Adapt and Thrive

14/11/2023

Don't get discouraged. One step at a time. Keep going.💚

11/10/2023

Curious? If you are interested in contributing to this research, and want more details on how this could benefit you, Send me a message!

12/12/2022

< Parental Meltdowns >

The Trick to parenting past the ‘not-so-pretty’ moments we all experience – is stopping the Shame-game – growth rarely happens in this headspace – as your inner critic is unleashed!


Instead, we can choose to see this moment as an opportunity for self-awareness and self-compassion – this is the headspace that enables us to step out of reactive mode, reflect on, and take note of how we might do things differently next time, and most of all – model how we do apologies in our homes – acknowledge your behaviour, and enable 'repair' your relationship with those on the receiving end (more on this next time) 💜

When we understand the nature of the stress response, we can demystify parent meltdowns... The emotional stakes in parenting are so high & the sleep deprivation and chronic exhaustion so deep. When the red zone takes over, it's a signal for awareness and self-compassion. And hopefully taking small steps to slow down & flexibly adjust expectations for the whole family.

09/12/2022

< Scaffolding Behaviour >

- Do you struggle to understand your reactions at times?

- Do you know why you ‘flip your lid’ (emotionally wise) with some of your kid’s behaviours?

- Does your self-talk get savage with you, when you ‘lose it’ back at your kids (cue internal guilt and frustration)?

- Why do some of your kid’s emotions hit your TRIGGER point more than others??

The answers to these MASSIVE parenting questions have been front and centre for me this week!

School may be out for my two - But this week saw me heading ‘back to the books’ - this time into the emotion-coaching world of Tuning in to Kids! To find how we can integrate ‘emotionally intelligent parenting’ into real life with all its craziness!

My key takeaways were for us as parents, to TUNE-IN to ourselves! – understanding how we can catch ourselves emotionally-speaking, take a PAUSE in order to coach ourselves through our default reactions, and intentionally choose a different response!

If we want to get control over what happens in our Homes, its starts with getting control over our Heads!

It requires some digging under the surface - particularly in reflecting on our “not-so-pretty” parenting moments! Finding the origin of these (childhood/ default) responses, and then learning the power of choice that is held in a PAUSE moment - this is the game-changing moment!

There is so much to be shared in this space – so I will dig into this topic over the coming weeks - giving you some ideas and tips on how to do the inner (emotional) work, so you can in-turn, support your little ones to be able to navigate their own emotions – no matter their age!
Life will never cease to teach us new things! And parenthood seems to come with the steepest of learning curves!

PS - If you want to get ahead of the reactive game, and get yourself some individualised guidance on how to harness calm fast – let’s talk! DM Jenni today.

03/12/2022

Where did that time go?!!
Here I sit, questioning - How is it that I suddenly have a 7 & a 9-year-old!? How is it that my baby has finished year 2!
When my two kiddos were preschoolers - it used to drive me crazy when ‘older and wiser’ Mummas would tell me to:

“soak up every minute” & “this time won’t last forever” & “don’t wish away the early years!”
I admit! I didn’t appreciate their advice! here I was in the middle of that all-encompassing season of my life, where my sense of Self / Identity was lost in the mix of nappies/ feeding/ and the constant echo of “Mummy!”
In those moments I was so eager for them to get to the next ‘age and stage’ – where they were less needy, more independent, and better yet - in school!! –

Yet today as I look at these photos, I'm experiencing a plethora of mixed feelings – most of which are polar opposites! Joy vs. sadness, gratitude & contentment vs. loss & regret at not living in the moment enough –

The concept of “the longest and the shortest time” is so fitting as I look back on the last 9 years!

In my experience, early motherhood has truly been the most challenging, stretching, growing, and fulfilling season of my life! Drop a 💜 in the comments if this resonates with you!

30/11/2022

> Are you feeling somewhat dissatisfied, unappreciated, and frustrated as a parent?

> Feeling like it’s all give and little take from you nearest and dearest?

> Feeling as if life is happening at you, and not ‘for you’?

> Wanting things to change, but are unsure where to start?

A few weeks back I challenged you to name a WIN for your parenting life - to cast a vision for what you want MORE OF in your parenting space – Stepping you out of Reactive Mode, and back into the driver’s seat!
This step was about getting clear on what you want more of in your relationships with your kiddos– “Starting with the end (goals) in mind”
As a Mother, and CEO of House Operations - You hold the power of change in your hands – your kids follows your lead – (think “monkey see, monkey do”)
Today I challenge you TO BE the reflection of what you want more of
– If you want peace – it may look like turning down the volume and tone of your words to your kids/ partner and being more selective in the battles you take on.
- If you want to feel more appreciated and loved, it may be demonstrating this to others, slowing down, noticing more, giving & receiving affection – you catch my drift – What you notice (in yourself and others), you get more of!
So the ‘Parenting with Intention’ Tip of the week is – to TUNE-IN – into yourself, and those around you, test out the theory of “What you notice, you get more of” and post your results in the comments!

Image words inspired by

26/11/2022

💜 "Motherhood" 💜

It’s the longest time and the shortest time.

Where this new found purpose of mine has rearranged parts of me from before to make room for a love I never knew existed.
It’s floating and drowning in the space of mere minutes.
It’s whipping around at the sound of “mummy”, to be surprised with “I love you”, instead of a demand.
It’s tears and tantrums, safety and surrender.
It’s where words become sentences before you know it.
It’s counting down the minutes until bed time and shedding a tear at night wishing you’d been more present, wondering if they know how loved they are.

It’s the longest time and the shortest time.

Forever a mother, forever wearing the scent of another, forever in love and stopping and starting chores, thoughts, conversations.
It’s holding their little hearts and wearing their feelings. It’s crowded toilets, dirty windows and a pure imagination that makes you want to cry.
It’s hoping you’re doing enough now so they can brave the world without you one day.
It’s feeling so deeply, so very deeply.

It’s the longest time and the shortest time.

It’s letting them fall asleep in your arms, whispering heartbeats, taking in every inch of their face.
It’s day care drop offs with a sigh of relief and pick ups where they exclaim to everyone their mummy is here.
It’s where you’re the most important person in the room, it‘s the way their eyes land on you.
It’s wanting to dip your toes into your old life when you need to catch your breath, it’s knowing you’d never change this life for a second, because they are your breath.
It’s the growing within, the growing together.
It’s long days, short years and a million moments that stand still in between, ones I hope I’ll remember forever.

Motherhood isn’t one or the other, it’s a combination of both, a recipe of everything. It’s all encompassing and it’s going so fast.

But right now I get to hold them.
I get to love them.
Right now I get all of them.

For the longest time and the shortest time.

🤍

Words: Jess Urlichs, Writer 📖 ‘From One Mom to a Mother’ hardback edition www.jessicaurlichs.com/shop

Art: Slow Season https://instagram.com/slow.season?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

25/11/2022

Sometimes the smallest adjustments yield the greatest results!
This was Rach's experience after just one session with Jenni! After a long 18 months, Rach can finally enjoy a restful night -
Are you curious as to what you might be able to adjust to get results like these!?
Stop Wondering & Take Action - Contact Jenni today!

24/11/2022

< INFANT SUPPORT AT HOME >
Do you feel swamped by the flood of parenting advice that is on offer – telling you how “to do” routines/ sleep/ settling/ feeding/ baby-led weaning the “right way”?
Have you tried to implement some of the parenting approaches that you have heard/ seen/ watched, but felt that they frequently fall short?
The first years can feel utterly overwhelming to new and seasoned Mums alike! Each baby is different, so not every suggested idea or strategy will work for your little one!
Jenni offers you IN-HOME support to find what will uniquely work for you and your baby - -
This is a completely personalised approach, combining your expertise in your baby, with her expertise in infant and child health, you get a unique solution to whatever is challenging you in your parenting experience.
Your End Result? Boosted confidence, consistency, and clarity!
Nothing to lose, and so much to gain! DM Jenni today to book an obligation-free call!

19/11/2022

Who can relate to this like 150%! When Motherhood feels like it makes you, and breaks you all at the same time!💞❤️‍🩹The most rewarding, and most challenging time of your life - the good, the bad & the ugly - one day at a time 💜