Chalk and Cheese

My two boys are like chalk and cheese.

My eldest son is quiet (mostly), gentle, sensitive and aware of people's emotions, kind and has always been relatively easy to discipline.

My youngest son is the exact opposite. He is loud and rough, and mischievous. Don't get me wrong - he loves a cuddle and is very much a mommy's boy, but he is much more rough and tumble.

Today, we went to do shopping - as unfortunately, everyone has to do. I know, I know, shop online... That would be fine; except I like choosing my own fruit, vegetables and meat. And also like to find the odd bargain! And, for some reason, we always tend to get very odd substitutions - baked beans instead of apples. Totally makes sense...

Anyway... so Big P calmly sits in the trolley and then decides that he would rather stroll along besides the trolley, helping me. Fabulous!

Little P on the other hand, as he is only a little toddler and cannot be trusted to walk sensibly around a shop; alternates between being held and sat in the trolley, while I find food to placate him with. (Yes, I am one of 'those' mothers - oops!).

When Little P is not being placated with food, he is screeching like (as my friend so aptly put it) an Orc from Lord of the Rings. It is the most ear shattering, soul destroying and brain numbing thing you have ever heard. Just the type of thing you want to constantly hear when you are trying to quickly do some grocery shopping...

And believe it or not - something I have no control over. No amount of asking nicely, offering of rewards, ignoring, talking sternly, or shouting back works... We have just about tried everything. I hear it might be related to his desire to learn to talk, but who knows...

What I always find shocking though, is other people (a lot of whom have/ have had children - they were obviously those angelic types) and their reactions to a parent trying their hardest to control their unruly, mischievous or just curious child. 

From people's looks and comments today, and while dealing with a child who didn't want to co-operate (imagine that!); I very nearly had my own child-like melt-down of bursting into tears, leaving my fully laden trolley and running out of the shop to hide in my car. Oh, to be a child...

Parenting is hard enough as it is, and everyone needs some support and kindness from time to time. 

Kalli x

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Eating Clean - Week 1

Last week, a friend posted on Facebook that she had read Amelia Freer's amazing book Eat. Nourish. Glow. and after three weeks of health changes, she was feeling amazing, more energized and had lost a lot of weight.

I have never been much of a dieter, as I'm sure you are aware. I just like food too much. And I guess, I feel strongly about life being too short to worry about what you eat. But after reading Amelia's book, I am converted too.

I got the book last Monday (20th July) - cannot believe that it has already been a week! And I started changing my diet on Tuesday. Out with the old, in with the new, so they say.

I cut out sugar, bread and processed food - and have started cooking and eating LOADS more natural 'clean' foods. Some of which I have never tried or liked.

After just a few days - I was feeling more alert, more energetic, lighter and happier. I also found that my moods stabilised and I was sleeping better at night. And the best thing - I no longer feel the need to snack in between meals.

And the food is so good - I will start posting some yummy recipes soon! #watchthisspace

If you want to take control of your health - do yourself a favour, and grab this book.

Kalli x

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