My thoughts and reflections on parenting since becoming a father for the first time in October 2018. Generally, parenting is a hard task and my blog posts usually detail my reactions to the arising challenges.
Reflections There will always be moments that give you cause to reflect. Three occurrences this week have already counted for me. They are perfectly normal, although quite distinct. Together they highlight pride, compassion, and above all, the importance of perspective. That’s the thing about life when seen through moments. Reflection… Read More »Life Through Moments: Pride, Compassion, and Perspective
I tried telling them. They wouldn’t stop. Just couldn’t stop. Lips curled upwards, brimming with joy, little faces lit up. They smiled and giggled and giggled some more as they relentlessly tried to drag me to the floor. It wasn’t a done deal. I still had a little energy after… Read More »Parenting with Presence
Doodling with Intent This weekend I taught my son how to draw expansively. At least that’s what I’m calling it. I don’t know what the word is for drawing doodles which connect to each other but it must be a thing. The rain poured outside. The little ones had tired… Read More »Doodles, Old Souls, and Koans: Lessons from a Rainy Afternoon
Cant catch a break? Try this. Unexpected, unprecedented. Resetting and refocusing. A kind of a break, and a new start of sorts. Three and a half weeks without my young family’s constant needs was just what the doctor ordered. Only, I didn’t know it until the opportunity was thrust upon… Read More »1 Tip to improve everything: Take an actual break
Is the playground a place of innocence? The local playground. A place of fun? A place of good times? Maybe. Yet also a place where children come together to socialize that can become a microcosm of society’s larger issues. I’m going to reflect on three distinct incidents that occurred in… Read More »Navigating the Playground: Bullying, Anti-Social Behaviour and Racism
What makes parenting so hard? From a parent in the thick of it (two under five) to any expecting or new parents. The below list is an exploration of ten of the big changes involved. Together they make parenting the challenge that it is. Written to explain what new parents… Read More »Why is parenting hard? What new parents need to know
A nearby temper tantrum Today, I witnessed a horrendous tantrum. I was waiting in a queue to pay for lunch at Thatcham garden centre café. I had my two young children there with me. As I was keeping an eye on them clinging to my legs, I heard an awful… Read More »Learning from children: adopting a playful attitude to life
Contrasting Experiences Round and round the garden he rode the bike excitedly. The happy curly-haired boy was seven or eight years old. Perhaps a little older. It was fun, it was a thrill. His mum looked on from the patio in pleasure at the newly learned technique. He was doing… Read More »Milestones in Parenting
Parenting is rewarding. Parenting is worthwhile. It’s the greatest thing you’ll ever do. Some people would give anything to be able to conceive so count yourself lucky if you can have children. I’m sure these were things I heard in relation to being a parent, possibly long before I actually… Read More »Is it me or does parenting suck?
The first Breakdown of the Day Communication matters. This was it. This was dinosaur day. A trip up the A34 to Oxford to the Museum of Natural History. Mostly to indulge my three-year-old’s current mega obsession with all things prehistoric and lizard-like but also to find a renowned cake shop.… Read More »On Communication and Stress (dealing with family days out)
Feeling near death bringing forth life “Help me!” she screamed “I need it now! Please… help!” The screaming continued. I could just about make out the words amid the gargled noises as my wife thrashed about on the hospital bed. My second son was attempting to make his way into… Read More »On Birthdays: Why you should feel more enthusiastic about them
Up and at ’em Today I woke up less then pleased. It was 5am, still dark, and the three-month old was bright and breezy. He was making his cute little utterances that are beginning to resemble vowel sounds. It wasn’t the early hour which annoyed me. It wasn’t the need… Read More »On Responsibility: The Importance of Social Support