The intention behind this blog series is to shine a light on different family structures, ways in which both mums & dads, single mums, single dads, homosexual couples all connect with their little ones.
It is about how we do so with simplicity, elaborately or maybe how we don’t do it much at all and how we can work on it. I wanted to also shine a light on how we can also do the same with each other as a couple as well as ourselves as individuals.
Episode Seven:
Meet the lovely sun seeking Mama, Nichola. A Registered Nurse and Mama of sweet Isla.
Name and Age– Nichola Hepton 33
Children/Child/Infants Name and Age– Isla 3
Relationship Status- Long-term relationship for the last 15 years
What do you do? Registered Nurse
How has becoming a parent changed you?
It changed me in so many positive ways, it opens your heart up to a whole new level of love and vulnerability. I feel very grounded and content being a parent.
What do you do to connect with your little ones?
Presence in the moment. Granted this isn’t always easy with a toddler and a million things to do, but making space in your day for just simply being, with nothing to do and nowhere to be makes it easier to be there in that moment and not thinking about doing something else or what you need to do next.
How do you create present parenting within your home?
I try to involve Isla in the day to day things that you need to do as a parent like laundry and cooking instead of trying to distract her with something else while I get on with it. It works well for us and I think Isla enjoys the feeling of helping us (but yes it takes heaps longer this way!)
Do you connect with your partner regularly ie. Date night or day? At home or out?
We rarely get a chance to go out for date night these days but that’s ok with us, at this stage in our lives we’re happy just to hang out together after Isla is in bed, maybe watch a movie or just catch up.
Do you connect with yourself regularly ie. Self care rituals?
I go to the most beautiful yoga class one evening a week and it is pure bliss, easily my most favourite self-care ritual. Also time in a floatation tank is incredible, it’s not for everyone but I love the sensory deprivation and you have the best nights sleep after a float.
Any words of wisdom for those that are new to being a parent, ways in which they can connect with their little ones? Ways in which they can find time for themselves and each other?
Surrender to what is, some days will be incredible and others not so much. Do what feels right for your family and trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone else.
