Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother's Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.”
Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs anyone can undertake (weather male or female). Mother's Day, held on the second Sunday in May in Australia is happening this week-end. It is a time to celebrate parenthood and an opportunity to honour our mothers by showing our love and appreciation. The gift giving component is more a 20th Century marketing mechanism as far as I'm concerned but if you have the inclination and the cash then why not.
In the tradition of giving I have composed 9 tips to help Mothers across the country to take a more light-hearted approach to parenting this Mother's Day.
1. Think Positive
If it’s not life threatening you can get
through it. This can be a challenge when you are running late for work and the
kids refuse to be rushed or ready on time.
2.
Sing Along
On the drive to school and work turn up the radio and do the car
karaoke. It will lift every body’s mood.
3.
Laugh
At least once per day is the recommended dose
to remove the frown lines from your face.
Have a “go to” thing/memory if inspiration is in short supply.
4.
Reframe
The messages we send our kids can often start
with a negative: “stop”; don’t do that”, “not now” “no”.
Try a reverse eg “Yes, you can go outside when
you have finished your homework”
…and count to 10 – many an angry
word has been said in haste and regretted at leisure.
6. Say “no” only if it Really Matters
Surprise the kids and say ‘Yes”
to some of the things you usually say not to.
It’s O.K to put water in the tea set; maybe stay up later than usual one
night.
Take Care of You
7. Just like your kids “You are Special” too.
Take some time out to care for
yourself – you’ll feel better for it and the kids will learn that self-care is
an important skill to good health and happy parenting.
8. Routines and Rituals Work
…to keep children and parents
sane in a hectic world. For example meal
times and bed time rituals help take the tantrum out of the task. (At least most of the time).
9. Remember
The age of Santa Clause and Cheerio’s
is fleeting: The days are long but the years are short. Cherish the moments.
Happy Mother's Day - especially to my own mother (sorry I can't be therewith you but I hope you like the card I made).
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