Parenting recommendations by Marissa Anastasi: Just being there for the tears, talking about feelings, letting them feel and express what they’re experiencing. What a big world to learn and navigate! Strong legs. I can bounce a grumpy baby for hours! Learning to communicate with my daughter through her tantrums. I can work out what’s wrong instead of getting frustrated with her attitude. I’ve found talking to her quietly and calmly like an adult, she responds better than if I get upset too.
Find Perspective. “Most of the concerns I see parents have with their kiddos (whether in infancy or adolescence) is sadly a projection of their own insecurities,” Crowley explains. “When we can be aware of our fears and how often we impose them on our children it allows us to separate ourselves and really see and appreciate who they are and enjoy the process much more,” she continues. “We need to trust that this little person is unfolding just as they should, as opposed to on a timeline we have scripted for them.” Don’t Be Afraid to Ignore Advice. “Everyone will give you advice, solicited or not when you are about to have a baby or have a newborn,” according to Kelly and Perren. “It’s extremely valuable to listen to the experience and perspectives of others, as it can help you form your own opinions, but make sure that you know that what is right for some families may not be right for yours. Let your motherly instinct kick-in and listen to it instead,” they say.
Talk to them, no, REALLY talk. Talk to your child about the things that interest them. If you have learned the language, listened to the music, listen well and have joined them on their social network, you should have plenty to talk about. Don’t say things or ask questions that cause the child to have to defend himself or herself or anything about them such as friends, music and clothing. Then again, if you don’t like something, it is OK to say that you don’t really like it. But do it in a way that is non threatening and non judgmental. Let your child know that they have an opinion and so do you. There will be times when your opinions differ, but it is OK. Discover a few more info on Motherhood blog.
For me, breastfeeding has been by far the biggest challenge. Not only was it painful but I was incredibly anxious about feeding in public which is not something I thought would ever affect me. After talking to all my girlfriends (Amen for girlfriends) they assured me it was totally normal to feel like that. We scheduled some trips out to a quiet local cafe to practice and take baby steps.
Hey, my name is Marissa and I’m a mummy to 4. I’m 34 years old and live in the sunny Mediterranean island, Cyprus. Larnaca to be precise!. You can read more about me and a brief description of my journey so far on my introduction blog. 2020 is when I officially started blogging. I remember up until I met my husband at 16, I always used to write a daily diary of my day, my feelings and just whatever came to mind. Starting to write again is nice but at the same time, a little out my comfort zone knowing that people might read it! Since moving to Cyprus, I have pushed myself and have been given the confidence by my family into things I have never tried before but always wanted to do. Thanks for joining me on my journey and I hope you enjoy the blogs. Explore even more details on www.marissaanastasi.com.