Which way is up?

Written by Sheree Hoddinett

“I’m clever, aren’t I Mummy?” Both of my girls ask me this on a regular basis. Yep, you’re both smart little cookies who manage to outplay mummy on many occasions. But instead of letting them in on that little secret just yet, I tell them not only are they clever, they are beautiful, smart, talented and funny and they shouldn’t let anyone tell them otherwise. Sometimes I worry I’m making them think the wrong thing but I want them to believe in themselves. I know that one day they’ll come across a bully and I hope they’ll be strong enough to stand up for themselves as well.

Although one of my biggest fears is they may be the bully. I worry if they’re too friendly, not friendly enough. Too pretty or not pretty enough. Too smart or just not good enough at all. That they may have trouble making friends. How do you stop it from happening? There’s no real way of knowing what your kids may or may not do. But we can only hope that we provide the best example and showcase values they may follow. The tricky part is knowing what you can and can’t control, especially when it comes to your kids.

Sometimes I lie awake at night and wonder. I worry about the silly things I think of when so many other mums out there are facing tougher battles of their own. Like, is it really that bad they want to sleep in my bed every single night? Or that they make a massive mess with their toys and then act like they didn’t do it when it’s time to clean it all up? I know it’s a matter of perspective sometimes and we all have our moments. We live in a judgmental society and I fear it’s only going to get worse.

But I think what is important to remember is that we (mums, parents, women, etc) should all be supporting each other, not tearing each other down or even apart. It’s no one’s fault the situations we may find ourselves in. It’s also not up to anyone else to decide what you need to do or should do, especially when it comes to the little munchkins in your life. Although sometimes when the going gets tough, it would probably be a lot easier to hand over the responsibility!

I know I don’t want my girls to go without. I actually do my best to make sure they have everything they need. Sometimes more and usually something they want, not need, but that’s beside the point. I also want them to know they can achieve so much more than they realise. They have potential to do anything they want and become whatever they want to be in the world. I will do my best to set the best example I can. It doesn’t work every day but I’m hopeful something good rubs off on them.

There are times I enjoy how little they are. I love listening to their peaceful breathing while they sleep. It means I have peace and quiet (woohoo!) but also because I know they’re preparing for bigger and better things. Namely running rings around me because they have bucket loads of energy, but also wherever their imagination will take them next. Listening to their games and play time is awesome. It takes me back to when I was little but it’s amazing

to watch and see such little creative minds throwing out ideas and just running with it. It makes me proud and lets me think for a second I’ve done something right anyway.

I’ve said this a thousand times and I’ll say it again, I love being a mum. I could go without the permanent shopping bags and dark circles under my eyes but I will take the unconditional love every second it’s on offer. I know I will miss them being little one day and it brings a tear to my eye already just thinking about it. But I have so many beautiful memories already stored away and I never want to lose that. I want to be able to remember some of their cuteness for years to come. I’m being sentimental now but tomorrow could be another story, haha. I guess the more they grow and I find myself again, the more I appreciate the little things with my babies. Yep, they’ll always be my babies even though at four and two they hate me calling them that. At least I still hold some of the power. Oh, who am I kidding?! They always have and probably always will! Head on over to my blog at www.shereeechlin.com for some more “light-hearted” reading. Until next time….