ANTI racist to make a change.
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So what action do I commit to do?
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•Listen - keep listening to black people’s stories and struggles.
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•Educate - myself and my children further. Read books that spark CONVERSATIONS with my children and others. Keep learning and keep trying to do better.
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•Amplify - promote black voices, especially those in the fields of education and children.
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If you’re a mama or a teacher and wondering how you can take ACTION against racism, I’d really recommend taking a look at @readlikearockstar and @apron_education - they have some brilliant resources to share with your kids. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do you talk about racism with your kids? How are you taking action against racism?
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