For those of you who haven't seen it on social media sites, the last few days in Australia have been a mid-Winter Summer! Seriously, we've had gorgeous warm days, hanging out outside again when it's meant to be cold, dark and rainy!
I was talking to another Mum about routine and how different it is between the seasons. It got me thinking about my differing parenting styles between Summer and Winter and all else inbetween!
I had the most amazing day with my kids yesterday, we went down to the local beach, rode bikes, scooted, had a picnic, wrestled, ran after balls even played in the sand and ate ice cream. All on a day in the middle of August when I otherwise would've been trying to entertain them inside or close to the house in case it poured down!
Now I have lived in the UK and I'm not afraid to be outside in freezing, wet conditions so don't get me wrong BUT isn't there something wonderful about being able to play outside with the sun shining down on us. We all had a great time, even the kids were happier, more polite and more energised! Was this because my parenting style was more laid back? Was I happier due to the sun on my shoulder? It doesn't feel like a coincidence.
Sunny Mummy - more relaxed, easy going, smiley, happy, fun, chilled, running, playing, doing more adventurous activities at 4pm at night!
Gloomy Mummy - rigid, ordered, routine, bit of fun, uses TV more to entertain kids in bewitching hours (should I admit that?)
I have realised that I parent differently depending on the seasons. I'm sure this does make perfect sense but it's been quite a revelation to me and is now something I'm going to work on as we head into another month of darkish evenings, some cold, wet days before the sun graces us more regularly again!
There is something about 4.30pm on a dark, Wintery evening that says, "Right, baton down the hatches, we're into routine time". Last night though, same time of day, warmth in the air, cooking a BBQ, playing in the garden, knocking back some dinner and having fun together!
So, my commitment to myself and my kids from today onward is to bring FUN back into the Winter evening routine. I'm sure some of the old routine will still remain but I want to add more FUN, LIFE to the Bewitching Hours timeslot like we do in Summertime!
Are you a Seasonal Mum? If not, what do you do to keep the Summer fun going all year around in your house?
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