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You are here: Home / Archives for Family / Parenting

Family, Parenting, Pregnancy, Reviews and Features, Video Reviews

Petitebox Gift Box

Last month I posted about the launch of PetiteBox South Africa. PetiteBox is a monthly subscription box aimed at moms – moms-to-be or new moms, and is also perfect as a gift for friends and family. This month I am reviewing one of their gift boxes, the Hospital Gift Box. A wonderful change from the although beautiful, not so useful flower arrangements you receive in hospital after the birth!

The gift box contains a wonderful array of goodies perfect for a mom’s hospital stay after the birth, which includes products such as a dry shampoo, Bennetts Nipple Cream and a wonderfully fragrant shower gel from Molton Brown {one of my favourites}, to name but a few. To find out more detail about what is in the Hospital Gift Box you can watch my video review below:

 

[youtube]http://youtu.be/O6FX4lJ9PoU[/youtube]

 

You can order the Baby Shower, Hospital or Pregnancy Gift Boxes online at a cost R345 each.To order you PetiteBox Gift Box or  find out more about PetiteBox ,click over to their website here.

 

*Disclaimer: The Hospital Gift Box was provided to Super Mom Blog for review purposes.

 

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Children, Family, Fathers, Mothers, Parenting, Parenting Advice

Guilt Free Parenting

 

Much to my surprise the word “guilt” seems to be largely associated with the act of parenting; I have come across a few articles recently about this very association. Strangely enough they actually should have nothing in common but still we keep hearing about how guilty parents feel about : “ not spending enough quality time with their children”, “not participating in school events or functions”, “not giving equal attention to each child”… and so the list goes on.

Firstly let us look at the dictionary definition of the word “guilt” – “an awareness of having done wrong or committed a crime, accompanied by feelings of shame and regret”.  “OMW” 🙁 this does not sound like a healthy mind-set for someone trying to parent children.

The big question is, why are we feeling so much guilt and are we passing the “Guilt Gene” onto our children? I sincerely hope not because the last thing I want is my children growing up, with such a negative outlook.

If I think back to my early days of motherhood, I can remember feeling completely overwhelmed by the responsibility I had for this young life – if you let it, this can turn into feelings of guilt, inadequacy and even depression. We might not realise it but we may harbour feelings of regret or guilt from our own childhood and this can often manifest, in a damaging way in our own parenting.

Just the other day my 8-year-old was questioning why I had not completed filling in her baby journal and yes this is true (*Blush*) but I decided that instead of feeling guilty about it I would suggest that we complete it together! The result – making the experience a positive and bonding one, instead of me feeling wracked with guilt and explaining that I am not perfect . {And honestly have just not had the time.}

So what can we do to stop this pattern from occurring in our lives? I think, essentially we need to say NO to guilt! This brings me back to an article I read many years ago. I cannot tell you who wrote it but the essence is: you need to practice “good enough parenting”. This sounds like such an easy concept but think about it – you actually need to learn how to say “no”. That means not over committing yourself – which can be hard for many of us to do, especially moms. Stop being a people pleaser – ask me, I know I am one; stop trying to be everything to everybody! This includes your children. I need to remind myself, that I do not always have to give in to everything they want and I need to say no sometimes and yes – not feel guilty about it.

Another very important part of not allowing guilt to rule your life is not being afraid to fail because if we let our fear of not being a good parent or making mistakes take over, we can never be who we were truly intended to be as people or parents! So it really comes down to “the good, the bad and the ugly” no holds barred Guilt Free Parenting.

This clearly is something I know I need to work on – so let’s say it together “I will banish the guilt!” Stop trying so hard and being so hard on yourself -stop the blame game – let it go and just be free from it!

A few books on the topic which could be helpful to read:
  • “Guilt-Free Motherhood: Parenting with Godly Wisdom”- by Julianna Slattery
  • “Mommy Guilt: Learn to Worry Less, Focus on What Matters Most, & Raise Happier Kids”- by Julie Bort, Aviva Pflock and Devra Renner MSW
  • “The Balanced Mom: Raising Your Kids Without Losing Yourself”- by Bria Simpson
  • “Motherhood Without Guilt: Being The Best Mother You Can Be and Feeling Great About It”-by Debra Rosenberg

*Please note: This is an update of a previous post.*

 

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Book Reviews, Books, Children, Family, Parenting, Reviews and Features

Reflections in Motion

We all understand the importance of treasured memories, especially those of us who have lost loved ones. Photography has always been my way of preserving precious memories and I love looking back at my photos to see how my girls have grown. Another way to preserve these memories is through journaling, something I wish my mom had done for me.

I thought I would share these wonderful journals with you, brought to South African by Martine Donachie, the founder of Reflections in Motion.

Having lost her father  to  Chronic  Kidney  Disease in 2009, Martine was inspired to change her life, find a way to add more meaning to it and somehow, honour the memory of her late father. After achieving a Certificate in Coaching Practice, Martine founded her own coaching business, Reflections in Motion, which focused on life and business coaching, making use of journaling to reflect on one’s life journey.

In 2011, Martine was  introduced  to the “From You to Me” concept. Having a clear understanding of  journaling and experiencing the loss of a parent, Martine immediately recognised the synergies between these two concepts… and the rest is history.

From  You  to Me was founded in the UK by Neil Coxon, and is now brought to South Africa by Reflections in Motion.

Bump to Birthday is a pregnancy and first year journal, allowing you to record your pregnancy, birth and “firsts” in great detail, in a gorgeous hard cover journal. There are lovely framed areas to put your ultrasound pics or photographs of yourself, as your “bump” grows. What a wonderful way to record this amazing time in your life and then show your child once they are old enough to understand!

Our Story – For My Daughter is a wonderful way for you as a mom or dad to record all the amazing things that happen in your precious daughters life. From her first year, you can record all life’s little adventures, where she went to school, what her favourite food was, things that you may not remember when she is older. You also have place to stick photos and make notes about her likes and dislikes. Oh and not to forget the pretty pink and red illustrations!

Our Story – For My Son is identical to the journal for my daughter but you guessed it – it’s blue!

With these journals there is no excuse for not remembering all the important milestones in your child life: when they took their first step, when they said their first word or for that matter what it was. It is something wonderful that you can do for your son or daughter and then present it to them when they are all grown-up!

Reflections in Motion hard cover journals are perfect to give as gifts; they are so pretty, beautifully illustrated and anyone would be delighted to receive one! If you would like to find out more about these and the other journals that Reflections in Motion sell, click over to their website here.

Disclaimer: These journals were provided to Super Mom Blog by Reflections in Motion for review purposes.
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Be Inspired, Children, Family, Parenting, Pregnancy, Reviews and Features, Video Reviews

PetiteBox

Last week I went to the launch of PetiteBox South Africa. PetiteBox is along the same lines as Glossybox (a subscription based beauty box) and has actually been launched by the same ladies who started Glossybox SA. The fundamental difference is that PetiteBox is aimed at moms – moms-to-be or new moms, and is also perfect as a gift for friends and family.

We created PetiteBox to offer a service that supports new parents as well as their babies. We provide you with only the best mom and baby products and latest advice throughout pregnancy and new motherhood. ~ PetiteBox

[youtube]http://youtu.be/VsgUc7QvLV0[/youtube]

Watch my  Youtube video review to find out more detail about what is in the PetiteBox.

The world of pregnancy and being a new mom can be somewhat daunting, merely because it is something unknown, never mind knowing what vitamins to take or what products will suit you or your baby. There is just so much to take in and so many decisions to make, as well as so many well-meaning people dishing out unsolicited advice! It can all be overwhelming. This is where PetiteBox comes in, to take the stress and pain out of the decision-making! They provide you with all the goodies you may need at whatever stage you are of your pregnancy or they can tailor your PetiteBox according to your baby’s age, if you are already a mom. It could not be more perfect and it simply takes the hassle out of deciding what products are right for you, as you can try out the samples and test the products in your box and then make informed decisions before you buy them yourself.

A Monthly Subscription PetiteBox

A Monthly Subscription PetiteBox

So how can you order your PetiteBox? Easy, simply register to receive a beautiful monthly box with 3-5 premium mom and baby products. The other option if you are looking for a gift for a friend or family member is to send them one of the gift boxes PetiteBox offer. They also offer a free courier delivery service to your home or office. The subscription box can be bought on a monthly, 3-month or 6-month basis, as well as the various once-off gift options, such as a Baby Shower, Hospital or Pregnancy Gift Box. A monthly subscription will cost you R130.00 per month and a gift box costs R345.00 once off.

A PetiteBox Gift Box

To find out more about PetiteBox and register for your monthly box, or to find out more about the gift boxes, click over to their website here.

Thank you to the ladies from PetiteBox for giving me the opportunity of reviewing these boxes and sharing them with you.

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Children, Competitions, Family, Parenting

Majors for Minors CD Competition

*ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED*

At Majors for Minors we have invested in extensive research in order to understand how certain types of classical music stimulates brain development. This research allowed us to develop our own unique formula consisting of a number of KEY ELEMENTS that, when effectively combined, create our special series of classical music.

The Majors for Minors CD’s use ONE UNIQUE KEY throughout their music, which has a calming effect on the developing brain, similar to that of “PINK NOISE” or “OCEAN SOUNDS”. Some of the flute instrument FREQUENCIES are almost Identical to the frequency of a whale call – known to calm and stimulate the developing brain.

Other special elements have been incorporated throughout the music to develop, strengthen and stimulate the growing brain. Well documented research has demonstrated the positive effect of music on the development and strengthening of patterns in the cortex in the brains of infants and young children. These pathways are also responsible for certain cognitive functions and higher learning (maths and science).


What are the benefits from using Majors for Minors?

  • Strengthens and develops your child’s brain, and helps her develop key skills such as reasoning and thinking, as well as areas of higher learning such as maths and science.
  • Enhances auditory development, i.e. her ability to listen, to learn through sound, to identify sounds and sequences of sounds, to store, process and remember what she hears, to distinguish volume and pitch and to develop rhythm.
  • Reduces hyperactivity and sleep disorders in babies and children. Also improves attention, concentration and handwriting in young children.

Today we are giving three readers the opportunity of each winning a Majors for Minors CD. Each winner will receive 1 CD of their choice to download. You can listen to Sample tracks from each of the CD’s by visiting their website.

All you have to do is answer one simple question:

  • How many CD’s are in the Majors for Minors CD Collection? Please also include your choice of CD to download in your answer, should you be one of the winners.

Please leave a comment on this blog, below the post, with your answer and choice of CD. Do not forget to also leave your details in the comment section (please include your email address). If you do not complete this step your entry will not be valid. Please tweet the competition to friends and family – win a CD with @supermomsablog and @majorsforminors 

Competition Details:

  • The Majors for Minors CD Competition will run from Monday the 13th August 2012, until midnight on the 20th August 2012. The winner/s will then be randomly selected and announced on my blog. The winner/s will also be notified by email that they have won.
  • Conditions of entry: Anyone may enter this giveaway. Majors for Minors is a South African based company therefore entrants/winners must be based in South Africa. The prize may not be exchanged for cash. Any person/s who have won a competition on Super Mom Blog in the last 3 months are not eligible for entry.
  • Winners will be sent a download URL for their choice of CD to download directly.

 

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Meet Fiona Rossiter

Hi, I am Fiona Rossiter, from Cape Town, the writer and photographer behind Inspired Living SA Blog. If you love good Food and Wine, reading amazing Travel Adventures, keeping Fit and Healthy, as well following Decor Trends – then Inspired Living SA is just the place for you! Read More…

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