To celebrate Mother’s Day, we asked our readers for some great motherly wisdom and tips. Whether you’re a new mum and just finding your feet or a seasoned mum thick in the throws of it. Parenting is a tough and under appreciated job. So just remember, whatever feelings you’re having – you’re not alone. It’s a journey with no GPS and where the final destination is unknown.
Our advice would be simple ‘Enjoy the ride, live in the moment and make sure to look at the view.”
Happy Mother’s Day from WLM x
We love @forBabyandMeLdn words of wisdom. According to Unicef, “We know that babies who have spent an hour in skin contact are significantly less stressed after the birth experience- this means that their breathing and heart rate are more stable, they cry less, and when they start to feed, they digest their food better.”
As they grow older remember how important all those hugs and cuddles are too!
@westlondon_mum skin to skin is amazing! It calms babies & mums, releases feelgood hormones, reduces stress & crying and helps babies sleep!
— For Baby & Me (@ForBabyandMeLdn) March 17, 2014
Do you remember being small? Try to recall how BIG everything seemed. We can easily dismiss our kids trivial fears because as adults we know better, but to a child the monsters living under the bed are very real. Janine Knight of @mapleleafdoula reminds us to respect and honour their fears:
@westlondon_mum take their fears seriously too. Nothing worse than feeling a bit fearful and being pushed to carry on. It earns trust.
— Janine Knight (@mapleleafdoula) March 17, 2014
Our generation is OVERWHELMED with how-to parenting books. Every theory has a contradictory one ready. Are we starting to lose what should come naturally because we’re over analysing every aspect of it? Readers @littlemanriley and @mothermeetings remind of that thing we all have: INSTINCT. You know what’s right for your baby. Trust yourself.
@westlondon_mum gut instinct, never underestimate your first thoughts x
— MOTHERSMEETINGS (@mothersmeetings) March 26, 2014
@westlondon_mum 1: Trust your instincts 2: Enjoy every moment because they grow up too fast 3: take lots of photos, lovely looking back! x
— Jodie Baker (@littlemanriley) March 17, 2014
Keep those fears at bay with this handy advice:
@westlondon_mum advise for little ones is to have a nightlight on to reassure them at night – it helps prevent nightmares! @White_RabbitUK
— White Rabbit (@White_RabbitUK) March 17, 2014
Now this is a hard one to keep because it’s can be quite easy to give into little demands just to ‘keep the peace’. But following through and standing your ground is extremely important in building respect.
@westlondon_mum always follow through with disapline. Be consistent . — sadie (@littlemummy35) March 17, 2014
If you’re lucky enough to be able to walk to school, this is a great time to talk about the day ahead and how it went on the way home, plus an easy way to get part of your 10,000 steps a day…
@westlondon_mum walk to school if possible. It is a wonderful journey each and every day and stops time going too fast, just for a while. — Janine Knight (@mapleleafdoula) March 17, 2014
When all else fails and you’re feeling stressed – ASK FOR HELP!
@westlondon_mum if not sure always ask your mum, she went through it as well.
— vivienne (@Qramba) March 16, 2014
We love this analogy from Alice. Parenting is like the weather – especially English weather – it can change minute to minute!
@westlondon_mum do motherhood one day at a time- don’t assume if u have a bad day that it will always be like that. Babies are like weather!
— Alice Hainsworth (@Handmadebyyou) March 16, 2014
@westlondon_mum some days they are sunny- they know when to eat & sleep without help. Other days are stormy- they need help with it all!
— Alice Hainsworth (@Handmadebyyou) March 16, 2014
A big thanks to everyone for your tips and advice. If you have any you’d like to share, please tweet us HERE
