Intentional parenting

Tag: goals

  • Summer

    What story do you want to write this summer. Is it one of having such great laugh and wonderful memories. The social media is already filled with summer dread. While it is ok to have a ‘dig’ at this, we also can choose to have a great summer.

    “Whilst our challenges as a diaspora community may be greater than many other mommas, we can do something about it”.

    The discussion on the parenting webinar this evening was about being solution focussed. As mothers, we acknowledged that lack of extended family support, cost of living, work commitment, residence status and lack of planning can cause a lot of stress during the 6 weeks summer break.

    It was agreed that summer holiday is about resting and enjoying the children. The enjoying bit can be tricky when we are stepping on each other’s toes. Careful planning becomes the bedrock to our intentional loving, graceful-packed and impactful summer break. Keeping things in perspective is also key. Waking up and reminding ourselves and each other of what we are trying to achieve is important.

    “Summer 2018 is going to be an awesome !!!”

    Does that sounds like an epic goal? Why don’t you go ahead and have something like this, something that reflects your family unit, values and beliefs. You can get the children to be involved and breakdown the goals into daily, weekly activities of keeping EPICSOME. Hang your goals somewhere where you all can see and remind each other.

    Here is a skeletal draft that I have just done to give you some ideas on how you can structure your week plans:

    For me and the teens, being considerate of each other is key.  This translate to being mindful of what we are doing as a family and if someone needs/ wants to be somewhere or doing something different, to communicate effectively and timely.

    When I complete my summer schedule, chore allocation is a priority so we know who is cooking the much needed lunch dinner, loading the washing machine etc 😍! We have to remain functional without too much nagging. I function better with some structure and it helps me with accountability as well.

    Summer holidays are about recharging, renewal and resting. Depending on the age groups of your children, again being deliberate about networking and meeting other moms is good as well. Well planned play dates, can easily give you a well-earned break, time to yourself. These shouldn’t be expensive, pack a lunch from home and buy ice cream or something similar as a treat.

    Being on a budget is fundamental. Workout and an have an idea of how much you are spending during this long school break. Involving the children in this financial planning can help to ease expectations as they know how much is in the holiday pot.

    Picnics are easy, affordable yet to memorable. Again depending on the age groups, picnic can be in the garden, at a National Trust https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ home is even greater. The manor houses and immaculate gardens add that awesome feel of summer.

    On a large-scale we talked about organisations, communities, charity organisations that are already doing a lot of work with the youth and young people. Organisations such as Africa Youth Arise, http://africanyoutharise.org/ they do a lot of amazing workshops and retreats for 11-25yr olds. The lighthouse summer daily camp is very popular and for mothers of faith, it is a great resource to have hand.

    How about asking our local churches to plan activities for the children during the summer break. Yes it does require lots of planning, DBS etc but how much are our children worth? We agreed that we need to invest in our children’s lives.

    We hope you have a great summer. We hope you realise that you have in you the power, ability and resources to make it great, however you chose it.

    Would love to hear your summer story planning. Thanks for stopping by

    Every blessing

    Fadzai

  • The day before the new job

    I am pretty excited about tomorrow. The day has arrived sooner! Change can be unsettling, however once you have done your research there is not much to be fearful. The timing could not never be so right. I am in the zone spiritually, mentally and emotionally. I am hoping that walking to the train and at work will add to the physical health benefits.

    As a mom, I hope my children will be fine as dad takes the reins on the home front. Time will tell.

    My prospective colleague Amy* has been amazing so far, she has kept in touch once a week for the last 4 weeks. Invited me last week to ‘pop over’ for lunch until I gave her my geographical location.  Today, she wanted to finalise details of where to meet how to access the workplace with ease, etc.

    “Be attentive to your phone and I will do the same, so she said”.

    This woman has been very encouraging, helpful and enthusiastic. I cannot wait to meet her. Her tone and pitch has been nothing but welcoming. Will soon find out if she is a health visitor by background 😆

    On a serious note, I have decided to get myself a uniform of navy slacks, white t shirts and pumps. I chose comfort over all. There is so much I will need to grasp as soon as possible; policies, procedures and politics. Clothing need not to be one of them. 

    The work bag is ready with a pack of almonds for snacking, deodorant, vaseline, gum, notebook and a book to read.

    I have tons of enthusiasm. I am bold and courageous. If not now, when?❤

    Things to do the night before

    – set out comfortable outfit. Older ones the better as you know the fitting and comfort. Make sure the outfit sets the tone for who you are.

    – Establish where you are meant to report. Ideally this should be done a week in advance or in plenty of time.

    -Check travel arrangements, parking etc. Pack the work bag and have it handy.

    – Be prepared to meet the team/ colleagues and introduce yourself. Ask and answer questions. Be clear and above all be You.

    – Sleep well, at least 7-8hours. 

    -Remember why you took the offer.

    Hope ❤