Although this should now be called the 'England Riots' as the problem like an epidemic spreads. I know everyone is on this bandwagon, and maybe there isnt room for one more but I'll make it brief. I didnt hear much about the sunday night trouble as we do not get much english news on portuguese Tv unless it is quite serious, so all my news has been coming from the internet, facebook and twitter. I have watched some vidoes on youtube but honestly find it too sad. My heart fills with sadness to see my home country turn into this chaos with cities and neighbourhoods being turned into warzones. To me it's like something from a movie, something I could never imagine in such proportions happening in London or anywhere else. Its like these people have become animals, with no humanity in them. I hope now several of them have been locked up and hopefully some have woken to the shame of their disgusting behaviour, things will turn to some kind of control and normality. How would they feel if one of their family was mindless beaten up by one of these gangs, or do they really not care.
Alot of people are somehow defending this disgusting behaviour by calling it 'disaffected youth' and the crumbling of society but I was watching a bit of news where Boris Johnson was talking and condemning the people using such phrases, and he's right (I think), ok so the youths are unhappy, they dont have jobs, want everything for nothing but is this the way to get it, no it is wanten criminality.
Even if the youth are 'disaffected' or any other defense people throw in, is there EVER justification for this brutal violent behaviour or to damage and steal other people's property - I dont think so EVER!
Its saddens me that these people are born with rights that people in other parts of the world fight for everyday and may never get. And instead of realising how fortunate they really are, they behave like animals, destroying people's lives. Good, law-abiding people are under immense financial pressure just trying to hold on, will now be ruined, not able to recover the losses they have suffered.
This is a sad day for England.
If you feel like I do, show your support by following this facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Supporting-the-Met-Police-against-the-London-rioters/152937041453243
And if you know anyone involved, do the right thing, report them!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Loved by Parents 'Fab Woman of Year' - Wendy Shand
The business grow from a seedling idea after a near-miss with her oldest child while on holiday.
This is the interview from Loved by Parents website
Name: Wendy Shand
Age: 37
Family Members
Rob - husband, Barnaby - son aged 9, Maisy - daughter aged 7 Monty - son aged 2
Previous Career SAHM, primary school teacher
What is the Name and Nature of your Business?
Tots to Travel (http://www.totstotravel.co.uk/) is an online holiday lettings company specialising in family friendly properties. We source, visit and vet self-catering holiday properties in multiple countries, ensuring that they are suitable for families with young children, specifically assessing safety and ensuring all the kit parents need is provided. We market these properties to parents and help them find the holiday that best suits their needs. In addition, we help holiday home owners extend their holiday season by niche marketing their properties to the young families market.
What Inspired You to Start It?
My inspiration for the business came after a family holiday in which my then 2 year old son fell into an unenclosed swimming pool, while staying at a gîte in France. I realised that there was a gap in the market to provide genuinely safe and family friendly holiday properties, which allowed parents to relax, instead of working even harder than usual. At the time, the options for parents were either very expensive hotels or resorts with kids clubs, camping or more-shabby-than-chic self-catering properties that seldom suited families with young children. There was nothing that addressed the very specific needs of this target segment. As a mother, I completely understood what parents needed, so I specifically decided to target parents with children under the age of five, ensuring that the properties provide everything that families with young children need. By targeting this sector which is not bound by school holidays, Tots to Travel is able to secure bookings for property owners outside of the peak holiday season, extending their season and boosting their income.
How Did you Get Everything Up and Running?
In 2005 I studied an online business course using Tots to Travel as a case study. I quickly realised that the idea was viable and approached Welsh Business Eye for pointers. Ffatri Fenter (The Enterprise Factory) gave me an initial £100 on the back of my business plan to ‘test’ the concept which I used to pay for the logo and to undertake some initial marketing. Ffatri Fenter also lent me £1000 as an interest free loan to get the business off the ground. Mentor Mon, (the business advice service in Anglesey) offered support and assistance with accessing local council funding. This resulted in the promise of 40% of my start up costs (IT, website development, marketing etc.) which subsequently fell through when my husband was posted at short notice to the south of England, posing one of my greatest challenges yet! Despite that early set back, I flew to France, lined up my first 9 properties and it grew from there. Within the space of five years, we’ve grown our annual turnover to £1 million pounds and we have over 300 properties on our books in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the UK, the Balearics and the Canary Islands, all of which have been personally visited and vetted by my team of marketing agents.
Continue reading
Well done Wendy, you deserve it!!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Facarte in Conceicao
I live in Conceicao which is a village about 3miles from Tavira. It is right on one of the main roads that go across the Algarve, it is a traditional kinda place where everyone knows everyone and have lived here all their lives. It is a slow moving place and picks up in summer but is not a hugely popular place for tourists. Its the kind of place where people smile and say hello in the street and compliment you on your beautiful children. And although I dont really feel completely integrated, it is a nice place to live where people are familiar, friendly and helpful.
But this weekend is the 17th Facarte (Feira da Caça, Cultura e Artesanato) in Conceicao, which is the Fair of hunting, culture and arts which runs for 3 evenings. This is the third year we have seen it and every year it gets a little bigger. They have local producers displaying their arts and crafts, foods, sweets, pottery and have live entertainment (nothing much to do with hunting). It brings in thousands of people every year. And I like it because it brings Conceicao alive, it takes a good two - three days for everything to be put up, the stages and stands and to see it at night full of people is lovely for our sleepy little corner of the world. And of course, it is very beneficial to the local businesses.
Last night, I was watching some of the entertainment, we live right opposite the 'village square' if you like. And although it is quite folksy and not my kind of music at all, people here like it, it was packed with families and large groups of friends. People get up and dance, mothers with their children, friends with friends, husbands and wives etc, you get the idea. But people are happy and having a good time on a warm summer night.
Tonight I will take my girls over to have a look and they have some stalls with sweets and candy floss etc and a couple of small kiddy rides and just enjoy the atmosphere and bustle of my sleepy village, Conceicao.
Please note, this has been written with an english computer and I dont have the appropriate accents, its not that I am not aware of how to write the proper names of places.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
World Breastfeeding Week
This week is World Breastfeeding Week and in recognition of that I wanted to share my experience.
Firstly my two children were born in different countries and that contributed to a different birth experience. Also I believe being prepared for my second child also gave me a different experience - a better one.
Sophie's birth was not easy, I started having contractions one afternoon but they stopped and started until by the evening they were 5 in 5 minutes so we went to the hospital, got sent home and a few hours later about midnight came back. The labour was long, we tried everything, pethidine, water, gas, epidural, drugs to speed up labour, manually breaking the waters etc. In the end she became distressed and they decided to do an emergency c-section, after almost 24 hours since we re-attended the hospital she was born. All in all, it was not a positive experience and I was in a lot of pain afterwards as you would with a c-section. I tried to breastfeed as I had planned to at least try, but it wouldnt work and was painful and I got to the point that I almost didnt want my child near me. I dreaded the next attempt at feeding time. After a few attempts I gave up, maybe I should have tried longer but Im sure after the difficult birth and the way I felt after, to continue would have been damaging to me and my baby. So I began bottle feeding and was relieved and started to bond with my baby. But at the time I was a little worried that I would not be allowed to easily make my choice, I was always hearing about women being 'pressured' into breastfeeding by disapproving midwives, which at the time added some pressure to make my decision.
My second birth was very different, my water broke before we went to the hospital and things progressed much quicker. But there werent any options, here in Portugal it seems they put you on a monitor and make you lie on a bed and give you an epidural if you want, no gas, no pethidine, its epidural or nothing! But it all went and she was born naturally after 8 hours. This time again I wanted to breastfeed and they gentily helped me, once I was out of the labour room and had had some time to adjust. And I had learnt some things from my first attempts with Sophie and it worked. And I loved it, it was a great thing to do, so easy, so convenient. I breastfeed for 9 months, (exclusively for 6) and would definately do it again.
Both my children are fine, happy. Breast is probably best but I dont feel I lost anything by bottle feeding my first child, nowadays bottle formula is so advanced that there probably isnt much difference between the two, except of course things like antibodies etc.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing to do but women shouldnt feel pressurised but they should have the help available - that is so important to its success.
Firstly my two children were born in different countries and that contributed to a different birth experience. Also I believe being prepared for my second child also gave me a different experience - a better one.
Sophie's birth was not easy, I started having contractions one afternoon but they stopped and started until by the evening they were 5 in 5 minutes so we went to the hospital, got sent home and a few hours later about midnight came back. The labour was long, we tried everything, pethidine, water, gas, epidural, drugs to speed up labour, manually breaking the waters etc. In the end she became distressed and they decided to do an emergency c-section, after almost 24 hours since we re-attended the hospital she was born. All in all, it was not a positive experience and I was in a lot of pain afterwards as you would with a c-section. I tried to breastfeed as I had planned to at least try, but it wouldnt work and was painful and I got to the point that I almost didnt want my child near me. I dreaded the next attempt at feeding time. After a few attempts I gave up, maybe I should have tried longer but Im sure after the difficult birth and the way I felt after, to continue would have been damaging to me and my baby. So I began bottle feeding and was relieved and started to bond with my baby. But at the time I was a little worried that I would not be allowed to easily make my choice, I was always hearing about women being 'pressured' into breastfeeding by disapproving midwives, which at the time added some pressure to make my decision.
My second birth was very different, my water broke before we went to the hospital and things progressed much quicker. But there werent any options, here in Portugal it seems they put you on a monitor and make you lie on a bed and give you an epidural if you want, no gas, no pethidine, its epidural or nothing! But it all went and she was born naturally after 8 hours. This time again I wanted to breastfeed and they gentily helped me, once I was out of the labour room and had had some time to adjust. And I had learnt some things from my first attempts with Sophie and it worked. And I loved it, it was a great thing to do, so easy, so convenient. I breastfeed for 9 months, (exclusively for 6) and would definately do it again.
Both my children are fine, happy. Breast is probably best but I dont feel I lost anything by bottle feeding my first child, nowadays bottle formula is so advanced that there probably isnt much difference between the two, except of course things like antibodies etc.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing to do but women shouldnt feel pressurised but they should have the help available - that is so important to its success.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Why is it so difficult to let our children growup?
On the one hand you have the big debate about children growing up too fast and being exposed to 'sexualisation' too early with fashions and media and on the other you have parents, especially mothers who seemingly have trouble seeing their children grow-up and develop onto the next stage of their life.
At this time of year particularly, many parents struggle with that known feeling that your children are growing and changing and somehow you are losing something. And in a way, we are but, this is a change that should be celebrated as a step of development and hopefully accomplishment for them. But yet, most of us feel a moment of loss.
This week saw the end of Sophie's life in kindergarten, she has been there since we arrived in Portugal, 3 years ago and although her teachers have changed each year, this year she had some great and caring teachers who we will miss. She will move onto pre-school, ready to start primary school next year. It also marks the start of 5 day schooling, from the part-time of kindergarten. And although this is a great step for her, it makes me sad, she is no longer my little girl somehow and also the flexibility of our time will be gone, reducing our time together to holidays and weekends.
Today is my baby girl Grace's second birthday, marking another change, my baby is definately no longer a baby, she walks, she talks (kind of) and shows independence in choice. I should be happy for her and her new found skills with age but it just makes me sad, that my baby is not my baby anymore and probably there will be no more babies for me.
But life goes on and time passes, it is our job to make the most of that time we have we our precious gifts, that are our children and to help them grow into strong, responsible and successful people. Unfortunately we cannot stop time, much as sometimes we would like and keep our children as they are, but we have to let them grow up.
At this time of year particularly, many parents struggle with that known feeling that your children are growing and changing and somehow you are losing something. And in a way, we are but, this is a change that should be celebrated as a step of development and hopefully accomplishment for them. But yet, most of us feel a moment of loss.
This week saw the end of Sophie's life in kindergarten, she has been there since we arrived in Portugal, 3 years ago and although her teachers have changed each year, this year she had some great and caring teachers who we will miss. She will move onto pre-school, ready to start primary school next year. It also marks the start of 5 day schooling, from the part-time of kindergarten. And although this is a great step for her, it makes me sad, she is no longer my little girl somehow and also the flexibility of our time will be gone, reducing our time together to holidays and weekends.
Today is my baby girl Grace's second birthday, marking another change, my baby is definately no longer a baby, she walks, she talks (kind of) and shows independence in choice. I should be happy for her and her new found skills with age but it just makes me sad, that my baby is not my baby anymore and probably there will be no more babies for me.
But life goes on and time passes, it is our job to make the most of that time we have we our precious gifts, that are our children and to help them grow into strong, responsible and successful people. Unfortunately we cannot stop time, much as sometimes we would like and keep our children as they are, but we have to let them grow up.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Money Saving tips
My husband is working away at the moment, he is working very hard and earning pretty good money. My job back at home is not to spend it all as fast as possible, although it is occasionally tempting, having not had disposable income for a long time! But to save it, as much as I can. I like saving money, it gives me a sense of achievement and security. And my bank account would have been looking very rosy now if it wasnt for two recent events, one of which was desired and needed, the other not so much but had to be done. So now, we are on a 'super saver run'
Here are my tips, which help me
1. Discount Vouchers - there are several sites where you can find discount vouchers off various brands, such as http://www.discountvouchers.co.uk/ or most of the supermarkets have loyalty cards which give discounts, decide carefully how to use those to the most advantage.
2. Recycle gifts - obviously they need to be in the original packaging and dont just pass on tat, decent stuff that maybe you didnt need as it was duplicate. This last birthday, Sophie was given something which she already had and would have been a great gift to recycle, but before I knew what it was the kids had ripped up the box, there was no way I could pass it on after that. I always remember my mum having this drawer full of unused gifts, to recycle as needed.
3. Take showers, not baths and short ones. This saves a lot of water, although I read some people boast about having a two minute shower, but frankly if Im washing my hair is impossible. To be honest, probably most mums practise this already in the pre-school rush of a morning!
4. In summer, when its hot and you really dont want to be at a hot stove, do no-cook meals like salads or cold quiches etc. This saves on the gas/electricity used.
5. Use supermarket / internet budget meal ideas - cut down the food costs by doing budget meals. Most supermarkets now have great ideas for tasty, good value family meals. I would recommend this route if possible, as whenever I try to do a cheapy meal, it just ends up tasting bland and boring.
6. Use leftovers - we are notorious in our house for leaving leftovers and throwing them away, although if we made smaller meals that wouldnt be necessary but that isnt always possible. But leftovers are easy, just re-heat and off you go, can be abit boring and puts some mums off as it means more work, if people are having different meals but its not really. And dont you hate wasting food?
7. Cut down the treats / impulse buys - these days I rarely treat myself, unless I feel I really can and I deserve it. But it is all too easy to buy those extra little things for the kids, a pack of sweets here, a magazine there. It was a friend of mine, who started this and made me realise how much we spend a year of these things and its true. It can run into hundreds.
8. Keep a record of fuel readings - this way you dont get any surprises, you know what you are spending and it can help you identify ways to cut it down. You can identify the peaks, when you are using high or extra amounts and this can help you reduce them, because you dont always realise how much all the appliances use and some can be switched off when not used. I have effectively reduced my electricity bills this way.
9. Avoid expensive snacks, like Doritos or other big snack brands, instead buy fruit and yogurts or make your own snacks. This is a 'no-brainer' and probably healthier for you and your children.
10. Make birthday cards, you can go online or to a craft store such as, Hobbycraft and buy a card kit which will make up to 10 cards and cost you the price of 3 if not less. It makes it more personal and you can get creative or make simple, attractive cards in a few minutes. I always find people appreciate the effort more than a bought card and my problem was, here in Portugal, cards are very expensive and not very good.
11. Meal planning - make a weekly meal planner and buy everything you need in one go, this cuts down on impulse buying and overspending. I have found the more times I enter the supermarket, the more I spend, so now I try to get everything bought in one or two trips during the week, helping me reduce what I spend overall.
I hope these money saving tips may help you, if you have any you find particularly useful, I would love to hear. And watch those pennies stack up, even if its only a small saving, over time will make a big difference.
Here are my tips, which help me
1. Discount Vouchers - there are several sites where you can find discount vouchers off various brands, such as http://www.discountvouchers.co.uk/ or most of the supermarkets have loyalty cards which give discounts, decide carefully how to use those to the most advantage.
2. Recycle gifts - obviously they need to be in the original packaging and dont just pass on tat, decent stuff that maybe you didnt need as it was duplicate. This last birthday, Sophie was given something which she already had and would have been a great gift to recycle, but before I knew what it was the kids had ripped up the box, there was no way I could pass it on after that. I always remember my mum having this drawer full of unused gifts, to recycle as needed.
3. Take showers, not baths and short ones. This saves a lot of water, although I read some people boast about having a two minute shower, but frankly if Im washing my hair is impossible. To be honest, probably most mums practise this already in the pre-school rush of a morning!
4. In summer, when its hot and you really dont want to be at a hot stove, do no-cook meals like salads or cold quiches etc. This saves on the gas/electricity used.
5. Use supermarket / internet budget meal ideas - cut down the food costs by doing budget meals. Most supermarkets now have great ideas for tasty, good value family meals. I would recommend this route if possible, as whenever I try to do a cheapy meal, it just ends up tasting bland and boring.
6. Use leftovers - we are notorious in our house for leaving leftovers and throwing them away, although if we made smaller meals that wouldnt be necessary but that isnt always possible. But leftovers are easy, just re-heat and off you go, can be abit boring and puts some mums off as it means more work, if people are having different meals but its not really. And dont you hate wasting food?
7. Cut down the treats / impulse buys - these days I rarely treat myself, unless I feel I really can and I deserve it. But it is all too easy to buy those extra little things for the kids, a pack of sweets here, a magazine there. It was a friend of mine, who started this and made me realise how much we spend a year of these things and its true. It can run into hundreds.
8. Keep a record of fuel readings - this way you dont get any surprises, you know what you are spending and it can help you identify ways to cut it down. You can identify the peaks, when you are using high or extra amounts and this can help you reduce them, because you dont always realise how much all the appliances use and some can be switched off when not used. I have effectively reduced my electricity bills this way.
9. Avoid expensive snacks, like Doritos or other big snack brands, instead buy fruit and yogurts or make your own snacks. This is a 'no-brainer' and probably healthier for you and your children.
10. Make birthday cards, you can go online or to a craft store such as, Hobbycraft and buy a card kit which will make up to 10 cards and cost you the price of 3 if not less. It makes it more personal and you can get creative or make simple, attractive cards in a few minutes. I always find people appreciate the effort more than a bought card and my problem was, here in Portugal, cards are very expensive and not very good.
11. Meal planning - make a weekly meal planner and buy everything you need in one go, this cuts down on impulse buying and overspending. I have found the more times I enter the supermarket, the more I spend, so now I try to get everything bought in one or two trips during the week, helping me reduce what I spend overall.
I hope these money saving tips may help you, if you have any you find particularly useful, I would love to hear. And watch those pennies stack up, even if its only a small saving, over time will make a big difference.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Being a WAHM
I used to be (in my pre-children days) a hotel manager and I enjoyed it. The shifts didnt bother me, working weekends didnt bother me, just meant my weekend was when everyone else was working! I met my husband through work and so our schedules ran in parallel.
But when I had Sophie, some 5 years ago, before she was born I did want to go back and knew it would be difficult with both of us in the same 'unsocial' industry. But being in a managerial position I hoped I could make it more stable hours and be able to do both. At first I started to look for a childminder, as I wanted her to be cared for in a 'family environment' and it was flexible to my job. Not surprisingly when I looked for a flexible hours childminder, I think there was two. So I went to visit both, one was completely unsuitable and the other was a possibility but I wasnt thrilled with her. But looking back now, (considering I had been a mother for all of 5 mins, not literally) I was CRAZY to think I could do both. I think I was still holding onto the idea of what motherhood and working 'would' be like, rather than what it 'really' was. Also a factor into this crazy thinking was, my boss would not agree to stable or flexi-hours (something I later found out came from 'above'), I would still have to continue the 'as necessary' shift work. So I ummed and arred and stressed for a while. Until I finally woke up and realised it was just not possible to do the job I did before, trying to work childcare around those crazy 'unsociable' hours just wasnt going to do it. So we decided I wouldnt go back and would work part-time instead, which actually benefitted us financially more. Once, I made that decision there was a wave of relief over me and I was relaxed as I went to give my notice, and I knew it was the right deicision. As much as I didnt want to give up or delay my career, this was the best thing.
From then, through various sources I started reading about Work at Home Mums and people who were doing their own thing whilst being there for their family. That was what I wanted to do, but didnt know how. I tried a few things with ebay and surveys etc but it never went anywhere and was all more effort than it was worth. I was working part-time and so got to spend the afternoons and weekends with my daughter, which was half way there. Then I got made redundant and my husband got offered a better job here in Portugal, so off we went. At this time I was thinking of trying to go back into 'regular' work in Portugal but nothing to rush as we were financially ok with me at home. Finding a job in Portugal is not easy, sorry bloody hard and learning the language even harder, not to forget the now terrible financial crisis we are in. Then we had our second daughter and so even more I wanted to be a WAHM, doing my own thing.
Late last year, I got the opportunity to start working with Tots to Travel and the wonderful, Wendy Shand, inspirational Mumpreneur. So now I feel I am on my way, but Im not there yet.
But being a WAHM is not perfect (for me at least), it is hard work, you must be self-motivated and that is not very easy with little people running round the house, calling mummy, mummy, mummy or chasing you round when you are trying to talk on the phone. There is a certain amount of guilt I feel for not being able to give them my undivided attention, even though we are here together, but I havent been doing this very long and so need to learn some more skills to balance things better. And sometimes I honestly do wonder if working for someone else would be easier, yes probably it would be easier, but then I would lose something more important - time with my children. And a chance to work on 'my terms'.
But when I had Sophie, some 5 years ago, before she was born I did want to go back and knew it would be difficult with both of us in the same 'unsocial' industry. But being in a managerial position I hoped I could make it more stable hours and be able to do both. At first I started to look for a childminder, as I wanted her to be cared for in a 'family environment' and it was flexible to my job. Not surprisingly when I looked for a flexible hours childminder, I think there was two. So I went to visit both, one was completely unsuitable and the other was a possibility but I wasnt thrilled with her. But looking back now, (considering I had been a mother for all of 5 mins, not literally) I was CRAZY to think I could do both. I think I was still holding onto the idea of what motherhood and working 'would' be like, rather than what it 'really' was. Also a factor into this crazy thinking was, my boss would not agree to stable or flexi-hours (something I later found out came from 'above'), I would still have to continue the 'as necessary' shift work. So I ummed and arred and stressed for a while. Until I finally woke up and realised it was just not possible to do the job I did before, trying to work childcare around those crazy 'unsociable' hours just wasnt going to do it. So we decided I wouldnt go back and would work part-time instead, which actually benefitted us financially more. Once, I made that decision there was a wave of relief over me and I was relaxed as I went to give my notice, and I knew it was the right deicision. As much as I didnt want to give up or delay my career, this was the best thing.
From then, through various sources I started reading about Work at Home Mums and people who were doing their own thing whilst being there for their family. That was what I wanted to do, but didnt know how. I tried a few things with ebay and surveys etc but it never went anywhere and was all more effort than it was worth. I was working part-time and so got to spend the afternoons and weekends with my daughter, which was half way there. Then I got made redundant and my husband got offered a better job here in Portugal, so off we went. At this time I was thinking of trying to go back into 'regular' work in Portugal but nothing to rush as we were financially ok with me at home. Finding a job in Portugal is not easy, sorry bloody hard and learning the language even harder, not to forget the now terrible financial crisis we are in. Then we had our second daughter and so even more I wanted to be a WAHM, doing my own thing.
Late last year, I got the opportunity to start working with Tots to Travel and the wonderful, Wendy Shand, inspirational Mumpreneur. So now I feel I am on my way, but Im not there yet.
But being a WAHM is not perfect (for me at least), it is hard work, you must be self-motivated and that is not very easy with little people running round the house, calling mummy, mummy, mummy or chasing you round when you are trying to talk on the phone. There is a certain amount of guilt I feel for not being able to give them my undivided attention, even though we are here together, but I havent been doing this very long and so need to learn some more skills to balance things better. And sometimes I honestly do wonder if working for someone else would be easier, yes probably it would be easier, but then I would lose something more important - time with my children. And a chance to work on 'my terms'.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The power of 'No'
Such a little word can wield so much power and have huge effects. Children seem to be born with the inate power to wind you up when you are at your 'weakest' or most vulnerable, the times when you are tired, or ill or just plain busy and stressed out. They always know when to 'strike'. But even more powerful than this is the power of No both for the parent and the child.
Think about it, the times you have said no and the times you have heard no, coming from your child's mouth.
This small word which has the power to start almighty tantrums, screaming fits and arguments, from both sides.
This small word which brings defiance and independence.
But on the other hand, it can be such a small word to be easily missed, or rather ignored by little people. I have days when Im sure half my vocabulary is spent on NO. (No big word scores for me there).
One of the most annoying things for me as a Mum, is saying no to something and being ignored, so the question or request refused gets asked again and again. Resulting in the same answer, like that little no, will just magically change to yes if asked enough.
But it works both ways, think about it, when you ask your child to do something, or normally NOT to do something and are greeted with a NO. Can make you see red and want to commit a crime on a bad day, but then exactly as that little mind of your child works, now your challenge is how to change that NO to a yes or at least compliance without committing a crime! (on a bad day). Normally resulting in the use of negotiation and bribery techniques honed by most mothers.
Ah the joys of motherhood and the power of a little word.....
Think about it, the times you have said no and the times you have heard no, coming from your child's mouth.
This small word which has the power to start almighty tantrums, screaming fits and arguments, from both sides.
This small word which brings defiance and independence.
But on the other hand, it can be such a small word to be easily missed, or rather ignored by little people. I have days when Im sure half my vocabulary is spent on NO. (No big word scores for me there).
One of the most annoying things for me as a Mum, is saying no to something and being ignored, so the question or request refused gets asked again and again. Resulting in the same answer, like that little no, will just magically change to yes if asked enough.
But it works both ways, think about it, when you ask your child to do something, or normally NOT to do something and are greeted with a NO. Can make you see red and want to commit a crime on a bad day, but then exactly as that little mind of your child works, now your challenge is how to change that NO to a yes or at least compliance without committing a crime! (on a bad day). Normally resulting in the use of negotiation and bribery techniques honed by most mothers.
Ah the joys of motherhood and the power of a little word.....
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Summer has arrived!!
But guaranteed August will be mad, even if numbers are down, the huge numbers which still remain will flood the area. So with that in mind, I have been preparing myself for the influx Im sure will come from next weekend, but apparently it started early.
Yesterday, I went to the supermarket, expecting it to be a bit busier, but it was full. And this is a large supermarket. Summer has arrived and from now it will only get busier until the beginning of September when it seems like overnight everyone disappears, its the strangest thing! So now, it will be wall to wall people everywhere, traffic queues at beach leaving time. But it is such a contrast, around here, it is quiet in winter, steady the rest of the year, nothing is too busy, no traffic (ever) unless there are roadworks. But summer becomes something completely different, an unrecognisable place, which makes me want to crawl into a cupboard but on the other hand, it is good to see so much life and activity in an usually laidback, peaceful place.
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