Creative Parenting Folk

Thank you for your enquiries and interest in the Montessori Toddler & Parent classes. Thank you to the families & children who have joined and made these sessions such a beautiful experience.

I truly enjoy working with families, supporting them on their parenting journey, sharing my experience and jointly exploring and discovering the wonders of toddlerhood.

Unfortunately there will be no sessions for the coming term (April- July).

I have been offered an opportunity to work in a school supporting children who have been impacted by the pandemic the most. I feel this is a huge privilege to be able to offer my skills, knowledge and experience.

As we all know the school closure had a huge impact on many children; especially disadvantaged children.

It has impacted their mental health, relationships and learning.

I will miss working with the lovely families I have met so far, and hope to be able to continue to work with them in some capacity in the future.

I am now looking forward to building new relationships with children who desperately need support in school with their learning.

Aren’t we all different, isn't that the beauty of humanity and of our world?

Yet so very often we are expected to fit into a mould.
Breaking free from it, is a life challenge, when all you have been told as a child, to behave, to be good, to listen, to pay attention and not to speak up.
How often have observed children who can’t sit still, get distracted, hyperactive.

Schools being concerned and worried, sanction them by missing play, using traffic light system. Seriously, is that how we teach our future by naming and shaming them?

Children are being told to fit into ‘the mould’, to be a certain way, to be the same like everyone else.

Ironically schools often claim to respect and value each child as an individual!?!

I have heard of this beautiful story of a girl who struggled to sit still.

She continually got up, got easily distracted, had a wondering mind, and didn’t follow lessons.
The teachers were worried about her, the girl was often punished.

At home she would get told off as well.
The mother was invited to school, she was terrified of bad news. The teachers spoke of great concerns, an illness or even a disorder.
A teacher joined the meeting who knew the girl well. He asked them to follow him into a room from where the girl could be seen.
The girl was alone, music was playing in the room. The girl alone in the room was moving up and down chasing the music in the air with her feet and her heart.

The adults looked at each other with confusion and yet with some compassion. The teacher who knew the girl well, smiled at the parent and said "See? There is nothing wrong with her, this girl is a dancer!"
He recommended to take her to dance classes. After the first dance class the girl said to the mum.

"Everyone is like me, no one can sit still!"

This girl is called Gillian Lynne, in 1981, after a career as a dancer, opening her own dance academy and receiving international recognition for her art, she became the choreographer of the musical "Cats."

Hopefully children who are "different" can be embraced with love and care and find capable adults who can welcome them for who they are and not for what they lack.

Aren’t we all different, isn't that the beauty of humanity and of our world?

Yet so very often we are expected to fit into a mould.
Breaking free from it, is a life challenge, when all you have been told as a child, to behave, to be good, to listen, to pay attention and not to speak up.
How often have observed children who can’t sit still, get distracted, hyperactive.

Schools being concerned and worried, sanction them by missing play, using traffic light system. Seriously, is that how we teach our future by naming and shaming them?

Children are being told to fit into ‘the mould’, to be a certain way, to be the same like everyone else.

Ironically schools often claim to respect and value each child as an individual!?!

I have heard of this beautiful story of a old girl who struggled to sit still.

She continually got up, got easily distracted, had a wondering mind, and didn’t follow lessons.
The teachers were worried about her, the girl was often punished.

At home she would get told off as well.
The mother was invited to school, she was terrified of bad news. The teachers spoke of great concerns, an illness or even a disorder.
A teacher joined the meeting who knew the girl well. He asked them to follow him into a room from where the girl could be seen.
The girl was alone, music was playing in the room. The girl alone in the room was moving up and down chasing the music in the air with her feet and her heart.

The adults looked at each other with confusion and yet with some compassion. The teacher who knew the girl well, smiled at the parent and said "See? There is nothing wrong with her, this girl is a dancer!"
He recommended to the mum to take her to dance classes. After the first session the girl said to the mum.
"Everyone is like me, no one can sit still!"

This girl is called Gillian Lynne, in 1981, after a career as a dancer, opening her own dance academy and receiving international recognition for her art, she became the choreographer of the musical "Cats."

Hopefully children who are "different" can be embraced with love and care and find capable adults who can welcome them for who they are and not for what they lack.

There is always a trigger for a tantrum, sometimes it’s really hard to figure out what sets it off.

Triggers could be

〰frustration
〰 anger or rage when things don’t go their way
〰 they want to be in control
〰 they don’t have the language yet to express themselves
〰 they are hungry, tired or overstimulated

What you can do to help your child to calm down

〰 hold them
〰if they push you away, stay close by to make sure they are safe and wait until they are ready to receive a cuddle
〰 if they are hurting you or others, remove them so everyone is safe. Be very clear “I can’t let you hit me/your sister”

Once they have calmed down, it’s time to make amends.

You can help them make amends, if they broke something, help them fix it, if they hurt someone, show them how to be gentle.

Creative Parenting Folk now takes appointments on their Page.

Wise words, thank you🙏🏽 🧡 Daphne Delvaux, Esq.]

Re- Posting• Daphne Delvaux, Esq.]

You cannot take on the weight of the world. Trust me, I’ve tried.

Working in activism for many years now, I can tell you this: focus on one cause. The one that touches your tender heart the most. Start there. If you can take on more, that is great. But start small and then build from there. What happens if you do too much? Burnout, apathy and indifference. That doesn’t help anyone.

For some of you, you may not have any energy left after parenting. This is a stage of life that can leave little space for anything else, including sleep, let alone helping the world. For those of you who are service-oriented that can feel frustrating. We want to DO and HELP!

But not everyone can fight the oppressors, go to the rallies, volunteer at the refugee camps, or raise all the funds.

Your activism may look like raising kind and healthy children. It is a massive service to the world.

Making sure the next generation is compassionate and caring is some of the highest form of volunteer work of them all.

When you feel overwhelmed by the weight of the world, hug your kids 🌷

Ten years ago we were given the gift of becoming parents to our first son.

Still hard to believe it’s been ten years!
—
I was in this room giving birth, with the support from these amazing midwives. Holding me, trusting me, encouraging me, believing in me and guiding me 48 hours!!!

So much gratitude I hold for these women and my husband who was by my side the whole time, my absolute rock! 🙏🏽🧡

🥳Today we are celebrating being proud parents 10 years 🥳 woo hoo!

Setting non-negotiable boundaries with our children seem to be much easier than personal boundaries.

Why is that ?

Non- negotiable boundaries relate directly to our child’s safety, like putting on the seat belt, playing with a knife or running on slippery floors.

Setting personal boundaries seem so much harder. For example:
“I don’t want you climb on my back. Do you want to sit on my lap instead?”

“This is the last time we’ll be listening to this song for now. We will listen to it again at a later time”

“I’ll give you one more push on the swing. I need to rest my hands for a while.”

“At 8pm you need to be ready for bed. Any later than that there won’t be a story. I am tired too and need some time to rest.”

There are reasons why setting and holding personal boundaries are much harder, that is that as parents our natural instinct is to want to keep our kids happy!

We love them so dearly we are instinctively willing to do anything for them.

So, often we choose to put our needs last in order to keep our children happy.

Don’t get me wrong - I’m not saying that we should put our personal needs above everything else as parents (although I am a huge advocate for ‘put on your oxygen mask first’…..), babies and children need high support, a lot of nurturing and intunement!

But setting personal boundaries when appropriate doesn’t mean ME FIRST, it means ME TOO.

It’s so important to understand that all those reluctant “yeses”, playing with our kids when we actually don’t want to, taking them with us into the bathroom when we’re deeply craving just a few minutes of privacy…eventually accumulates into frustration, agitation and resentful feelings towards our kids, which can affect the parent-child relationship.

To be able to truly enjoy the relationship with our children we need to feel our needs are respected and fulfilled and this applies both ways.

Our kids will never choose to give us the break we need. We are the ones responsible for keeping the dynamic in the relationship healthy.

Feeling a bit grey ?

Sometimes we put a lot of pressure on us.

Trying to have it all together, trying to be on top of it all and trying to do everything.

As a parent we constantly care for others, we try to make sure everyone is happy and looked after.

And so often we forget about our own needs.

Sometimes we just need a little rest.

A little time for ourselves, to go inward to listen to what we really need and to follow that need.

Pick up the phone call a friend, share your feelings, talk about what is troubling you and all can look so much brighter afterwards.

We are not alone and we are not alone with that kind of feeling, others feel the same.

By just voicing it and acknowledging it, you are letting it go.

Ready to accept, embrace and release that feeling.

Remember you are safe, you are loved, you are okay!

A little message to all of you, who might be feeling slightly grey today!

Much love,

Hanako x

Montessori Toddler & Parent Classes

The classes are for mixed ages, children from the age of 16 months including 3 years old.

Currently the sessions are held in a home setting inside. There will be a maximum of four children and one of their parents.

Children will be moving freely around the classroom, exploring the activities at their own pace with curiosity, growing confidence and independence. There is a range of age appropriate, carefully prepared activities. Activities are presented in a thoughtful and organised way to assist children with their choice making. The activities are organised into the areas of language, movement, art and music and practical life.

Practical life activities offer opportunities for the child to independently practice the skills of everyday life.

In this class, preparing their own snack and drink is a real highlight!

At the end of the session we will gather together for a sing song and a story.

Parents are usually sat low, observing their child, stepping in to provide support only when necessary, and connecting with other parents.

Class take place on Wednesday and Friday from 10.00am - 12.00 pm.

There are still spaces available, get in touch if you want to find out more or come along to a session.

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Giving an answer when we are asked a question comes naturally to us as parents. But what if you try asking an open question instead?

It will encourage your child to stimulate their thinking.

Open ended questions supports a child to focus and make meaning of their experiences and enables them to see various possibilities. 

Try it out.

Let me know how it goes.

Yesterday I opened the doors to my home and shared how I have set up Montessori - style spaces.

If you were unable to join (there will be another opportunity soon) I will share with you some snippets of some of the corners on here.

Setting up our home can help to create some calm in our life with our child(ren). I hope these ideas serve as inspiration to make a few changes.

I continuously work on our home, changing things with the age of my children in mind, making things more accessible, mire orderly, more attractive, and more engaging.

I can’t wait to start the classes next week to have little people explore the space and to find out what their interests are and how I possibly need to adjust the space and the materials for their individual needs and interest.

One of the things I have learnt on my parenting journey so far is, if I can make things easier for them, than consequently it will be easier for me.

Raising toddlers can be hard and very tiring so why not make life a little bit easier.

A few tips:

* Arrange things so children can manage independently and successfully
* Have things at their height
* Remove items that are not suitable for them to touch
* Display fewer things to keep the space from felling cluttered - less is more
* Rotate toys - only display a few they are very interested to play with and then rotate when they start to look for new challenges
* Child-sized furniture, e.g. low table and chair
* Have a place for everything - toddlers have a strong sense of order. If everything has its place, they learn where things belong.

Often you hear people say it’s too expensive and you need a larger space to apply the montessori principles. It’s not necessary and sometimes not possible - and perhaps even essential.

Some of the above points have been an ongoing challenge, definitely work in progress and a good discipline for me!!

Letting go of things that don’t bring you joy can free up physical and mental space. It assists you to feel less overwhelmed and definitely creates a calm and orderly atmosphere.

If you want to find out more Sign up to the classes starting next week..

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After lots of complaining from one of my boys (he didn’t want to go on a country walk) we had a very nice walk with a little treat at the end and even he had a really good time. ☺️

What do you do when your kids are just not in the mood for it?

I went with them anyway - I didn’t give him a choice 🤨.

(I knew he will eventually have a good time and don’t we all just need a little nudge sometimes)

I love to get out on weekends. Usually we go on country walks, woodland walks or walk along the beach. Most of the times my boys are up for it and enjoy walking (more when they have a friend with them or we take our friend’s dog with us) today we had neither so I had to think of something.

I started to play - I pack my bag…… it didn’t take long and he joined in and completely forgot about the walk. We then found a nice place to stop for a snack (I always pack a snack, usually a biscuit, some cake or some chocolate, this usually keeps them going)

What kind of games or tricks do you play to encourage the little legs to walk ? Or are yours kids keen walkers ?

Toddler and parent classes starting soon. First session will be on the Wednesday 26th January and Friday 28th January 9:30-11:30.

£15 per session

Want to come along?

Book in a free trial session.

Dm me directly or book a session on my website see bio.

There is also an open morning this coming Tuesday 18th January 10.00-12.00. You are very welcome to come along to have a look at the set up homely space and ask me any questions.

Feel free to bring along a friend with toddler or come on your own if your child has any other childcare arrangements.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Share with a friend who might be interested.

Thanks Hanako

Montessori Toddler and Parent Classes are not just for your child, they are a learning experience for you as a parent too.

For many parents, when we find out we are expecting our first child we begin to prepare for their arrival.

We buy baby clothes, research the breast pump, sling or pram.

We also prepare for the birth, join antenatal classes or reading books about birth.

We might hire a doula or a birthing pool, choose between home or hospital birth.

We might even read some books on baby care, infant sleep, child development in those early months.

But how many of us truly seek to prepare ourselves for the enormous shift which is about to happen to us?

Preparing ourselves as parents might include….

🌸Learning to take care of our own needs

🌸Reflecting on our own experience of being parented, paying attention to our own parenting triggers

🌸Having conversations with our partners - about our parenting hopes and dreams - what will the shared responsibilities be

🌸 Learning about child development so that our expectations are developmentally appropriate

🌸Modelling the behaviours and values we want to see reflected back in our children

🌸Committing to taking responsibility for working towards our own healing

🌸Communicating our needs peacefully and effectively to others

……… and there is no limit to 👆🏽

Choosing to parent in a peaceful way which centres connection, empathy and joy and leaves aside traditional parenting methods of control, shame, and power inequality is not the easy route.

To do so requires continual inner work, reflection, growing, and the humility to acknowledge and apologise when we get things wrong.

It’s hard work but it’s WORTH IT! And it can also be very FUN!

I am happy and excited to walk with you the journey.

I am a mother of two, have gone through the challenges of the early years of parenting and have received invaluable support from others.

It is my wish and passion to support you with the inner preparation as a parent.

Want to find out more? Come along to an Open Morning on Tues 18/01/22 Drop me a line to book a free space.

📸 Me with my two boys (6 mts & 28 mts) in 2014

What are the Montessori Principles? - Thank you for this great question. Makes me realise how much more this can be explored ☺️.

Montessori Toddler & Parent Classes will be starting this January 2022.

LOOKING FOR A PEACEFUL PLACE TO LEARN WITH YOUR CHILD?

The child and parent classes provide a space for parents to connect and share with one another and experience their little ones.

In a gently guided space, the group can provide valuable support for parents and carers, as well as introduce Montessori principles and show how to create a Montessori environment.

Children use child-sized equipment, develop independence and concentration, and develop responsibility for themselves, the environment and others.

You are invited to join us for the class to learn how to apply the Montessori
principles at home so your child can benefit from the approach.

The classes are for children age 14 months up to 3 years.

Want to find out more?

Sign up for an Open Morning session
in Hove on Tuesday 18 January at 10am

or

Saturday 22nd January at 10am at The Barn in Westdene, Brighton.

Link in Bio or DM me …
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…..
📸

Montessori Toddler & Parent Classes will be starting this January 2022.

LOOKING FOR A PEACEFUL PLACE TO LEARN WITH YOUR CHILD?

The child and parent classes provide a space for parents to connect and share with one another and experience their little ones.

In a gently guided space, the group can provide valuable support for parents and carers, as well as introduce Montessori principles and show how to create a Montessori environment.

Children use child-sized equipment, develop independence and concentration, and develop responsibility for themselves, the environment and others.

You are invited to join us for the class to learn how to apply the Montessori
principles at home so your child can benefit from the approach.

The classes are for children age 14 months up to 3 years.

Want to find out more?

Sign up for an Open Morning session
in Hove on Tuesday 18 January at 10am

or

Saturday 22nd January at 10am at The Barn in Westdene, Brighton.

Link in Bio or DM me …
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Letting go off holidays, facing ‘normal’ life, routines, schedules, responsibilities after having had time off with family and friends.

Some parents can’t wait for the children to go back to school, they are yearning for normality and time for themselves.

Some might feel different, sad and possibly slightly scared of juggling it all again - Work, childcare, household chores etc.

I am thinking of ways how to ease back into it and trying to keep it simple.

Sometimes we like to over complicated things.

It’s the new year and we think it is time to make some changes.

Take small steps, break everything down into manageable task.

Not everything needs to be achieved in the first few weeks.

Things that have helped me already to ease into this week.

🌸 Early night sleep
🌸 Getting up before the kids wake up
🌸 Writing my journal
🌸 Setting intentions

And allow the ‘uncomfortable feelings’

I think it is so important to normalise these feelings. Acknowledge them, embrace them rather than striving to always feel happy. I have noticed if I don’t allow these feelings and push them to the side, it can make them worse or it can increase the worry of there must be something wrong with me.

Try to manage them, by becoming curious about them. Welcome them, ask yourself ‘why am I feeling like this… sad/scared? What is it that,?makes me feel like this?

Any transition (incl holiday/daily work routine) can be challenging. You are letting go of something that felt good. Now it is time to try to create your back to ‘normal life’ so it can feel good too.

How?

Write down what makes you feel they way you feel.

I promise you will feel better once it is all on paper.

Set daily intentions - it allows you to focus on the moment, it helps to raise your emotional energy, which in turn raises your physical energy.

I will share some intentions on my stories, it has helped me with parenting, relationships and work a lot.

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✨ Mother Care ✨✨

I know this can be a tough time of year for many and with so much uncertainty with Covid right now, I’m sure it’s been a wild ride up to this point, possibly with cancelled plans, illness, positive tests, isolation.
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This year has been a heavy one for so many of us.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Especially as parents we carry a lot!!

It’s important we give ourselves space to feel all the feels. It’s ok if you don’t love every last second of being a parent. There will be magical moments, there will be heartwarming moments, loving moments, but at times you will feel the stress and frustration that comes with being a parent, especially during this holiday season when you spend more time with your children and possibly extended family.
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Be gentle with yourself OK?

Look after yourself, do something just for you.

I have been going for a regular run and on Christmas Eve, I went for a dip in a beautiful icy lake. This helps me to relax, it gives me some space to feel and think and I feel recharged afterwards.