Who Takes Care of Mommy: Update

actual storm photo

I'm so sad to tell you that the forum I was scheduled to attend got cancelled because of severe weather. Last week, we got a few inches of solid ice, covered by 6 inches of thick snow, topped off with over 100 hours of sub-zero temperatures. Where do I live, you ask. Dallas, Texas. That's right. The land of heat and cowboys, 70+ degree Christmases, and record breaking summers. I'm sure many of you also had to deal with the crazy winter storm. I'll tell you- I've never seen anything like this in my life. 


Anyhow, said forum will be held- but in June.


However, since I think the topic of self care is so important, I decided to give you some fun, easy, free(ish) ways to take care of yourself!


But first- here's my CBS 11 clip on the topic!





1. Take a bubble bath. Have you ever heard that saying that once you have children, the only privacy you can get is in the bathroom? Take advantage. In fact, spend ten extra minutes. Do not feel guilty.


2. Make what you want for dinner. Even if you end up making something else for your kids, make yourself what you want one night a week. You'll love yourself for it. Do not feel guilty.


3. Get dressed up on a Tuesday. For no one else but yourself. If you don't want to get dressed up, at least put on your nice makeup (we all have it- the 'nice' lip gloss). It'll make you feel good.


4. Car dance. I'm telling you, it turns a bad mood good. Kesha's my guilty pleasure- what's yours?


5. Give someone else a compliment. Brightening someone else's day will make you feel good on the inside. Try it.


What do you do to take care of yourself? Read more...

Parenting Quick Challenge: Focus on You

Monday's post asked 'Who takes care of YOU?' If your answer was 'I don't know' or 'No one really,' then it has to be YOU who takes care of you! Today's Parenting Quick Challenge is a repost because I think it's so important to take time out for yourself. It makes you a better you and it makes you a better parent.

Today's challenge has two parts:


1. Take some 'me' time, even if it's just 10 minutes. Resist the urge to empty the dishwasher, fold the laundry, or take out the trash. Instead, make yourself a cup of hot tea, soak 10 minutes longer in the shower, or send an email to an old friend. It will recharge you and you'll feel energized.


2. Tell you children something about you. Tell your very young children your favorite color or food; tell your older children how you deal with happiness or frustration- but make it about you. Children learn through actions and sharing something unique to you will help them learn that every person is different. 


Okay, you know the next part. Tell me about it! What did you share? What were your children's reactions? Read more...

Parent of the Week: Erica

I’ve got an extra special Parent of the Week- Erica. She’s an American. Who married an Englishman. Who now lives in the UK. Everybody now! But really, Erica has had some amazing adventures traveling back and forth with her kids, and, let's be honest, she deserves a trophy for even attempting it!

Tell me about your children.

I currently have 2.3 children. Joel is 3 and a half. He is the dream first child! So much fun. Interested in everything, very chatty and full of energy. Alice is just over 1. And again full of personality. She is very determined and loves her mummy! And baby number 3 is due in early May.

How did you meet your husband and wind up all the way in the UK?

I studied abroad in London for six weeks one summer. I met Phil the first weekend I was here and fell for him straight away. We got engaged 4 months later, (its not easy to date someone in a different country. Even a phone call was a challenge with a 6 hour time change!) and married 3 months later. Then I moved to London.

Can you see any big differences between American and UK parents?

It’s really difficult to say because America is really big and everyone has such different styles/ attitudes, but the most noticeable thing is maternity leave. Here mothers get a year off with each child. They are paid during this time and guaranteed their job when they return. Plus most jobs are very flexible with part-time/ job shares for parents who choose to return to work. I do stay home full time, but it means that there are lots of mums around me with little ones. I think this has helped with my transition into parenthood because I was surrounded by experienced mums. They helped with the cultural differences.

Have you traveled to the US with your kids? How did the trip go/What's your best tip for traveling with kids?

I’ve done 4 transatlantic trips with kids. Two with babies, one by myself with an 18 month old and one trip with my husband with both kids. I won’t lie; it’s a really long flight. At best it is 11 hours. Plus you have the journey on either side to and from the airport. Lots of food helps. Once they hit the magic age of about 18 moths and start to watch TV it gets much easier. Otherwise just go with a positive attitude and be prepared for the worst. Then I am always pleasantly surprised that it was easier than I expected. Sadly the hard work awaits you when you arrive. It’s the time change that my kids always find the hardest!

Tell me a funny story about one of the kiddos.

Joel has started asking "why" to everything! So I decided to give him a taste of his own medicine.

Joel- I'm hungry

me- why?

Joel- cause I want something to eat.

me- why?

Joel- stop being ridiculous mummy!

What American comfort items do you miss?

I am starting to miss less and less these days. There is always the feeling here that I am foreign so I guess I miss feeling normal. Something most people don’t ever think about. I am always the one with the funny accent! But I love it here, and I love that I get to live in such a great country! It feels like I am on always on an amazing adventure!

- Oh and I love Butterfingers! If anyone makes a trip to the US I always ask them to bring one back!!

Read more...