The strange things that make you feel like a 'proper' parent

[The Nappy Lady]

This year we took on an allotment & I have been pondering the strange way it has made me feel like a 'better' or maybe a 'proper' parent.....why? Because I grew up on a smallholding & spent my entire childhood watching & helping (hindering?!) my parents in the garden & with the goats & chickens etc.

Somehow sharing some of my own childhood experiences with my children has had a really profound effect on me, more than I expected. It's been so flipping wonderful to see them plant garlic, shallots & potatoes and then dig up the magical results a few months later.

They don't always stay engaged, & at times have whinged terribly about going up there, but mostly it's been so great (& I did wonder if we were crazy taking it on with a 2 year old).

Anyway, I thought it would be interesting to hear if others have had moments like this, where amongst the day to day madness of parenting you find a simple thing that really made you feel like you were 'there' as a parent?

[Fuschia]

Haircuts and shoes ...

[Sanne Panne]

Hearing my 2-3yo use words from my native language sometimes (instead of English with an accent that I envy but that is sometimes a bit alienating to a non-British mum!).

And explaining her "the logic of the world we live in" during our time together at bedtime.

[sophiechristophy]

Cuddling my daughter when she feels scared or nervous.

[Gubodge]

Patching up scraped knees.

[The Nappy Lady]

Another one; tucking them in & kissing them when they are fast asleep as you go to bed yourself.

[Alec John Moore]

Over the last few (many) months I've been building a den and doing other stuff for the kids in the garden. The other week my 4 year old boy spontaneously said "I really like what you are doing for us in the garden, daddy."

[BellendenBear]

sewing elastic on mittens and name tags in clothes

[karter]

Feeding, bathing and changing baby and watching her big smiles as she recognizes you..

[Sanne Panne]

The Nappy Lady Wrote:

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> Another one; tucking them in & kissing them when

> they are fast asleep as you go to bed yourself.

Yes and moving their stuffed animals off the prime position on the pillow at the same time :)

[ryedalema]

A home cooked meal that's eaten with no arguments/moans

Being sent to the naughty corner myself!

Being offered 'a mummy's drink' by #1 daughter (holding the Smirnoff bottle!) :-$

Two x daughters getting a hairwash without screams of 'it's in my eyes, it's in my eyes!!'

Sewing badges on leotards..

Being so proud I cry (umm almost every day)

Putting away a mountain of washing - and only one pair of tights is mine!

Finishing the weekend exhausted, and covered in fairy dust.

Finishing the weekend with no money in my purse - and pretty sure I've not spent anything on myself!

Knowing the words to Postman Pat (and not the rude version)

Sucky-inny knickers (sorry TMI), but we all wear them - don't we?? :)

xxx

[JessM]

making paydough!

[The Nappy Lady]

LOL, yes and excavating child from under the pile of soft toys....I sometimes wonder if there is a child in the bed at all !!

Sanne Panne Wrote:

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> The Nappy Lady Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > Another one; tucking them in & kissing them

> when

> > they are fast asleep as you go to bed yourself.

>

>

> Yes and moving their stuffed animals off the prime

> position on the pillow at the same time :)