Ways We Survive The Jungle Of Parenting

Disclaimer: 8 years swinging though the wilderness we still have no idea if we are getting it right. That said, these are a few things that help us survive the jungle.

Of all the wild adventures we’ve embarked on, raising little people has been the wildest. Yes, it’s bought more joy than we ever imagined - along with the wonderful added extras. Sleepless nights, tantrums and many, many meltdowns. Still here we are. And we’ve picked up a few survival skills on the way we’d love to share (as really, passing on anything that works feels like paying it forward)

Finding The Fun In The Ordinary (Yes, even putting their shoes on)

Somewhere into parenting we fell into the habit of rushing out the door on a mad quest of ticking things off the list. That is something I really love about being around Mini Makers. They find fun in the ordinary, the everyday stuff we do on auto pilot becomes a game. They don’t get that throwing toast at the wall isn’t funny when you have had two hours sleep. Lately we’ve been trying to give it a go. No throwing toast - however Iona recently made a microphone out of craft roll. So Saturday morning when getting ready I used it to sing instructions. They thought I’d lost it. Still it got us all laughing and out the house with their shoes on. Later that night Iona asked me to go back to “being fun Mummy with the microphone” that moment reminded me, it’s so important to keep finding the fun. 

Prioritising Cuppa Time 

If you know the My Mini Maker story you’ve probably heard us sing the praises of a precious cuppa tea. Carving a bit of peace in the chaos and time to yourself is the parenting tonic we all need (and probably don’t get enough of) . A huge perk of our craft kits is the time it gives back to grown-ups. A blissful break while MiniMakers get stuck into something wholesome and fun. We really struggled to find the time to plan activities, creating a way for them to learn, play without screens is at the heart of My Mini Maker. It allows us to enjoy a hot cuppa on the sofa while they explore, craft and get creative. We love letting them figure out how to do the activities and waiting for that moment they can come and show us what they’ve made. And that hot cuppa? It matters. My goodness, it matters. 

Doing It Our Way

There is so much noise out there telling you how to parent. It’s easy to compare yourself to other Mum’s who seem to have it nailed. The reality behind the show reels is often a lot different, right? We try to do things our way. It may not be perfect, it may be messy. Still, finding what works for you is the only way to survive the jungle. Our Mini Makers are happiest when we spend time together, making memories and singing out of craft rolls. And that’s just it isn’t it? When you look for it, there really is magic in the ordinary. 

The Key Take - Aways

Parenting is a wild journey. Finding what works for you is a bit of trial and error. From seeking fun in the ordinary, taking your cups of tea seriously and not comparing yourself to others. Our kits are one way for grown - ups to enjoy some quality time with their Mini Makers while they create, learn and play.

New to My Mini Maker? This month our craft kit sets off to the actual jungle - Why not hop on board? You can try a kit as a one off purchase or subscribe for a monthly box of home-delivered, screen- free fun.

Explore our kits and plans here. 

How do you survive the jungle? We would love to hear them and share with our My Mini Maker community.