Challenge Two!

I haven't done a parenting blog post in a while. I thought I may let you all know how I'm getting on with two... 

Those who say having two is easy must be telling porkies! Because I can confess it is one of the most demanding and hard working parenting jobs! I love having my two girls and I love running around all day sorting out my two little princesses. But there is no point lying it does leave me knackered at the end of the day. I Spose you can say having two is tireing, demanding, hard work, joyful, rewarding and most heart warming things in the world and to be honest I wouldn't have it any other way. I love being a mummy of two! 

Particularly at the moment my 3 year old Ava's behaviour has gotten a bit worse. I think maybe at times she may be fighting for attention but sometimes this is not the reason. When you have two especially when one is so young and needs feeds and bum changes there and then when they need them it's hard for the older child to understand that the baby don't understand and the whole daily routine has to managed around the lovely new bundle. It's a good idea to keep the older child involved as much as possible, letting them help with nappy changes and feeds and letting them have cuddles as much as possible. It will help them see the new baby is not a threat but a companion. I've noticed when Ava's helping her behaviour is better, though she can still show off its not as bad. 

 I'm confident I've got the managing of Ava's jealousy behaviour changes under control and I am getting all the tips I can off of health visitors ect to manage the rest of it. She is a lovely little girl but she just puts a litttle guard up sometimes when she's upset or angry. 

 Going back to the  let the toddler help topic Ava is a good little helper always on hand to pass me nappies and wipes and to throw things in the bin ect. She has always been happy to lend her mummy a hand, ending the task with a lovely " I love you mummy " this melts my heart everytime.  I love both my girls with all my heart and there's nothing better than having my little girl helping me with my baby girl. It makes me realise that later in life I will have no worries about Ava because she will be such a loving caring young lady. 

Although Ava has felt the normal sibling rivalry with her baby sister it is clear she loves her the world and will protect her and be there for her for the rest of her life. It's also clear that Bella is fascinated with her big sister and loves her also. I know and am confident that my girls will be as thick as thieves. 

LotsOfLove 

Beth...xxx

Tears At Bedtime

Hi everyone :) a spontaneous blog from me tonight regarding bedtime for toddlers. I have just spent well over an hour putting Ava to bed tonight trying every trick in the book I know of the end result was me sitting in the room till she fell off to sleep. Ava being a happy character during the day her playing up and being miserable and moody is very unusual. 
 Ava has recently started nursery three days a week, yeah they are half days but for a little toddler this can be very tiring and have noticed since attending nursery which is making her more tired, bedtime has become more difficult. Also with a new baby on the way this could be Ava's way of acting out as she hasn't acted out about Bella coming yet. 
 Tonight me and Tom tried many of things to settle and calm Ava down including things I had learnt on the old TV show Supernanny and shows such as This Morning. Things we tried were:

1. Explaining what mummy and daddy are leaving the room to do. 
2. Reading her a bedtime story (she has one every night) and giving it to her to take to bed.
3. Singing her lullabies. 
4. Explaining that mummy and daddy will be coming upstairs later. 
5.Explaining that she got to be a big girl as her baby sister needs to learn from her.
6. Leaving the room and keep putting her back into bed when she got out starting off saying its bedtime Ava to just putting her back into bed without a word. 

None of these things worked with Ava and she eventually went off to sleep with me rocking her and sitting next to her bed and generally just being the room. Now many of people may say I shouldn't have caved in but when your nearly 8 months pregnant and your partners not feeling his best you cant keep it up for hours and yes Ava did win.... tonight. This is not to mean that we wont persevere tomorrow when we both feel a bit better. I want to tell mums and dads out there that have given in to not feel like you have failed or that people have the right to judge and comment should you tell them because no two children are the same not all will think they can do it every night and some will adapt 'tomorrow' night. You have not failed if you need to take the 'easy' option one night to get a little bit of well deserved rest. 

ADVICE FROM BETH:

There is no right way to parent remember this, as a lot of people like to hint that there is but most of time that will be people who have never had children and believe me I have met a few myself! You will always find your own way to parent which will be the right way for you and your child. Even if you have more than one child you may parent them both different (without treating them different) as parenting styles depend on the child themselves. No two children are the same. And some children play up for different reasons maybe some change is occurring in their life this should be take into account. A thought that should be remembered. Look at it this way, children at school meet different milestones at different times, babies crawl, walk, talk and cut teeth at different times. Behavior works the same. So find your way that is right for your child and that will be the 'right way' don't listen to the opinions of others listen to your child and believe in your self and your parenting style. 

TIP FROM BETH:

Keep your ears closed, your eyes open and your head clear. Free your mind of negativity and keep calm, keep on top of the situation and do whats right for your family how you think is right. Follow your own instincts your mothers instinct or fathers instinct because instinct is usually correct. Ignore the noses of nosey people with negative views and concentrate on your life and your family. Most of all be happy and enjoy it. 

Thank you all for reading hope it helped more to come at later dates and enjoy our blog:) 

Take care 

Beth x