Simplifying Motherhood: What we need to learn

Since becoming a stay at home mum, I’ve definitely been motivated to do more with my girls. Whether that’s joining groups, taking trips, baking or crafts, I like to keep us busy. Barely a day goes by without one of these and on the whole, I love it. However recently, I’ve been realising that I’m making my life much harder than it needs to be. Simplifying motherhood is now my new mission.

With all the above mentioned activities, there is a certain amount of prep required. Sometimes, it’s just checking where you need to be and for what time. Other times, I find myself spending a disproportionate amount of time organising and planning only to find my girls lose interest within minutes.

Picking elderberries

Take today for example. I’d noticed we had a huge elderberry tree growing in our garden and so thought it’d be fun to make elderberry cordial. As always I wanted to involve the girls as much as possible. We sat down and watched a tutorial. They will seriously watch anything because I’m such a stickler with screen time. After, we went and collected the berries.

I’d envisaged them doing this but of course the bundles needed to be snipped off. Regardless, they enjoyed holding the bowl. Next came the less than fun task of removing all the berries from the stems. Again they wanted to help and I wanted them to help too but it was fiddly and the berries stained. From this point, there was nothing else they could help with.,

On and off, I spent the best part of the afternoon doing this only to discover the taste was at best mediocre. I’ve made enough to last the winter so I’m hoping the immunity boosting claims are true. Why did I even bother? Did Jess and Emily even benefit?

I never learn

This week we also attended a trial toddler yoga session. It was fantastic. Well I thought so. Jess and Emily were less than impressed. Emily barely moved from my lap and Jess just didn’t have it in her to sit, listen and follow instructions. It probably didn’t help that we’d had to rush to get ready and then spent 35 minutes on the motorway.

On the way home, I beat myself up over their behaviour. How come all the other children had participated? Why can’t they follow instructions? Is spending all day, every day with me holding them back? To top it off Emily, whinged the entire way. By the time we pulled into our driveway, I was in a foul mood.

Before we even got out if the car, I decided we should go to our local community centre stay and play group. They serve decent coffee and I just needed the girls to play so I could have 5 minutes. I’m so glad we did. It was such a chilled session, I chatted to some lovely mum’s and the girls played beautifully.

Next week, we will definitely be going back. This group was a bit of a wake up call for me and reminded me that simplifying motherhood is ok. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not giving up the trips or crafts or baking but maybe I just need to realise who I’m doing it for and relax a bit more.

16 thoughts on “Simplifying Motherhood: What we need to learn

  1. I know what you mean about spending ages planing something, only for the littles to get bored in double quick time! Hats off to you for giving them so many fun things to do! Thanks so much for sharing with #Blogstravaganza xx

    1. Definitely going to choose activities a bit more carefully so I don’t waste valuable Mummy time.

  2. I love how you’re actively trying to keep them away from the dreaded screens! I’m off for the next two days and have plans to take Ben to our local Pets corner but Im lazy and being knackered I just want to nap so fingers crossed I get energy later today or tomorrow hahah!
    Thank you for sharing this with us at #TriumphantTales. I hope to see you back next week!
    Also popping in from #blogstravaganza

    1. I have to try and keep myself away from them too.

  3. It must be hard having to constantly think up activities that are age appropriate and can hold the attention of both girls!
    Thanks for linking up to #AnythingGoes 🙂
    Debbie

    1. At least one of them normally sticks with it for a bit so guess it’s better than going to the trouble just fir one

    1. Definitely. Mine love forest school at the moment although I’m personally dreading the colder weather.

  4. Well done for getting out and about with them and trying new things. I think taster sessions are great for experiencing new things and they are often free the first time. I also love that you are trying new things at home too. Just keep going with the flow and enjoy things together. #HumpDayLinky

    1. I like to keep us busy so when we have a free afternoon, I’m on Pinterest looking for inspiration. More often than not it’s a Pinterest fail but we have fun in the process.

  5. Not even had mine yet and I’m already making mental lists of all the things I want to make and do and teach with my little one. But if I’ve learned anything from other mums, it’s to prepare for plans to get scuppered and under-appreciated, and not beat myself up too much when it inevitably happens!

    1. Lots of Pinterest inspiration and Pinterest fails. We just have to enjoy the process I guess.

  6. I haven’t been to one class with baby number three yet & now I’m back at work it’s not likely the poor thing! #humpdaylinky

    1. I guess with twins you know you’re only gong to get one shot so I probably over compensate.

  7. I was like this for such a long time – constantly filling our time with ‘amazing’ planned, supposedly fun filled, enriching learning activities. These days we still do lots, but we do things that are, as you say, simpler. Both of mine enjoy rhyme time at the library but they don’t really join in, they prefer to play and look at books in the background. They both absolutely love soft play, and I love coffee so it’s a match made in heaven!!x

    1. Same here with the library. Jess shows no interest in the signing but as soon as a story is bent read she’s up and elbows her way right to the front 😝

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