#honestparenthood

Dinnertime with the boy on my lap, because he was feeling overtired and emotional. Honestly, I was so touched out, I initially wanted to say "no, you need to sit on your own chair," but I'm glad I didn't. He's a snuggly little thing, and I'm lucky I get to be his Mum. I know everyone says it, but it's going too fast. ❤️ . #grateful #honestparenting #honestparenthood #parentingstruggles #parentingrealities #sensoryoverload #gentleparenting #gentleparent #therapeuticparenting #therapeuticparent #wecouldhavemissedthis #livingmybestlife https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp5xlijMKGN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I can't check. That would set a whole new time-wasting precedent. It would become an extra step in the daily routine, somewhere between "can I have another drink" and "can you sort my blankets out again?" He will sleep eventually, right?! 😂🙈 . #parentinghumor #honestparenthood #honestparenting #family #adoption #spiritedchild #bedtime https://www.instagram.com/p/CpVxciBsx6H/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The mat bunched up when my son drove a car over it. I saw his whole body tense up, and he lifted the car up, poised to throw it. I was just about to remind him to take a deep breath, and reassure him that I can help, (while bracing for the hurled car to hit me or something else 😬), when he lowered the car to the ground. He took two dramatically deep breaths, then asked me to straighten the mat for him. We talked about how well he did to calm himself down, and how annoying it is that the mat doesn't stay completely flat. Then I suggested we put some teddies under it to make "proper" hills, and he loved that idea. It's ok for it to be bumpy if they are intentional bumps! It was AMAZING. I've never seen him exercise this level of self-restraint. Little superstar! 🤩 I've been struggling to be patient lately, and sometimes worry that I am failing at demonstrating how to be patient, so I've been making a bit of a song and dance about pausing to take a few breaths when I'm frustrated, to try to overcompensate for the the times when I'm not actually very patient. Guess he noticed! 😂 #honestparenting #honestparenthood #honestmotherhood #honestmom #gentleparenting #therapeuticparenting #connectedparenting #connection #spiritedchild #adoptionbuiltus #adoption #adoptivefamily #adoptiveparent #adoptionsupport #adoptionuk #AdoptionAwarenessMonth #calm #patience #pause #deepbreaths https://www.instagram.com/p/Cli-rZWMqtp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

3 evenings this week, we've had the same conversation. And 3 times he's absolutely sobbed at 6pm because it's too late to go to the library, so we've agreed to go the next day after school. 🙈 . #honestparenthood #honestparenting #mumlife #momlife #mumstruggles #momstruggles #parentingstruggles #thestruggleisreal #parentingmoments #parenting #preschoolers #preschoolerlife #library https://www.instagram.com/p/ClZQG0xMvFH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This looks like a sweet moment, doesn't it? Well, it wasn't. These two have been at each others' throats for most of the day. This was the best moment, and it was still a low, because they were both complaining about the other one using the pencils they wanted. They're in bed now and I cannot express how relieved I am!!! Never forget that things aren't always as lovely as the photo. . #honestparenthood #honestparenting #mumlife #momlife #mumstruggles #momstruggles #parentingstruggles #thestruggleisreal #parentingmoments #parenting #notenoughcaffeineintheworld https://www.instagram.com/p/ClWxyvkM-ll/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I had just parked and was picking up my phone (which I had used for Google maps to get us home from a new play group). Somehow I snapped this selfie. Cracked me up, because it captured my exhaustion after a 20 minute car journey maintaining 2 separate conversations with my children asking me constant questions about different topics. I think Zoe's still asking me something in the photo! 🤣 . #parentingstruggles #thestruggleisreal #honestparenting #honestparenthood #honestmom #parenting #adoption https://www.instagram.com/p/CkgkoutsERf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

No judgement please, only good vibes;; #Honestparenthood #Fourthtrimester ##twounderthree

You wouldn't know it but I've had 3 little breakdowns since 6am. I think I'm doing pretty good, right? #Momlife #Honestparenthood #Fourthtrimester