Parenting – As my daughter turns six…

As my daughter turns six, I realise just how much she has taught me.

Don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a gushy, highly emotional blog all about how wonderful my little girl is.  It is purely a moment taken to reflect on my life and what a certain little six-year-old has taught me- the good, the bad, the funny and the not so funny.

A time to reflect

I had always wanted to be a mum and so it felt right when rather unexpectedly I found myself pregnant with my first daughter. Two and a half years later daughter number two came along. Miss Sienna Rose, who has celebrated her sixth birthday with a brand-new bike and birthday cake for breakfast, has pushed me to the limits of frustration, made me cry through laughing as well as anger, and has offered me some of the best cuddles I think I have ever experienced.

As my daughter turns six…

As I watch her turn and walk off into school with her great big ‘I am Six’ badge on her bright red cardigan and a grin from ear to ear, I wonder how we have got to here. Life is not always easy and for me and my two little people, things haven’t always gone to plan. I have not always dealt with challenges and parenting in the best way and have often questioned my ability as a mum. I also know I share that feeling with a vast majority of parents. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

My children are far more resilient and adaptable than I think I ever gave them credit for. It is only now that I look at what they have achieved, what they continue to achieve and just how much they astound me with their growth and abilities.

I have also learnt that there is power in vulnerability. I always thought it was wrong to cry in front of your child, or to say ‘I just don’t know’. My ridiculously cuddly six year old will often climb onto my lap and snuggle right into me. She is highly intuitive and knows just when that cuddle is needed. I am not saying that I want my daughters to see me upset and vulnerable all the time, what I am saying is that I want them to know that it is ok to feel those things. They do know that, because it is those two little people who have taught me.

I also understand just how important it is to be present and in the moment with them. That when we play, read, chat, cook, watch a movie, go to the park and a whole host of other things, all they want is for me to be with them. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It’s challenging to just ‘be’ and when I manage it, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love.

What have I learnt

What else has Sienna Rose taught me? The list is endless when I think about it because I am learning daily.

I have learnt patience (although I am sure many might question this!)

Laughter- not just laughter, but belly laughing, that laughing you do when tears roll down your cheeks.

I have also learnt that I can’t do it all, that I get it wrong, and actually that’s ok. I am human, I mess up sometimes.

And finally that cuddles are awesome.

I realise I’ve learned a lot as my daughter turns six…