Cuddle blog questions
parenting
positive parenting
When you are a new mum in the phase with your new baby you think this is just the hardest phase because you are sleep deprived with a demanding baby then BAM!!! Toddlerhood! Terrific 2s and 3s and then you will take your words back and hoped that you enjoyed their babyhood some more.
Toddlers are a HANDFULL, they are sweet, cuddly, affectionate but boy!! they also come with their issues, mostly expected behaviour but that doesn't make all of it acceptable. We as positive parents have to now find a way to balance dealing with them as developing children and managing our expectations.
Some of the issues you might deal with your child in the toddler phase are;
How do I get my child to do what I want them to do? || Get your child to do anything with these tricks! It works all the time!
When you are a new mum in the phase with your new baby you think this is just the hardest phase because you are sleep deprived with a demanding baby then BAM!!! Toddlerhood! Terrific 2s and 3s and then you will take your words back and hoped that you enjoyed their babyhood some more.
Toddlers are a HANDFULL, they are sweet, cuddly, affectionate but boy!! they also come with their issues, mostly expected behaviour but that doesn't make all of it acceptable. We as positive parents have to now find a way to balance dealing with them as developing children and managing our expectations.
Some of the issues you might deal with your child in the toddler phase are;
- Not doing what you want them to do
- Throwing things
- Tantrums for no reason (but there's usually a reason if you dig deep)
- Hitting
- Being defiant
At this stage, these are expected behaviours but the big question is "How do I get my child to do what I want?"
- Find out what they love and use that to your advantage: By now, you already know what your child is interested in e.g dolls, wheels, cars, stuffed animals now use that thing they love to get them to do what you want without being too serious. An example is this, your child doesn't want to go take a bath, you know they are interested in dolls, you tell them "Hey baby, can we go take a bath for *insert dolls name here*?" more than half the time I tried this with my toddler and it works 90% of the time. You can get creative with the alternative to connected to what you want them to do. This trick is not to threaten to take away privileges, it is just to get them interested in what you want them to do.
- Use it as a teachable moment: If they are running and you want them to walk, instead of shouting "Don't run" how about teaching what you want them to do? "Can you please walk?", "Can you use your inner voice" "Put the toy down gently" "Use your gentle hands" "Hands are not for hitting" "You can stump your feet when you are upset or fold your arms" This way they learn the appropriate behaviour instead of just telling them what NOT to do. Teach them exactly what they should do.
- Model the behaviour you want to see: You are the model they see if you throw a tantrum when you are upset (Shout, hit) don't expect them to do otherwise. I have become a person that says "I am so upset right now, give me some time" or I fold my hands and pout and say "Mummy is sad" to communicate when I am not happy about something. I am also learning not to react and also explain. If you want your child to be empathetic, show empathy. What they see makes more impression than what they hear.
- Make it fun: Children just want to play, you'd notice how they make everything into a game, you can also do that to make it a fun way for them to listen to you, the challenge is that we are not very patient but if we do take our impatience out of the way, it can actually be a fun experience.
- Give exact positive praise for the behaviour exhibited: Praise the behaviour you see, "You didn't throw something when you were upset, great job" "I am so proud of you for telling mummy your feelings instead of throwing a tantrum" instead of the general "Good job" "High five" mention the exact thing you are praising them for.
I hope these tips help you on your journey with your toddler. Listen to more behaviour management (click link) here tips by @Weandthechildren
What behaviour will you like to see less of in your child?
parenting
SAHM
stay at home mum
As a sahm before you start a business here are some of the things to consider;
1. Examine your why: I know there are different categories of sahms - The ones who have
no choice because it’s a cheaper option for their family, the ones who their husbands
pay them for it, the ones who are unappreciated by their spouses, the ones who can’t
get a job - and because they want to just ‘make money’ they start a business. I want to
let you know that you are not obligated to start a business because you are a sahm but
IF you feel that you want to do it, you need to examine your why, to make it a worthwhile
venture. Business is not beans and it requires serious commitment and consistency. So,
examine why you want to start if it is “just to make money” I will tell you for free right
now, It is not enough.
2. Business can make you lose focus on why you became a sahm - don’t let it: This is if
your reason are your kids. Business is a growing baby and requires so much attention
and if you are not careful it can take your focus away from your kids. Don’t be under
ANY pressure to do your business like the instagram coaches advice (keep it in your left
pocket because someday it will be useful) because your realities are not the same, the
choices you made are not the same, so focus on your own focus.
3. Go all out but take it slow: Look at business as a marathon and not a sprint. Go all out in
the sense that when you are planning for your business, look at it like it will be a
global brand someday (if that’s what you want) but take it slow in the sense that you are
not rushing when your kids are still in their early years to be in all the stores nationwide
(you get?) know your season and be willing to cut back on the “success” without feeling
any remorse.
4. Know that starting a business is not the only way to find fulfilment in this life: As a sahm
we are always told to “go and make money” and whatever you do might eventually make
money or become a business but you will already be fulfilled doing what you love doing.
If you have some savings, you can explore investment opportunities, you can start a blog
talking about what you love love love, you can volunteer for a cause you are passionate
about, you can start a podcast, read books, have a bookclub etc.
Check out 6 truths no one tells you about starting a business as a SAHM
I hope that these tips will help you as you go along on your journey!
Things to consider before starting a business as a SAHM! || Stay at home mums in Nigeria
As a sahm before you start a business here are some of the things to consider;
1. Examine your why: I know there are different categories of sahms - The ones who have
no choice because it’s a cheaper option for their family, the ones who their husbands
pay them for it, the ones who are unappreciated by their spouses, the ones who can’t
get a job - and because they want to just ‘make money’ they start a business. I want to
let you know that you are not obligated to start a business because you are a sahm but
IF you feel that you want to do it, you need to examine your why, to make it a worthwhile
venture. Business is not beans and it requires serious commitment and consistency. So,
examine why you want to start if it is “just to make money” I will tell you for free right
now, It is not enough.
2. Business can make you lose focus on why you became a sahm - don’t let it: This is if
your reason are your kids. Business is a growing baby and requires so much attention
and if you are not careful it can take your focus away from your kids. Don’t be under
ANY pressure to do your business like the instagram coaches advice (keep it in your left
pocket because someday it will be useful) because your realities are not the same, the
choices you made are not the same, so focus on your own focus.
3. Go all out but take it slow: Look at business as a marathon and not a sprint. Go all out in
the sense that when you are planning for your business, look at it like it will be a
global brand someday (if that’s what you want) but take it slow in the sense that you are
not rushing when your kids are still in their early years to be in all the stores nationwide
(you get?) know your season and be willing to cut back on the “success” without feeling
any remorse.
4. Know that starting a business is not the only way to find fulfilment in this life: As a sahm
we are always told to “go and make money” and whatever you do might eventually make
money or become a business but you will already be fulfilled doing what you love doing.
If you have some savings, you can explore investment opportunities, you can start a blog
talking about what you love love love, you can volunteer for a cause you are passionate
about, you can start a podcast, read books, have a bookclub etc.
Check out 6 truths no one tells you about starting a business as a SAHM
I hope that these tips will help you as you go along on your journey!
christian parenting
Mummy tips
parenting
One of the important aspects of raising godly children is prayer.
Most of our children cannot go past "Thank God for Mummy & Daddy" in prayer and while it is a good start we have to continue to teach them HOW to pray.
Here's a simple way to do that;
Teaching your children to pray || How to teach your children to pray
One of the important aspects of raising godly children is prayer.
Most of our children cannot go past "Thank God for Mummy & Daddy" in prayer and while it is a good start we have to continue to teach them HOW to pray.
Here's a simple way to do that;
- Model prayer to them: Don't do a child's version prayer when you are praying for them during bedtime because you want it to be simple and I am not saying be speaking in tongues but model conversations with God, talking to God and not just "Thank you for Daddy and Mummy" they will do as they see.
- Teach the Lord's prayer: When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, the Lords prayer was his response. Your 2 year old can repeat after you as long as they can tell you to "leave me alone" they can say God's word or say a prayer. This is the model of prayer and we have to let them know.
- Let them pray: Let it be part of their morning and evening routine to pray, give them the room to pray and don't always say the prayer for them, let them learn and refuse the urge to 'correct' anything, as you continue to model how to pray they will continue to learn.
- Give room to listen to God: This wasn't part of my list but the holy spirit dropped this in my spirit right now and I have to start doing this. One of my own major problems is actually settling down to listen to God's heart, how about if I start incorporating it for my child to let him understand that prayer is a 2 way communication. Of course for younger children you can't expect much but just model it and watch how they understand the concept as they grow older. Have some silence after talking to God to listen to what he has to say, older kids can write down what they hear from God too.
- Be consistent and let God lead you: Consistency is key, you cannot pray today and not pray tomorrow, habits are formed by consistency, remember we are laying the foundation for the future of our children. Let God lead in every thing.
I hope these tips will help you teach your children to pray!
Here's to raising godly children because that is what God wants. Malachi 2:15
Bible verses for kids
blog resources
christian parenting
As a Christian family, one of your values will be to transfer the knowledge of Jesus to your children. They need to know God's word to be able to achieve that and I say that any child that can tell me "leave me alone" can recite the Bible.
I started teaching simple Bible verses to my son at bedtime, one every 2 weeks or 3 (no pressure) the goal is not for them to just know how to recite but it's for them to have the word hid in their hearts and as they grow older and curiosity spikes we can then educate them about God, his word, his son and everything inbetween.
I have carefully selected 30 simple Bible verses that you can recite with your children, at bedtime, in the car, on the road, in the shower, while taking a work, literally anytime! So simple that my almost 3 years old now knows some bible verses and can complete them when we start reciting.
Remember, the goal is not to do quiz for them to see if they 'get' it. The goal is to keep putting the word before them and KNOW that as they grow older they have God's word hid in their hearts. Some days they would be interested and other days they won't, don't sweat it! Being *Insert your childs age* is fine!
Fill the form below to get all 30 Bible verses!
I hope you find this useful, let me know what you think.
Thank you!
30 Simple Bible Verses For Your Toddler and Preschooler || Help your child know the Bible early
As a Christian family, one of your values will be to transfer the knowledge of Jesus to your children. They need to know God's word to be able to achieve that and I say that any child that can tell me "leave me alone" can recite the Bible.
I started teaching simple Bible verses to my son at bedtime, one every 2 weeks or 3 (no pressure) the goal is not for them to just know how to recite but it's for them to have the word hid in their hearts and as they grow older and curiosity spikes we can then educate them about God, his word, his son and everything inbetween.
I have carefully selected 30 simple Bible verses that you can recite with your children, at bedtime, in the car, on the road, in the shower, while taking a work, literally anytime! So simple that my almost 3 years old now knows some bible verses and can complete them when we start reciting.
Remember, the goal is not to do quiz for them to see if they 'get' it. The goal is to keep putting the word before them and KNOW that as they grow older they have God's word hid in their hearts. Some days they would be interested and other days they won't, don't sweat it! Being *Insert your childs age* is fine!
Fill the form below to get all 30 Bible verses!
I hope you find this useful, let me know what you think.
Thank you!
blog resources
motherhood tips
Mummy tips
Ultimate Nigerian Mum's Organization System || Stay organized as a Nigerian Mum
Hello Mamas,
How is 2020 treating you?
Over here, we have settled into the first week of homeschooling and as I was waiting for my housekeeper and preparing for her return, I decided to put together in a PDF how I stay organised as a Nigerian mum and what helps my home run smoothly.
In this pdf you'd find sample grocery list, cleaning schedule for your home, sample market list, sample food time table for your toddler and other home resources and a bonus of places to visit in Lagos and Abuja
I really wanted to make the process simple, so if you want it you can just download it via this link here. It is N1,999
Kindly let me know what other resources you think I can develop for you.
Thank you and I really hope that this resource helps you stay organised!
How is 2020 treating you?
Over here, we have settled into the first week of homeschooling and as I was waiting for my housekeeper and preparing for her return, I decided to put together in a PDF how I stay organised as a Nigerian mum and what helps my home run smoothly.
In this pdf you'd find sample grocery list, cleaning schedule for your home, sample market list, sample food time table for your toddler and other home resources and a bonus of places to visit in Lagos and Abuja
I really wanted to make the process simple, so if you want it you can just download it via this link here. It is N1,999
Kindly let me know what other resources you think I can develop for you.
Thank you and I really hope that this resource helps you stay organised!
home schooling
We officially started homeschooling last year March, and I must say it has been one journey! In this article I would share with you why I chose the approach I did, how we did and what we will be doing this year.
How was your homeschool year 2019? What will you be doing this year?
Homeschooling Review and 2020 Homeschool Plan || Homeschooling In Nigeria
We officially started homeschooling last year March, and I must say it has been one journey! In this article I would share with you why I chose the approach I did, how we did and what we will be doing this year.
What did we do?
The year started with us enrolling In a mummy &me playgroup once a week and I absolutely loved what I learnt there. Before then I was scouting the internet on what curriculum to use for my 2 years old and how I was going to teach him colours, numbers and alphabets but in the course of my research I found a better way.
For the early years, I found this very practical and less burdensome on the child because they get to learn diverse things under a themed umbrella, which broadens the scope of the theme and incorporates real life into our everyday experience.
How did I get it?
I went on the internet to check for themes, checked through and picked some that applied to us and what we had available. Came up with the list in this post. We started and documented the process, via pictures, articles & videos. What I also did was for each week based on his developmental milestone I created activities around those themes.
What worked?
The theme approach as a whole worked very well for us and I think I will be doing the same thing this year again, we had different categories of our focus based on his development and what I felt was important for him to explore at any given time.
We also enjoyed out field trips and outings as we went to quite a number of places this year and learnt a lot from the trips.
The pace and schedule I created for us also worked and it wasn’t too cumbersome and was flexible enough for us when we didn’t feel like doing anything. We only had structured activities 3 times a week and free play & TV for the rest of the week.
I started doing a review & assessment of my child weekly and I didn’t quite keep up but I observed him a lot more to notice his patterns and what he was interested in so I could continue to leverage that in his education and I must say that it’s been helpful and I will be putting to use things I learnt this year about him and doing more assessments.
What didn’t work.
The year-long themes; Initially I thought we would work every week and do activities but I just quickly realised how much break is needed for mama. We took like 3 breaks this year which made it effectively about 30+weeks of theme based activities and I am planning accordingly now.
Staying at home: homeschooling doesn’t mean it happens at home and honestly I think my son is already too familiar with home, so he would request for TV and run around during circle time and sometimes even not wanting to do anything and I know if we went somewhere else he most likely won’t do that. It was frustrating sha. I am working on doing up a room for the duration of our homeschool.
I didn’t do my best; I had a burn out, so I slacked a lot. I don’t beat myself up over it but I did make up for it with all the outings we went for in December. One thing I am sure of I gave him a great experience in 2019 and I am willing to go all out this year.
What I am doing this year?
I have prepared for this year and I will walk you through everything I did in my instalive session that will hold 13th of January on my instagram account. Do follow me @thecuddleblog to learn more about it on there.
How was your homeschool year 2019? What will you be doing this year?
blog goals
home schooling
mum blogger
2019 Blog Review And 2020 Blog Goals
Hello Beautiful People!!!
Happy New Year!!!!!
How are you guys doing? At the beginning of last year, I wrote my blog goals in order to be accountable to you all and I am here to do a review of those goals and see how we did.
Last year on the blog our all time visits came to 50,000+ views and our 5 most visited blog posts were;
As the blog continues to grow, I am just so excited at the amount of amazing women I have met in the course of the year! Just because of this blog, I don't take it for granted in anyway.
Here were my goals and how we did in 2019;
Happy New Year!!!!!
How are you guys doing? At the beginning of last year, I wrote my blog goals in order to be accountable to you all and I am here to do a review of those goals and see how we did.
Last year on the blog our all time visits came to 50,000+ views and our 5 most visited blog posts were;
- Homeschooling Feelings Theme
- Homeschooling Independence Theme
- Why I decided to Homeschool
- Why we should take our children's privacy seriously
- How to feel zero shame as a stay at home mum
As the blog continues to grow, I am just so excited at the amount of amazing women I have met in the course of the year! Just because of this blog, I don't take it for granted in anyway.
Here were my goals and how we did in 2019;
Goals for 2019
- Write 1 – 2 posts per month - We wrote about 40 articles this year in total which is absolutely amazing!
- Collaborate with brands - We have not really achieved this, but I know there will be more possibilities this 2020
- Release one more physical product - This was achieved! Whooot! Even more amazing we did 2!!!! We registered The Cuddle Play house as a business also this year and we are super excited to kick off operations in 2020!
- One digital product - Still working on this, the time isn't right yet.
- Start a mum (support) club - We started this late in the year and we are accepting new members in January, if you are a stay at home mum and you'd like to join, let me know.
- Host an event for the hangout - Even better we did a homeschooling conversations!
- Have guest posts from other mums - We did this!
- Share YouTube videos once a month - We flopped! Lol
- Stay at home mum content
- Homeschooling resources and my journey
- Parenting a toddler
- Raising godly kids
Our Goal for 2020;
- Write more blog posts - 4 Posts a Month
- Collaborate with brands
- Do reviews of products and places
- Organize our 2nd edition of homeschooling conversations
- Do outings for our Homeschooling support group
- Grow and do offline events for our stay at home mums support group
- Create resources for homeschooling and sahm mums
Our focus stays the same as we would include;
- Product reviews
Looking back has a way to help you keep what is in focus in focus and not beat yourself up over unachieved goals. I would say we didn't bad for ourselves this year and I am really grateful for everyone that read this blog and shared, please leave comments next year. Lol.
I pray that God willing we all have a great and fulfilling 2020! God bless you loads!
Your favourite mum blogger
Tomilola
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