Parenting recommendations from Marissa Anastasi: Don’t force baby into a routine society says you have to have. Find what works best for you and bubs. Even when everything is getting too hard and overwhelming, even when the toddler is struggling with emotions and the baby needs you at the same time, just remember to be loving and mindful. Live in the moment, and don’t worry about the future too much!

Don’t Try to Be the Perfect Mother. “There is no such thing [as being the perfect mother],” Auerbach says. “Being a mom is one of the hardest titles to hold but one of the most rewarding. Trust your instincts and don’t judge yourself through social media. Do not be hard on yourself or get discouraged if you fail. If you fall down, get back up, and try something else,” she adds. Know That It’s Okay to Do Things Differently. “Breastfeeding may not happen for you, [whether it’s] hard to latch, a medical condition, or it just might not be what you want to do,” Auerbach explains. “This is extremely common; do not think you are a failure,” she continues. Know You’re Doing Amazing. “No matter what’s going on—even through the tough days and the sleepless nights—just know that you are the best mama in the world to your baby. When things get tough, you’ll know what to do. You were made for this and you are doing incredible,” Scott says.

Get to know their friends. This does not mean scrutinize your child’s friends because they have a Mohawk in liberty spikes. It means get to know the kid with the Mohawk in liberty spikes. Share information about yourself and ask them information. Act as if you are talking to an adult, not a kid you are “looking over.” Ask them about their favorite subject (it may be the same as yours when you were in school and that would be a great conversation opener.). Instead of asking the kid WHY he has his hair in liberty spikes (or the Mohawk for that matter) ask him HOW he got them that way. Stay neutral and don’t put them on the defensive. Read a few more info at Motherhood advices.

Sometimes when I got so overwhelmed and I wanted to cry, I would pick up my crying baby, sit down and tell myself this moment won’t last forever. Tomorrow my child will be bigger and different, enjoy this moment. I would just stroke my baby and gaze into their eyes and I would instantly feel so much love. It got me through so many bad moments. The washing, dishes or school drop-offs for other kids would just have to wait. Ten minutes late, or a morning off school sometimes isn’t a crime if it makes your life easier and children happier.

My blog is really about my passions in life and my struggles and it’s probably the same for many people. I feel like I could share a lot of experiences, good and bad and blogging also gives me a platform to share moments in our ever-changing life from babies, young kids to teenagers. There’s a mixture of topics, not just motherhood but lifestyle, house design, fashion, travel. I’m passionate about supporting small businesses, especially local ones and those that are run by mums like myself, as I know first-hand how difficult this is and how much the small shops need local support to survive. If YOU have a small business and would like to collaborate, please contact me…. ALL FOR SMALL!! Find more info on www.marissaanastasi.com.