I love my boys. They are my world but anyone who has met them will know how full on they are and sometimes you need space.  Three years ago I spent October half term in the sun in Ibiza and left them in the UK with their grandparents. Three years later, not as exotic, but once again I have spent most of half term away from them. 

Three years ago I was the lowest I have ever been; I was at breaking point. My week in the sun was as much for personal survival as it was a holiday. Fast forward three years I am in a much more stable place. I am no longer taking mediation for depression and anxiety. Although there are days when I can feel both trying to take over I am able to manage them more. 

This time my child see half term came about after my boys chose to ditch me for a trip to Grandad and Granny’s house. A visit to their Godfathers and a prebooked day on holiday club meant I haven’t seen them properly for 6 days. I feel really guilty saying it but I have loved it. I have loved not being woken up at 6am. I have loved being able to watch what I want on the TV. Being able to go away for a few days with my husband and what’s more go out for a meal and drinks too without having to arrange a babysitter or deal with hangover and children has been bliss. We went to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Leeds, are at the fabulous Tharavadu (the Adu Cheera Mappas is delicious if you need a recommendation) and made an enjoyable trip to Harrogate Turkish Baths and Spa. None of this would have been possible if we hadn’t been able to go childfree.

Loving our children does not mean forgetting about yourself or your relationship with partner. My hubby and I very rarely get to spend much time together. We have no family in the North East so it isn’t possible to ask them to “have the boys for a couple of hours”; it requires advanced planning if we want to go out.  It might be a rare opportunity but I will grab it with both hands the next time the chance to be childfree for a few days occurs. So remember whether it is 6 minutes, 5 hours or 5 days make the most of every childfree moment you get. It doesn’t mean you love your children any less than you should, it just means you can acknowledge we all need some me and us time too.

Today I have spent a lovely day enjoying the company of three inspiring women and their adorable babies teaching a peer support course for Born to Carry. I have shared posts written by colleagues before about why I teach these courses but wanted to write again as they always fill me with joy.

Each course I teach is unique and the same in equal measure. The content is consistent but the participants are not. Each brings their own carrying history, back ground and expertise to the course. Every course I teach covers: babywearing safety, FWCC, PWCC, ring slings, buckles and Mei Tais, as well as theory units on Why Sling and the role as a peer supporter. There is also the option of completing a post course assignment. We talk about properties of wrapping, prices of slings, we try to work out what is safe, what isn’t, how do you make a high street carrier more comfortable, we talk about what makes carriers so individual to the wearer but we do it with a smile on our faces and a good amount of laughter. It is hard work but there are plenty of opportunities to rest, take stock, make notes etc.

Today there were 3 ladies who completed the course, however, I have taught groups as large of 13. Each course builds on the one before. I take elements that went well, didn’t work so well and rework how I teach and what I teach to make the course even better.

Being a Babywearing Peer Supporter is an important role. Families will look to you to give them support and guidance or to direct them to more specialist help. You may be the first port of call. You may be an enthusiastic amateur sling user, a HCP, or simply want to know more. Have you considered it? Would you like to know more? You can email me (btc@northeastslinglibrary.co.uk) or complete the contact form below to ask any questions you may have  or visit or website to find out more.

Wow! September is over, October is almost complete and half term is here!! That was quick. I am sure the years are getting shorter as I get older. It won’t be long before I am once again celebrating my birthday. Autumn is here, the nights are drawing in and soon we will all be thinking…

via A half term completed. So far, so good. —

Team Connecta is present at the Manchester Baby and Toddler show at Event City this weekend! A fabulous opportunity to celebrate International Babywearing Week and for this show we are bringing a Dream Team of trained and experienced Babywearing consultants and trainers, with over 30 years experience in the carrying industry between them do make…

via Dream Team — Connecta Lives