Parenting guides from Marissa Anastasi

Parenting tricks by Marissa Anastasi: You can do the same thing as before you had kids, you just have to do the same things differently. What is your secret super power as a Mother? Aside from breastfeeding (which I think is definitely a super power), just being ME seems to be all my kids need/want and it makes me feel like a superhero. Honest communication. I tell my sons when I’ve made a mistake or “bad choice” e.g. when I get cross. I also tell them when I’m proud of something they have done. Plus, I communicate with my husband on how things are going, and when I’m struggling.

Remember That Nothing Goes as Planned. “This is basically just a good lesson for life, period. But the birth, labor, and delivery rarely go exactly how you envision or plan for it to unfold. So the best advice we ever received is to remember that whatever is going to happen, is going to happen,” Kelly and Perren say. “There is no amount of planning, wishing, or hoping that will change it. So try your best to relax and be accepting of this. It will make a huge difference in how you experience this life-changing moment.” Stay Nourished. “Now isn’t the time to cut calories or go on a restrictive eating plan,” Scott says. “This is so important for a healthy mama and baby. Make sure you’re nourishing your body so you can be fueled to care for your little one. Concentrate on nutrient-packed foods that are rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6, and folate,” she advises.

Spend time with them – on their terms. Spend time with your child, but not on your terms, on theirs. If they like concerts, go with them. Have a family movie night and let your children choose the movies that you watch. You can have one night where a child chooses the movie and another night where an adult chooses the movie. Or, each family can take a turn to choose. The important thing is to meet them on their level, on their terms. This will show that you are taking an interest in them, their lives and their world. And that will mean the world to them. Read a few more details at Parenting blog.

It’s all the things I didn’t expect like the joy of seeing my babies learn new skills or the way I now want to be the best version of myself so I’m a great example for them. And also the incredible friendships with other Mothers that I wouldn’t otherwise have. My children look up to me as their safety net, admire me and learn from me. They rely on me and I’m so lucky that whenever they are sad, they look to me for comfort and I am happy they look to me with excitement. That’s special, and it’s so beautiful that these little human beings need us. Nothing else can compare.

Since Kenny was born, I had been a stay at home mummy until Isabella was 4 which is when I started teaching younger kids. I done that for 2 years but after my 3rd pregnancy, I never went back and decided to become a stay at home mummy once again. Now my youngest is 5 and 6, I decided I could maybe begin something new again. And so, in Late November 2018, I opened the doors to a kid’s concept store in Larnaca town centre. It’s difficult combining family and work, and sometimes the guilt is immense, but I have a lot of support from my husband when it comes to the children. See additional details on marissaanastasi.com.