When Toddlers Take Control
One insight I’ve gained through actual (as opposed to theoretical) parenting is that parents aren’t quite as responsible for their toddlers’ behaviour as I once assumed. A practical illustration will suffice: public meltdowns. Here are three things I can control when my toddler takes charge.
One of Those Days
It started with an alarm I forgot to set the night before. That meant I was awoken unceremoniously by my little boy precisely half an hour late. Of course, this was the day I had a 9 am deadline and an 8.45 am start at playgroup (where I help set ...
My Unlikely Journey Toward Happiness
During the first year of my daughter’s life, I found motherhood quite difficult. I felt swamped by my new role, and somewhere along the way, I lost myself. I felt I had been transformed into a breastfeeding, nappy-changing, baby-burping robot. I had put on about 30 kilos while pregnant and ...
Stress Signals
Life is full of situations that cause stress! However, stress isn’t always a bad thing. It can be the motivation to get us moving -- to write that report, make the ballet costume, perform in the play or make that important speech, etc. But when you are constantly functioning with ...
Teaching Gratitude
Gratitude is one way to ensure that life is always experienced in the positive. It’s a choice that takes practice and as such, is a skill that can be taught. I believe that learning the basics of good old-fashioned “please” and “thank you” is the foundation for learning gratitude. When ...
The Gift of Gratitude
Modelling gratitude to your children helps them form the habit of being thankful and displaying appreciation to those around them. I am sure you have all witnessed your own child or someone else’s at Christmas, receiving so many gifts that they are not even excited or thankful by the end ...
Fit Mum, Healthy Mind
When you’re feeling low, exercise is often far from your imagination. But, if you can get yourself started -- maybe ask a friend, family member or your partner to join you, the benefits are amazing! Like: You’ll feel better about yourself. Meeting small goals along the way and watching your ...
Making Peace with My Post-Birth Body
Getting used to your post-birth body can be challenging -- here is a video to see it in a whole new perspective, appreciating its true beauty. I would never have called myself ‘skinny,’ even before kids. But my new ‘post-baby’ body has taken some getting used to. I think a ...
The Incredible Importance of Mothers
Happy Mother’s Day! James E Faust said, “The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation.” Film star Leonardo DiCaprio said, “My mother is a walking miracle.” Did you know the word "mother" is the most beautiful word in the English language? A British Council ...
Video: A New Perspective For Mums
A lovely video to share as we celebrate mums this Mother's Day weekend. Any mother will tell you that being a mum is a full-time job. And sometimes, the job can really test you. Some feel as though they have no patience left, or that they’re somehow failing as a ...
TV – The New Education Hero?
Is television dumbing down our children, or improving their knowledge and manners? It depends on how you utilise the medium. (I know I’ll sound like my Nana when I use this opening line) When I was a little girl (see, told you!), I was only allowed to watch TV on ...
Making It Through Postnatal Depression
Aussie mum Fiona lives in Switzerland with her hubby and beautiful 15-month-old girl. This Q&A reveals her struggle with postnatal depression and what helped her get through it: What do you love most about being a mum? Being my own boss -- no rules to follow except my own Cuddles ...
A Different Type of Normal
Life as a parent can get terribly busy and overwhelming, but taking a pause to re-focus can help you attend to your responsibilities in a more peaceful and joyful frame of mind. Your "normal" doesn't have to be frantic. Sometimes it takes a weekend away to give you a new ...
A Night at the Drive-in
Watching movies at the drive-in is a great family-friendly endeavour! Even those with babies can have fun and a nice break at the drive-in. While I was at my niece’s first birthday party, I was chatting with a friend who randomly asked the question, "Do you ever go to the ...
Longing for Sleep
Good sleep is required for good mental health, but it can be very difficult for a parent of young children to get enough of it to function properly. Having family support in the parenting journey can make all the difference in the world! Feeling blue? The scientific cure may also ...
Kids’ First Aid – I Know How to Save a Child’s Life
Children are in the process of learning how to coordinate their bodies and they are naturally curious about exploring the world around them, hence accident-prone. Their immune systems are developing, and they can become very ill. Knowing how to do first aid on your child -- or his friends -- ...
Hope for New Mums
Postnatal depression is real, but take heart -- support is available. We need to support new mothers and fathers in their parenting journey. Parenting is challenging, and it takes a village to nurture a family. I remember watching an ad on TV a few weeks before I had my first ...
How to React to a No
Are you able to graciously accept a "no", or would you be cross and upset about it? I find it hard to say no to a lot of the opportunities in my life. The big opportunities that are life-changing, I pray about and give some thought to before saying yes. ...
Road Trip Tips
I consider myself an expert in road tripping with small kids -- having survived numerous flights and 2 car trips to Broken Hill of 18 hours each way. Yes, that’s right, 18 hours! First time with a 10-month-old; the second time with a 2-year-old and 7-month-old. It wasn’t pretty. So, ...
Own Your Unique Position and Giftings
There is only one of you in the whole world. Take the opportunity to hone your talents and grow where you are planted. I have always believed God places the right people at the right time in your life to counsel you and offer guidance and encouragement when you need ...
Please Tell Her She’s Beautiful
If we don't let our children know they are beautiful, handsome and attractive, they will look for affirmation elsewhere. Build up your child's positive body image and self-confidence. “Don’t tell your daughter she is beautiful,” says Jo Swinson, a female Minister in the UK. She would prefer children be praised ...
Why Being a Tough Mother is like Doing Tough Mudder
As parents, friendship and community support are essential for getting through the ups and downs of parenting. My personal Facebook newsfeed has been filled with pictures of mums giving Tough Mudder a go. I look at the pictures of mud and shudder because I know that it’s not something I ...
My Dream Holiday
With the tumult of boisterous offspring, sometimes the quiet moments of recuperation are found nearer to home. Who needs a holiday? In my life BC (Before Children), my idea of complete relaxation was luxuriating beside a pool on a tropical island, reading a book, or ordering room service and getting ...
8 Ways Your Birthday Changes as Soon as You’re a Parent
Celebrating your birthday as a parent is not quite the same as in pre-parent life, but it sure is a barrel of fun with your munchkins! I had a great birthday. I didn’t have any expectations, but I did make hints about possible things I’d like to do on the ...
True Beauty
How do you react when your child spews all over your outfit for the day? What is beauty, really? Does it go beyond appearances? I know you’ve been there: all dressed up, ready to walk out the door, when bub throws up all down your front. Do I: A. Drop ...
Tips on Working From Home With Kids
Basic pointers on how to juggle working from home while parenting your children. Flexibility is key. Most people started working from home with kids during the pandemic and set up a home office of some sort. I’ve worked from home for many years, and most of the time it’s been ...
About
The Daily Dad is a blog for writers to share interesting insights, news, and stories, to encourage dads and their families. The opinions of the various writers are not necessarily the opinion of Dads4Kids. Please do your own research and come to your own conclusions. We welcome feedback and if you would like to submit an article for the Daily Dad, please contact the editor at info@dads4kids.org.au
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