Today is international Mothers Day but most mother's will share my sentiment that everyday is actually Mother's day because unless something out of the ordinary happen's like a chores-free, kids-free, everything-free day, it's business as usual. Motherhood is just as demanding as it is rewarding and there's so much I've learnt from the challenges of catering to a child, especially one as cool but extremely cheeky as my five year old little King. There is definitely no guide to perfect parenting but here are some key lessons I've learnt in my few years of being a guardian to a not-so-constant angel.
#1 - Persistence is Key
Have you ever met a child that wants something so bad and wont get it? Neither have I. My son has a way of getting his own way while making me think it was my choice and I have to commend his natural skill.
His determination in achieving something whether big or small is so inspiring because it's honest and raw.
It shows me the way we would all be without inhibitions and fear of failure or rejection.
#2 - Ignore The Judgement's
Just as in style, everyone has their own way of parenting. It's easy to comment on what someone else is doing and what you "would not do" or "do differently" but I've learnt that confidence in your bond and your child's growth is ultimately what matters. Whatever you do, they'll talk so just do you.
#3 - Celebrate their personal style, even if it's a little questionable
As a stylist, I know all about advocating personal style and individuality but sometimes when you leave the choices of fashion to a child, even you will be shocked at the ensembles the conjure up. My son is very confident and persistent when it comes to his wardrobe (and can you blame him) but I've learned to let him be free with his selections. As long as his clothes are clean, ironed and tucked in, I let him have free reign, even if the results do sometimes leave us in fits of laughter.
#4 - They Hear Everything
I'm particular about various things which I usually put down to my "mild" OCD and one of them is that I prefer being called Abigail (which to be fair, is my name) instead of Abi/Abbey/Abby. I don't go into fits of rage when someone does shorten my name so please don't over analyze this, it's just one of those things but my son reminded me of this when I allowed someone to call me "Abi" three days after I told someone else I preferred being called 'Abigail'. I couldn't believe his acuteness especially because I didn't even know he was listening. Children hear and take in so much even when we think they aren't paying attention and I've also learnt to never make them a promise I can't keep because they don't forget much either.
#5 - Tomorrow is another day
Again, motherhood is just as demanding as it is rewarding, so there will really good days and there will be really bad days. I have days where I feel overwhelmed with joy and love and can give my all as a parent and then there are days where I simply feel like a failure but at the end of each of those days, I'm able to lay my head down and give it another go the next day and that's not just the joy of parenting, that's the joy of life.
Enjoy! TL. Xx
(Photography: Abi Oshodi)
Connect With Me:
