Competitions, Health, Lifestyle, Mother and Child, Natural Health, Skincare, Waste free, Wellness
Ways to enjoy life & a little luxury – with little ones!
Sep
Being a parent is hard work, emotionally and physically… it’s quite likely that no other experience in life has left you so exhausted, worn down and neglectful of your own needs. It’s also exhilarating, miraculous and full of sticky-fingered cuddles and crushed flowers given with undiluted love.
All in all, we choose to take parenthood and all the sleepless nights, tears and heartache – because the pay-off is priceless. But – let’s hear it for the mums and the dads who manage to keep it (mostly) together. You’re legends.
With absolutely no professional qualifications, but a lot of aroha, we have compiled a list of ways to lace a little richness into your life as a parent – we hope you enjoy.
Schedule ‘you’ time
Oh, it sounds impossible, doesn’t it? But be determined – you need to be ‘just you’ sometimes, in order to be a great parent the rest of the time.
Brainstorm ways to find great childcare until you find one that works – the neighbour’s kid, swaps with the in-laws, a paid local baby sitter, grandparents, coffee group collaborators – and go do you.
It could be a long beach walk, a classy dinner and date night, shaking your hair loose in a club, or sleep lovely sleep. Make a date now with the adults you love most and do things without children. Create space to remember who you are when you don’t have anybody balanced on your hip!
Redefine ‘great parent’
A great parent is a parent who is trying their best to do a good job of parenting. Full stop.
Look around you – every parent you see trying to do the right thing is a great parent. Nobody gets it right all the time. Nobody has exactly the same ideas as you.
Trying our best is all we can do… and sometimes our best may not be very impressive, but ‘mother-guilt’ is always a waste of energy. Having a bad day? Take a long kind look at yourself and list all the things you did right, for someone else, in the last 24 hours. Imagine it is your best friend with messy hair and baby puke on her shirt and rings under her eyes… give yourself the love and support you would offer her.
Get down on the floor
Play with your children and immerse yourself in their interests. Volcanoes, ponies, diggers – children learn through their curiosity, and the more you involve yourself in their interests the more they will learn, and the richer your connection will be.
“Listen earnestly to anything [your children] want to tell you, no matter what. If you don’t listen eagerly to the little stuff when they are little, they won’t tell you the big stuff when they are big, because to them all of it has always been big stuff.” – Catherine M Wallace
Treat yourself
- Gone are the days when bath salts and soaks seemed like a lame gift… now they offer some precious luxury to your evening ritual, and because they are natural you can sprinkle them into the bath regardless of whether you have little ones in with you!
- Invest in a truly great facial oil or serum – your tired skin deserves it now more than ever before and it feels amazing!
- Clean hair makes us feel ‘human’ even when we barely qualify… check out our all-natural shampoo and conditioners for the freshest hair ever.
- Chocolate – mother’s little helper for the 21st century! Seriously, we even have a breastfeeding chocolate blend – whaaat!
Reduce, reuse and relax
Parenting, especially in the early days, is a crazy time for creating waste! Single-use items like nappies, wipes, breast pads and sanitary pads fill bin after bin. Creams, soaps, ointments, and drops are purchased and opened to help keep bub healthy and thriving. The waste can be overwhelming. It can also be overwhelming to try and go reusable on absolutely everything.
Less can be more. Barrier creams like Everyday Balm from Ama are great for things like nappy rash, cuts, scrapes and chapped lips. A simple bar of soap can be used for both body and hair and natural body oils can be used in the bath, as a moisturiser and also as a massage oil! Wool breast pads are ‘wash n wear’ and wick moisture away from your skin, helping to prevent rashes and sensitivity.
De-cluttering your home and saving the cost of buying multiple disposable baby products will bring you a zen sense of calm. Minimalism is the new black.
SHOP WASTE FREE
This gorgeous prize contains a Baby Calm Massage Oil, a Mother to Be Body Oil and a Soothing Baby Bot Bot Cream from The Herb Farm!
HERB FARM GIVEAWAY!
To enter, comment below and share something great you did recently with a child in your life! It could be your child, your stepchild, your grandchild or your friend’s child!
You can enter via our Facebook and Instagram pages too! Just find the post and follow the directions there.
Ends Midnight 6th Oct 2019, NZ & AU residents only. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash.
I promised to take my daughter on a safari when she was 9. She is now 20, and we have just returned from South Africa
Went to my nephews lantern night! He was so stoked with the lantern he had decorated. They then lite the candles and we walked around the cul-de-sac as the the little kiddies sung songs. Bless it was so damn cute! Love him so much. He is eagerly awaiting the arrival of his cousin (in my tum) he’s adamant it’s a girl! Cute as 😊
My kids love to scoot outdoors around beach where there is a relaxed atmosphere in idyllic location with background colours in various shades of blue between the lighter sky and darker ocean, the fresh breeze which flows from the sea and exquisite beachfront ocean views. Thank you.
We took a walk. I know that doesn’t sound life-changing but I let my two toddlers make all the decisions and we wandered around with no goals or time pressures. It was actually quite wonderful.
I would love to win! Due in January with a beautiful baby boy xx
My little niece and nephew are eagerly awaiting their first ever cousin (in my tummy) we recently had my baby shower where they drew me beautiful pictures and left me little messages on the outside of nappies to cheer me up during night feeds and fed me lots of tasty treats 🙂
I was lucky enough to be invited to teach yoga on a retreat in Bali recently. My husband and 3 year old son came along too and it was so wonderful to see him embrace another culture, and also indulge him a little with yummy treats, late nights and multiple swims each day! It’s so lovely o get out of the daily rind once Ina while isn’t it?
I am still waiting for the arrival of my first little one in a couple of months. I always loved taking my younger siblings and babysitter kids outside (biology nerd here) and I can’t wait to do the same with my own child!
Playing with dew drops on broccoli leaves in the garden as the sun rose and birds sang
One day I took my son to the beach by myself. No one else was there and we just watched the sunset. It was truly a magical moment we shared together. I will never forget it.
Held my daughter as she slept in my arms 🙂
Silly and imaginative chat on an outdoor walk!
We’ve recently told our son (2yrs 8mnths) that he’s going to be a big brother. He loves rubbing my belly and gave it a kiss the other day!
So special 😍
My 3 & 5 year old daughters and I impromptu skipped out on preschool yesterday and went to explore the local park then took a ride on miniature ponies dressed up as unicorns. I had so much work to do but we had an amazing morning. It was absolutely worth it.
Have just got a new grandson only 10 days old so would love this for him and his mum
Took them on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Beautiful atmosphere, amazing view and great exercise for the kids
Would gift this to my cousin who is expecting her first baby. I am a hairstylist so I am always doing up children’s hair and making them feel extra special when they get their hair done.
Took my 3 lovely grandchildren rock hunting up at Quarry Gardens in Whangarei
Making music together!
Went to Kelly Tartons to see and learn about the penguins and the turtles 🙂
I’m currently pregnant with my first child at age 34. I have hyperemisis too which makes getting through the day without vomiting impossible even at 29 weeks. I’ve been spending beautiful quality time with my nieces teaching them to surf as a relaxing way to let go and release for me also.
I took my two boys and their little friend on an adventure through the Botanical Gardens in Taupo – we were looking for painted rocks to find and hide before the Gruffalo found them. It was a great adventure!
Stopped prepping dinner grabbed a pile of books and invited my 22 month old to ‘huggle’ on Mama and Daddy’s bed and read stories. He loved it and I’m so glad I did it not realizing I would be induced the next morning with #2.
I had a baby last month and I could feel my middle child was feeling “left out” so each day even though I was tired as hell I would make it my mission to spend time with her just by getting her ready for kindy and making her lunch etc and then dropping her off. She appreciated it so much that she would hug me randomly and tell me she loves me so much.😢
I brought to the sea the daughter of a dear friend of mine who regards me as an aunt, and she was very happy with this surprise!
Went to my daughter’s to help with some gardening. Helped my 1 yr old granddaughter stroke the leaves on plants and gave her some flowers to smell. She crunched leaves and picked blades of grass. Hope it instills a love of nature!
My friends 8 year old has just recently started giving me big hugs when I come around, he’s a shy wee man so it just melts my heart he trusts me so much. He’s also the sweetest big brother and looks after his 3 year old sister so well <3
As a mum-to-be I love spending time with my friends kids and giving the Mumma’s some time for them – helping out with the dinner or bed routine or enjoying playtime on the floor!
My nearly 3 year old and I planted some veges in our wee vege garden. She’s checking them every day and watching them grow!
Sent a message to my step daughter in her time of need when I physically couldn’t be there for her
Took my 5 month old and sisters 1yo, 6yo and 8yo scootering around the CBD. Ice creams for treats afterwards!
Awesome prize 😍👏🎉 I made cards and bracelets, did colouring, made muffins and played on the trampoline with my little ones today 😊
My 2yr old son and I had a relaxation bath together. Complete with lavender, candles and calming music. He just lay back the whole time with his wee head in my belly, just floating in the warmth. He slept well too!
Took my little ones to get fresh farm milk, so creamy and nice they loved it and was great to show them it doesnt just come from the supermarket!
I’m a mum to be currently and something great I have done with my little friend inside my belly is just to simply enjoy him/her send love and enjoy the wonderful feeling of the big and little wriggles knowing baby is safe and happy 😊
I watched my 3 older kids in their school production. One has extreme anxiety and he done his whole part and was so brave after having panic attacks for weeks and saying he wasnt going to do it.
My grandson has just turned 6 months old. I was there with his mum, my daughter, to help support her and him in offering him his first foods. My daughter did an awesome job in what can be a daunting task for some and it’s safe to say he loves kumara! Such a precious moment I will cherish forever.
When it’s just myself and my oldest child, we paint our nails for special us time, we don’t get much of it.. x
I took my son to his first one on one swimming lesson and he loved it! I’m so proud at how brave and well behaved he was. We are looking forward to going every week!
My eldest daughter met my second born daughter in the hospital the other day after she was born. She climbed up onto the bed with me, wrapped her arms around her new sister and my arms were around her and we snuggled like this for ages. It was such a precious moment I will cherish forever
Watched a thunder lightning and hailstorm with my 3 kids and collected hail for them to eat.
My 10 year old daughter and I recently did a high ropes course through a forest. I thought I would be encouraging her along, giving her support throughout but my daughter also provided me just as much encouragement as fear over came me in parts and I was not expecting that at all.
Helped my niece build an amazing blanket Fort and then stayed up late watching movies and eating popcorn in it ❤️
Took my two children for an ice cream
My child is having a child! She’s 30 weeks pregnant and a bit uncomfortable so, we went swimming together. It was so nice to spend time in the water just like we used to when she was little!
Took both my sons for a walk Saturday and Sunday morning – nature and fresh air is like food for the soul 😊
Built block towers over and over so my 9 month old son could smash them down as fast as I could build them. Loved seeing the curiosity and wonder on his face.
School holidays for us is really low key – but tomorrow my 4 little kids 2,4,6,8 and excited to catch a bus into town to meet their papa for a fluffy 🙂
I and my little Granddaughter aged 3, did some colouring in of a mug together with her paints. She decorated it beautifully and it was a gift for me, Nanna at the end!
Baked muffins with my preschool aged kiddies, fun and very messy!
Took my 9 month little boy to the duck pond and hand fed the baby ducklings then played on the swings with lots of giggles!
Took my neighbours daughter out to the park to run up hills and check out the views from the top of the hill.
Danced with my darling baby, she loves snuggling in for a boogie.
Took my 2 babes for a wander through the beautiful botanical gardens. Good for the soul ☮️
I’m 31 weeks pregnant and we have done a beautiful origami mobile. It’s very colourful with different animals. Even though he is not born yet, I feel that we have done this together and are more connected than ever 🤰🏻❤️👼🏻
I took my son to a bookshop and he picked out a book he liked and we wrapped it and gave it away to as a way to start teaching him about the joys of giving and that it’s nice to share what we love with others
Fed the garden birds with my 20month old granddaughters left over porridge.very happy to share her breakfast with the “birdies”.
Run around the park in the rain yelling and laughing.
Held my niece’s hand when she had ointment applied to her healing ear.
Had cuddles and kisses from one of the gorgeous church kids on Sunday – I just melted!
Took may 3 nieces whale watching, 9, 8 and 6. Was awesome to see them embracing new things out of their comfort zone. Overcoming seasickness fears, first time on a boat, and absolutely loving seeing whales and dolphins.
Terrific giveaway here s hoping