Posted on by dear new mom

WHY YOU SHOULD SPEND MORE ENGAGING TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN.

Hey mama, daddy, grannies, babysitter, teacher and guardians. Happy new year

Yeah I know I have been gone for a while but I am back now. Motherhood took a hold of me real good and bad.

Well in my absence I often found myself overwhelmed with figuring out how to spend time with my child without feeling guilty about his screen time, I felt like we spent most of the time watching TV or scrolling through the phone.

My son is 4 years old and he was a little bit behind with his speech and he did not want to play or share his toys with friends. So at first I brushed it off since I thought he is the only child he will catch up. Then finally I became intentional on how to spend time with him.

Well! I learned a lot from being involved and intentional about helping my son and within 2 months my son can interact with friends and he enjoys play dates, his grammar is great and he spends 30 minutes of screen time a day instead of hours on the TV. Providing engaging activities tailored to their age helps toddlers thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically while laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

Here are the engaging activities are essential for toddlers because they play a critical role in their development. Here’s why:

  1. Supports Brain Development: Activities stimulate cognitive growth by encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and learning through play. Exposure to new textures, sounds, and experiences builds neural connections. https://bit.ly/4iGFl0C
  2. Enhances Motor Skills: Activities like stacking blocks or drawing improve fine motor skills, while running or climbing aids gross motor development.
  3. Fosters Social and Emotional Growth: Group activities teach sharing, taking turns, and empathy. Creative play helps toddlers express emotions and develop self-regulation skills.
  4. Boosts Language and Communication: Storytelling, singing, and interactive play introduce new vocabulary and improve communication skills.
  5. Encourages Independence and Confidence: Solving puzzles or completing simple tasks fosters a sense of achievement and builds self-confidence. https://bit.ly/4iGFl0C
  6. Prevents Boredom and Misbehavior • Engaging activities keep toddlers occupied, reducing restlessness and the likelihood of tantrums.

Remember spending time doesn’t have to be expensive. I documented every game that we did here https://bit.ly/4iGFl0C, and if you want to learn more and engage with your child in a practical manner click the link below to get an ebook designed for you https://bit.ly/4iGFl0C

Posted on by dear new mom

THINGS TO DO WHEN YOUR BABY TAKES A NAP

One thing that is not healthy for you as a stay at home mom is the inability to relax and rest.

Yes! I know that your to do list is full, but that does not mean that if the baby takes a nap you can’t take it too. But if you are like me, i.e afternoon naps are not your thing, then here are some of the things that you can do:

1. Watch the movie: ask your friends to recommend a good movie, just relax and enjoy the movie while your baby sleeps. Ignore the messy house. I understand that it can be tempting to get busy and tidy up but just try this relaxing routine and you’ll be amazed how your mind and body feels every time you’re rested.

2. Find some online jobs: focus on those that don’t require much effort and earn yourself just little cash. Some of the websites just require you to watch videos and complete surveys, yes it is not a 6 figure job but the little you get can help you buy yourself a new dress. If you know anything about the health industry. Well you go ahead and download this free app called DiagnoUs https://bit.ly/41SkJZD where you got to do few cases and earn money.

3. Bubble bath: That one long and uninterrupted bath time huh! I know it may seem impossible because you think your child will wake up anytime, therefore it may not be easy to close your eyes and relax but try it. Take it as a way of rewarding yourself. There are many essential oils that you can use to relieve your body from stress.

Posted on by dear new mom

Dear new mom tip 2

REST AND BREATH

I want you to always remember this common phrase which says it takes a village to raise a child. This simply means hey mom it is a requirement for you to take sometime off.

When was the last time you sat down on your own and listened to yourself breathe? Well I think I know the answer, CANNOT REMEMBER RIGHT…. sometimes you don’t see that you are tired or that you need help because you believe that part of being a “good” mom is sleep deprivation.

Listen girl! I know all about mom guilt, it is a real thing that almost every mother experience at some point. But I want you to know that pouring out from an empty cup leaves you frustrated, tired, empty, lonely, angry and can even leave you depressed.

Therefore I encourage you to take advantage of these many ways to ask for help so that you get time to rest and breathe. The list is endless but these 4 are practical and simple to do.

1. find a nanny or babysitter

2. ask a relative, they will help and this can be your parents, siblings and or cousins

3.ask your partner or a friend to look after your child so you can have a “me” time.

4.Register your child to attend a day care centre even if it’s once a week or 2 hours at the daycare, but all these will give you me time.

I had a child at the pick of a pandemic so my mind convinced me that allowing people into my house to help with the baby is not okay, therefore I did everything for myself and the baby. I had a stay in helper at 4months but I did not allow her to help me with the baby, I was paranoid and to hear someone sneeze or cough made it worse. All this resulted in me always being tired, poor milk supply, unproductive, unhealthy eating and weight gain.

Tips:

Ask for help, you deserve it.

Every morning before baby wakes up do some breathing exercise, yoga or just light exercises and body stretching.

Go out for a walk, solo dates, read a good book, take a long relaxing bath, go out for massage, dance to your favourite songs.

Write down two things that help you relax and revisit them every week.