Parenting

This powerful hormonal hangover has such universally intense effects on mothers’ inner lives that it is documented by researchers under a variety of labels including ‘maternal pre-occupation’ and ‘motherhood mindset’. This more intuitive mindset can be quite at odds with our modern lifestyles and often comes as a shock to women who have previously…

What is baby led weaning? My daughter Sarah asked me. It’s what I did with you, except there wasn’t a name for it then, I told her: I just popped some food on your high chair tray and you helped yourself. What? You mean, you didn't even FEED me? I laughed, “look at your baby photos –I think somebody must have fed you (she was a deliciously…

When we ignore a child who tells us - either verbally or with their body language - that they don't want to be touched, we are telling them that they have no right to speak out. We are teaching that their bodies are public property and if they speak out, they will be ignored.

Sometimes we get into such a routine of saying ‘no’ to our children,  not out of being a bad parent but just because we condition ourselves into having this response. D1: “Can I tip this tub of trains out Mummy?”
Me: “No, it’s too messy, you don’t need to!” I say no because it’s convenient for me. Surely he can play without tipping them all…

Bonding with your baby isn’t just a ‘mum’ thing. It’s true that mums have a bit of a head start because they are the ones growing the baby and they have all sorts of amazing hormonal changes that prepare them to birth and breastfeed and nurture babies. However, new research suggests that expectant and new fathers actually experience…

Recently, I was flicking TV channels and came across a show where parents were attending a baby class. The parents were perfecting their ‘peekaboos’ (“No, no, Amy’s mummy, that’s too aggressive! Like this ... no, more this ... or that ... now, open your hands just so ...”). The show was obviously a send-up, but there was a scary element of…

We often hear the saying, ‘play is a child’s work’. And while you may think this applies to littlies who can walk and talk and initiate their own games, play is critically important for babies to develop and learn and to form strong bonds with the important people in their lives.

In those simple days BC (before child) you were completely clear about your personal style – organised? Relaxed? Go with the flow? Neat freak? Messy? Social? Private? Now, it seems there is so much pressure to live up to some unattainable ‘perfect mummy’ image that you feel completely overwhelmed and your personal style seems more of a hindrance…

Your day might seem chaotic and crazy. You may feel as though there is no order at all. However, creating a fairly predictable daily rhythm (no, you don’t have to watch the clock), marked with your own unique family rituals, will help you feel more ‘in control’. And, by sharing moments of family time connecting with love and reverence, you will be…

Mum question: I have a three year old and an 8 month old. We recently started gentle parenting with my three year old. I've read a few books but nothing we do is helping. My three year old hits us and is constantly pushing, hitting, kicking, and scratching his little sister. He's also taking things from her every chance he can. How can we address…