Thriving New Mama

Parenting can be messy. You’re new to it – how do you discipline, how do you stay calm, how do you make decisions about everything from food to childcare to family values.

Aside from the emotional turmoil of being uncertain, parenting is also quite literally messy. Think baby-led weaning.

Think your child would never throw food on the floor?

Think that large circular plastic sheet is going to catch all the food?

Think you’re never going to stain your sheets because waterproof mats are foolproof? (They may be but you’re not. I’m guilty of skipping using the mat because they’re an extra two steps away.)

I used to admire those parents who remain unfazed by this messiness. Not just unfazed, they see the positive side to this messiness.

But listen, it takes time to build capacity.

As your toddler grows, they get more mobile. They have more toys. There is more mess around the house.

It takes time for your toddler to learn to play within the mat. To clean up after themselves.

It takes repetition. That’s why reframes are such lifesavers and so is cultivating a growth mindset as parents.

So, cut yourself some slack, it takes time to build the capacity for messiness, both internally and externally.