Motherhood stories by Marissa Anastasi: Strategy! Always have a strategy. Keep it simple, achievable and be prepared to do anything like rebranding an experience. For example, shopping is now a treasure hunt or at dinner, if they don’t eat it at first, rearrange their food on the plate and it is instantly rebranded and magically eaten! Strategy is key in our household. Follow your intuition. The most valuable thing you can give your children is your love and time. Show them love and respect and they will grow to do the same for others.
Get Back into Exercise at Your Own Pace. “When you’re cleared to exercise, that doesn’t mean you should jump right back in at the same pace you were before,” according to Scott. “To start, keep your fitness goals small, manageable, and realistic for you. And remember that every bit counts—whether that’s going for a walk with your family or squeezing in a quick naptime workout.” Sleep. “Sleep like you’re not going to sleep for the next three years,” Auerbach urges. “Allow people to help you. If someone offers to bring food or watch your baby so you can nap it’s most likely they’ve been in your shoes. Don’t attempt to be Superwoman. You already are. You created and birthed a baby,” she continues.
Get to know their friends. This does not mean scrutinize your child’s friends because they have a Mohawk in liberty spikes. It means get to know the kid with the Mohawk in liberty spikes. Share information about yourself and ask them information. Act as if you are talking to an adult, not a kid you are “looking over.” Ask them about their favorite subject (it may be the same as yours when you were in school and that would be a great conversation opener.). Instead of asking the kid WHY he has his hair in liberty spikes (or the Mohawk for that matter) ask him HOW he got them that way. Stay neutral and don’t put them on the defensive. See a few extra details on Parenting blog.
Sometimes when I got so overwhelmed and I wanted to cry, I would pick up my crying baby, sit down and tell myself this moment won’t last forever. Tomorrow my child will be bigger and different, enjoy this moment. I would just stroke my baby and gaze into their eyes and I would instantly feel so much love. It got me through so many bad moments. The washing, dishes or school drop-offs for other kids would just have to wait. Ten minutes late, or a morning off school sometimes isn’t a crime if it makes your life easier and children happier.
Since Kenny was born, I had been a stay at home mummy until Isabella was 4 which is when I started teaching younger kids. I done that for 2 years but after my 3rd pregnancy, I never went back and decided to become a stay at home mummy once again. Now my youngest is 5 and 6, I decided I could maybe begin something new again. And so, in Late November 2018, I opened the doors to a kid’s concept store in Larnaca town centre. It’s difficult combining family and work, and sometimes the guilt is immense, but I have a lot of support from my husband when it comes to the children. Explore additional info at www.marissaanastasi.com.
