The Balanced Mother in Templestowe Lower, Victoria, Australia | Blogger

The Balanced Mother

Locality: Templestowe Lower, Victoria, Australia

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25.01.2022 T H R O W B A C K Having 2 babies 13 months apart was particularly hard for the first few weeks. Especially because Sammy wasnt walking yet. It brought a whole new meaning to youve got your arms full because one baby in each arms was all I could manage. Moments like this made it worth it. Samuel loved Sebastian from the first moment he laid eyes on him. After Sebby arrived I would ask him wheres the baby? he no longer pointed at my tummy, he would point at Seb...by. In this video Sammy tries to say I love you and he gives Sebby a kiss. My heart melts every time I watch it! Whats the age gap between your kids and how did you find it? #thebalancedmother See more

25.01.2022 S U N D A Y F U N D A Y Weve just moved house into a new neighbourhood - this afternoon we took these two to the local park! They loved it I love the frown on Sebby and Sammys smile. What a beautiful day. ... How good is this bike?! Its by @radioflyerinc - Notice the big boy sitting down while the little one stood Hope you had a beautiful Sunday too #thebalancedmother @ The Balanced Mother

24.01.2022 H A R D W O R K Ive just spent the last hour of my weekend set up for tomorrow mornings birthday hunt for Sebby. Wrapped presents, wrote clues, put clues around the house and put streamers in his door. I want him to feel special and loved, especially on his birthday. I have so much guilt for needing to work on his birthday... I have a lot going on with work this week too, its going to be a big one - with lots of exciting things to get through. But the juggle and context switching can be hard. Not to mention the feeling of guilt for never doing enough at home or at work. So if you see a parent at work, give them a hug. Ill probably need one this week! #thebalancedmother

23.01.2022 B O O K S I love reading books to my kids almost as much as they love being read to. One of their fav books is there was an old lady that swallowed a mozzie which has the perfect Aussie spin to the classic there was an old lady who swallowed a fly. While waiting at the airport for my flight home yesterday I saw there was an old bloke who swallowed a chook and had to get it. Probably not as good as the first one but they loved it! ... What books do your kids love? #thebalancedmother

23.01.2022 B E B A C K S O O N Im taking a 2 week break - taking time for myself - stay tuned for my next blog post letting you all know about my little adventure. Ill be back on the 24 Sep! In the mean time, this is your little reminder to do something for yourself

22.01.2022 Mothers days is NEXT week - I dont know about you, but that really sneaked up on me. Thats why Ive put together a last minute gift guide to help anyone else who is as panicked about it as I am. Feel free to tag your partner to give them a little nudge nudge or use it for inspo for your own mama. If you have any other ideas feel free to comment them below. Happy Mothers Day for next week ladies x... http://www.thebalancedmother.com.au//mothers-day-gift-guid

22.01.2022 D A Y L I G H T S A V I N G S Go an early riser? Well youll be thanking your lucky stars for the time change this morning feels like a sleep in hey? Well here are my tips on how to keep bubs on this schedule... because in a few days or weeks an earlier riser might fall back into old habits: - create a little bed time routine that you can use to help your child recognise that the longest sleep of the day is coming - it could be as fast as reading a quick book, or it coul...d include bath, milk, a song, a story, saying goodnight to 500 teddies and then sleep. Whatever it is, make sure it works for you and your child. - Consider getting a sleep trainer clock, Kmart has them for $25 at the moment! The trick with these clocks is actually setting the time to just before your child usually wakes, so they experience the excitement of seeing the clock change to have the sun rise. Then slowly moving the clock forward by 10 mins each day until your child is waking at the time you want. These clocks are only suggested for children who are 2.5 years and older. - Think about making sure there is NO light streaming into their rooms in the morning. You could invest in great block out blinds (or even try tin foil on the windows to see if it helps). This is to prevent the light at sunrise streaming in at 5:30am and waking your child up. - Consider doing some outdoor activities after dinner (5 - 6pm) the extra light your child will get at this hour will give your child a boost in serotonin late in the day which will convert to more melatonin during the night. This will hopefully help your early riser sleep later in the morning. Tag another mama or papa who might find these tips helpful #thebalancedmother

22.01.2022 F O U R Wishing my Sammy the happiest 4th birthday. Thank you for being always so funny, its been wonderful to watch you grow into the little jokester that you are.... Thank you for being so inquisitive. Youve made me google and learn so many things to try to answer your random thinking like mummy, why do bees have stripes? And all your but why?s Thank you for being such a kindhearted person. Whenever someone is hurt, or sad, you already show so much empathy and compassion for them. Finally thank you for being everything that you are. You amaze me every day with the new things you learn and do. I couldnt be prouder to be your mum, for all these reasons and so much more. I love you Sammy, always and forever #thebalancedmother @ Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

21.01.2022 F R I Y A Y Swinging into Fridays like... #thebalancedmother

21.01.2022 As a mum of 2 boys I loved watching this! Thanks for the tips Maggie Dent I cant wait to read your book

21.01.2022 T O D D L E R F U N Some days I find it hard to come up with activities to do with my kids - especially in the cold weather. Im a big believer that stimulation helps the kids drift off to sleep easier. Here are my top 5 go to toddler friendly activities - Id love to hear your suggestions! #thebalancedmother

20.01.2022 Somebody get me a tissue after reading this... actually pass me the box

19.01.2022 A D V E N T U R E S 3.5 and 2.5 years old. My favourite age yet. Today was my day off and I really switched off and spent time with my boys. We spent a few hours exploring a nearby park - going for a walk, looking for wombats, talking about what other animals live in the park, picking out sticks and holding hands.... Days like today make working part time worth it. That is, until I tried to feed the kids home made chicken soup that took me hours to make and more ended up on the floor Its all a balance! #thebalancedmother

19.01.2022 Y E A H Y O U D O This is your little Friday reminder that no matter what the weekend throws at you, youve got this. #thebalancedmother

19.01.2022 T H R E E Just like that - youre three Three years ago you stole my heart - all my dreams and wishes came true the moment I laid eyes on you. Ive watched you grow. Ive watched you learn to smile, crawl, walk and run. And now, my dear boy, the funs about to start. Im watching you learn and try to understand this world.... Youre becoming a little man and Im so proud of you. You are learning all about what you like and dislike. You are starting to talk (and sing) so much. We have little conversations about random things - and you love to chat. You are sensitive and funny. You are strong but kind. And always so polite. And boy are you patient. You get excited by everything, and thats so contagious. Youve made me more excited about life just through your positive attitude. You have a smile that brightens up a room. And your eyes sparkle when you are happy. Oh and you have a voice thats so loud it could crack a window. You are a bundle of fun to have around and I cant wait to spend this next year laughing and learning with you. I love you this much nahhh just kidding I love you this much (to the moon and back). Happy birthday Sammy xo

19.01.2022 Happy Mothers Day to all the beautiful mums, grandmothers and mother figures in our lives. Especially mine Im feeling very grateful today - for my boys, my mum, mother in law, Aunty, grandmother. When I was little I always wanted to be a mum. I was lucky to have a mum who gave me all of her time. I grew up spending lots of time with my Nonna and my Aunty. I felt loved, cared for and safe. Now that Im a mother i feel so lucky but I always think back to what makes a good ...mum and if I am doing enough. Exploring that made me realise that a good mum is a happy one Happy Mothers Day to all the happy mothers in my life - may today be a reminder to you are more than enough. To the world you are a mother but to your family you are the world @ Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

17.01.2022 F O U R Wishing my Sammy the happiest 4th birthday. Thank you for being always so funny, it’s been wonderful to watch you grow into the little jokester that you are.... Thank you for being so inquisitive. You’ve made me google and learn so many things to try to answer your random thinking like ‘mummy, why do bees have stripes?’ And all your ‘but why?’s Thank you for being such a kindhearted person. Whenever someone is hurt, or sad, you already show so much empathy and compassion for them. Finally thank you for being everything that you are. You amaze me every day with the new things you learn and do. I couldn’t be prouder to be your mum, for all these reasons and so much more. I love you Sammy, always and forever #thebalancedmother @ Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

17.01.2022 T W O Never in a million years did I imagine Id learn so much about life from a baby. No. Not a baby, a toddler. Sebby you have taught me patience beyond measure - you little mischief maker. You have taught me that rules are made to be broken. You have taught me that planning everything can be boring - wheres the fun in that? Youve taught me to embrace being spontaneous.... Youve taught me to smile brighter. Love harder. To accept all life throws at me and ask for more. Youve taught me that I have more strength that I know. You taught me to be a better version of myself. Youve taught me to be the best mum I can be for you and your brother. Youve taught me all this and youve just turned two. I wonder what else you can teach me in your lifetime? I cant imagine a life without my smiling baby boy in it. I cant thank you enough for choosing me to be your mama - for showing me your strength. Youre a force that cannot be reckoned with (especially if that force is trying to feed you something you dont want - like any green veggie). Above all youve taught me that miracles do happen. I hope you know you will forever be my miracle. Happy birthday to my #twonager - Love you #thebalancedmother

16.01.2022 I dare you to not cry while reading this!

15.01.2022 H A R D W O R K I’ve just spent the last hour of my weekend set up for tomorrow mornings birthday hunt for Sebby. Wrapped presents, wrote clues, put clues around the house and put streamers in his door. I want him to feel special and loved, especially on his birthday. I have so much guilt for needing to work on his birthday... I have a lot going on with work this week too, it’s going to be a big one - with lots of exciting things to get through. But the juggle and context switching can be hard. Not to mention the feeling of guilt for never doing enough at home or at work. So if you see a parent at work, give them a hug. I’ll probably need one this week! #thebalancedmother

15.01.2022 C A T N A P P I N G Catnapping is when a baby only sleeps for one sleep cycle and cant string two sleep cycles together. I have 3 tips to stop catnapping:... 1. Put baby to sleep in a way and place that wont change. This might mean stop rocking baby to sleep. Or stop feeding your baby to sleep. 2. For at least one nap a day encourage baby to have a longer nap that 45 mins. Keep it up for at least 5 days. 3. Introduce positive age appropriate sleep associations like white noise or a comforter to help a baby feel comfortable and happy going to sleep. If you need help with your catnapping baby reach out! Ive helped 3 families this week stop catnapping - now 3 families are getting better rest get in touch today! #thebalancedmother

15.01.2022 1 0 Y E A R C H A L L E N G E 10 + years of friendship. 10 + years of laughs. 10 + years of going through life with 2 of the kindest, funniest, most amazing girls in the world. Thanks for all the memories - cant wait for what the next 10 + years have in store. Some mums tell me that their friends feel a million miles away especially if they dont have kids. My advice is to keep your girl gang close, even if they dont have kids. Pick up the phone. Ask them about their... day. Try not to just talk about your kids, or how tired you are. They are your tribe and help remind you of who you are. And if you are lucky as I am they will love your kids as much as they love you #thebalancedmother

15.01.2022 This is how I get a few workouts into my week - I love going to BD Fitness! Check them out

13.01.2022 G R O W Last week I turned 30. Ive had the most amazing week celebrating this milestone with my loved ones. Theres something about hitting a milestone that makes you reflect about life - and heres what I learnt. Im grateful for so much. For my 2 beautiful boys. For my husband / best friend. For the friends and family who I love dearly. For my careers (thats right, both of them). For making it to 30. I also learnt that for the things in my life that Im not grateful for - I want them to help me learn and grow. After all, Im not done learning (or growing). #thebalancedmother

12.01.2022 All the yess.... Oh and while you are here can you pop on a load of washing? Fold some clothes? Oh and bring milk, were out of milk!

11.01.2022 T O I L E T T R A I N I N G When it comes to toilet training I thought I knew it all. We toilet trained Sammy when he was 2 years old a few months. Sammy picked it up in 5 days - and after 2 weeks Sammy didnt have any accidents. He picked it up so quickly and we were so proud of the work *we* did.... Little did I know that it was really all Sammy. When Sebby was the same age we thought it was time to get him out of nappies before the weather got too cold. We did the exact same thing we did with Sammy. * Talked about it for a few days before we took away nappies * Bought Sebby new undies * We stopped using nappies (just pull ups at nap time and bed time) * We gave Sebby treats after weeks or poos on the toilet * We would time Sebby and put him on the toilet every 20/30 mins. We started no nappies on Feb 20, 2019. And now on the 19 April I can say that he is finally toilet trained. He asks to go and he hasnt had an accident in days. But it took MONTHS. My key take away from this experience is this: Some children get it easier. Some children are more stubborn and strong willed and take longer. Same applies to sleep training. Some children never need help falling asleep. Some children need more support and encouragement to fall asleep. Both are normal. It can be frustrating at times but remember all children are individuals and are on their own journey. Try not to compare and stay calm. They will get there. #thebalancedmother

10.01.2022 it’s funny, because it’s kinda true. Tag a multitasking pro below

10.01.2022 T O P T I P T U E S D A Y When implementing healthy sleep habits it can take up to 3 days to see results. Stay the course and you and your bubba will be on the right track - this can be anything from teaching a baby to sleep in their cot, moving to a big kid bed, transitioning out of a swaddle, introducing a comforter etc small changes for a few days can have a huge benefit! #thebalancedmother

10.01.2022 its funny, because its kinda true. Tag a multitasking pro below

10.01.2022 W H A T IM A B O U T 1. Im all about KINDNESS. 2. I am PASSIONATE about helping families get more rest. 3. I dont believe that theres one solution to help every baby sleep well because every family and every baby is UNIQUE. 4. Im all about making sure you feel FREEDOM FROM JUDGEMENT. If you are breastfeeding your 3 year old or you choose to formula feed your newborn then you should know that I support your decision 100%. ... 5. I dont force my ideals onto you, we can WORK TOGETHER to agree a plan to help you all get more rest. 6. I will PERSONALISE your sleep plan for your family - if you are ok with crying or want a gentle approach thats ok with me. 7. I COACH families to implement strategies that will help them get more rest. Sometimes i help implement small changes, sometimes they are big changes, but Ill hold your hand throughout the process. DM me to find out how I can help you get more rest #thebalancedmother See more

09.01.2022 This is me this morning! So many people say to me what do the kids do while you are at the gym? Well, heres your answer! They add more weight to my workouts but encourage me along the way

09.01.2022 Bed times shouldnt be a struggle - here is a video of a sample interaction I have with Sebby before I leave his room at night. We do this for 2-5 mins to help Sebby know that he is loved and safe - this strategy is important for children who suffer with separation anxiety.

09.01.2022 As a mother of two boys I feel a huge responsibility to teach them to respect women. Violence is not ok. I want my boys to grow up with strong women around them who get respect from the males in their lives. And the male role models around my boys life need call out abusive behaviour when they see it, not to encourage it or laugh it off. I want to raise kind people in a world of kind people

07.01.2022 W O R K I N G M U M As I sit in a taxi on my way to work from Sydneys airport I think about how excited it is to be here. I have 2 exciting days ahead of me to learn about things that can make a huge impact on society. But I cant ignore this lingering feeling of guilt for leaving my kids. ... Why do we do this to ourselves? We feel guilt for working. Guilt for not working. Guilt for never doing enough. Guilt for giving too much to work. Guilt for not making enough time for work. You know what? Guilt can go get stuffed! Im not a perfect mum. Im not a perfect employee. But I love my kids and I love my job. Im jumping all in for both, now watch me slay this! If your a mama trying to balance life, this is your reminder you can slay this too! #thebalancedmother

05.01.2022 T O P T I P T U E S D A Y Many of my clients will say to me I tried doing x and it didnt work for me yesterday I understand it can be frustrating to not see results straight-away so I always like to set the expectation that you wont start to see results for 3 days. After 3 days of consistency your baby is likely to pick up what you are teaching them. This is because it takes a baby a few days to learn a new habit. If after 3 days you still believe it isnt working we can switch it up. Just think, taking your baby into your bed one night isnt going to create a bad habit, doing it consistently for a few days will. Same goes for creating healthy sleep habits #thebalancedmother

04.01.2022 U N B A L A N C E D Dont let this account name fool you. I am not balanced. I started this little account to document my journey to find balance in my life and realised I can help people along the way. Which is something that Im proud of. But I have a confession to make, I am not balanced.... I am realising that life may never be perfectly balanced. Not sure that it ever was. Not sure that it ever will be. And thats ok, if it was perfectly balanced it would be boring anyway. If youre a fellow mama just trying to balance all the things life throws at you Id love to hear from you - whats your one piece of advice? Mine is to try not to be perfect - we are not robots! Take things one day at a time and try not to get overwhelmed- youll miss all the beautiful moments if you do. #thebalancedmother

03.01.2022 Im not crying. Much.

01.01.2022 W O R K T R I P S When hubby tells me he has to go on a work trip perfectly illustrated by @common_wild #thebalancedmother

01.01.2022 M O R N I N G S A good night sleep = happy faces in the morning... For babies and their mamas! #thebalancedmother