Parenting Pep Talk #38 – Two Tiny Hands

Parenting Pep Talk is a weekly series of guest posts all about encouraging other parents by sharing some of our happy moments, the advice that has worked for us and some positive words of encouragement.

 

Today’s post is from Karen who blogs at Two Tiny Hands, describing it as the place “where you will find me writing about my family, our lives and adventures.  I’m a positive person and I hope this comes across in my writing.”

 

1) Tell us a little bit about you and your family.

In July 2015 Dave and I sealed our relationship by having our son Robert.   We’re not married and probably will never get married, but having our son and our home we consider this a greater partnership than anything else.  Dave and I have been together since 2009 and having Robert in our lives is the best thing in the world.

 

2) How would you describe your parenting style?

Relaxed.  Very relaxed.  This is only possible because I have Dave keeping me chilled.  I remember when Robert was first born and I had all these “what if’s” running through my head.  Voicing my concerns with Dave just meant he could say, it’s going to be alright!

 

We’ve gone baby-led all the way, he’s had milk on demand, he eats as he chooses and essentially sleeps when he chooses too.  Now he is a bit older though we are starting to put sleep boundaries in place and so far this is working!

 

3) What’s your favourite thing about being a parent?

The cuddles, the smiles, the laughter.   I love watching him grow and learn.  He has boundless amounts of energy and getting to see the firsts is amazing!

 

We’re fortunate to be able to stay at home with him and get to see him 24/7.  I love being a parent.

 

 

4) What piece of advice have you been given that you found especially helpful?

Listen to your baby and his needs.  I’m not sure I have actually been given that piece of advice directly.  I’m in a very positive position where I’ve just been able to get on and parent how I see fit.  People haven’t tried to intervene or tell us how to parent, I’ve been able to make up my own mind.

 

5) What one piece of encouraging advice would you give to a new parent?

Trust your instinct.  Talk.  Make sure you have someone to talk too. When your confidence wavers and you are not sure, having someone to talk too makes a world of difference.   I didn’t have many Mum friends at first, in fact none.  You have to make the effort to get outside, go to groups, it took me well over a year to have a couple of people that I can go to.   It isn’t easy but you will get there!

6) Can you share one of your favourite parenting moments?

There has to be many many moments but having to choose, It has to be last Sunday… Maybe because it’s fresh in my mind.   Robert took his first steps and both Dave and I were there to see it.  It was magical.  He’s not walked again since but I know its only a matter of time!

 

7) Anything else that you would like to share to encourage other parents?

Be strong, parenting isn’t easy.  You will make mistakes but you will learn from them.  Grow with your children and they will grow with you.  Get fresh air every day.  Even if its just a walk around the block in the rain.

Thank you Karen for sharing your positive parenting moments and the advice you have found helpful.

 

You can connect with Karen on the following social networks:

Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

 

If you’d like to share some of your positive parenting moments on the Parenting Pep Talk, then let me know in the comments below and I’ll email you with more details.