WHICH WAY IS UP?

Written by Sheree Hoddinett

I’m no expert when it comes to parenting. Not, at all. I’d barely even consider myself a novice in the whole scheme of things. Probably still very much in the infancy stage of getting the hang of this mothering gig. I always say I’m winging it, that I don’t really have a clue what I’m doing. While they aren’t babies anymore, my girls are still very dependent on me for many things and I, in turn, still rely on them for lots of kisses and cuddles. Awwww, right?! On a good day, of course! I think we’re both teaching each other a lot. I’m teaching them not to be right royal pains in the bum and they’re teaching me how to be as patient as possible, without a lot of success on probably both fronts.

I also think since becoming a single mum, it’s changed a few more dynamics as well. Not in the way of what to do but what not to do anymore. Some days it all works and others, I prefer to hide in the cupboard with chocolate, lots of it! Being a mum is tough. Giving birth was hard but actually taking on the role of mum, role model, guide, life teacher and everything else you can think of, has been even harder and it’s far from over. Not that I want it to be! Some days, maybe and others I fight back the pride of watching everything my babies know how to do while knowing I had a hand in it. It’s a shame that not everything I try to teach them sinks in and then I feel like I’m on constant repeat. The joys of being a parent!

I thought my girls didn’t listen to me before, but now it’s taken on a whole new level. I can look them square in the eye and ask them not to do something and it’s like they see the challenge and accept it wholeheartedly, in turn doing the exact opposite of what I say. It makes my blood boil. Even more when they laugh at me. Karma you say mum?! Surely I wasn’t that bad?!

Speaking of my mum, I had a moment of true mothering clarity recently. I said something to my girls and then thought, ‘when did I start to sound like my own mum’? And I don’t mean that in the bad way where I’m scared of turning into my mum, that wouldn’t be a bad thing! I thought about it in a proud way, that my mum has had quite an impact on me and I’m starting to use it in my own parenting. She would laugh at me for saying that, but in a truly awwww moment, I would be lost without my mum and I know I wouldn’t be even half the mother I am without her help! Yes Mumma Bear, I love you lots!

And in a slight change of tune, it’s probably high time I mention the silly season. If by now, you haven’t been driven absolutely batty by Christmas carols blaring out while you shop, I take my hat off to you. I started my Christmas shopping early this year, online of course because crowds drive me crazy let alone with two children in tow, and I’m glad I did. It’s madness out there and good luck to you if you come out of those shops alive! Yeah I know, it happens every year but I swear as I get older it feels like it’s getting worse. I love the gift giving and spending time with family but man I hate shopping for presents and especially for the men in my life, who never know what they want!!! One of these years I’m going to go by my word and not give them anything and see what happens then!

If you need a laugh this festive season, head on over to my blog www.shereekim.com I’m sure I can provide a laugh or two over my lovely and fun parenting skills…it gets better eventually right?! On that note, I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year ahead. Have fun (if your children aren’t driving you crazy) and enjoy the craziness that accompanies this time of year. Until next time…