Perfect timing for Memories Monday as I have just been sorting through endless photos so I can gather them into some sort of order for my grown children to reminisce about. As I looked, and remembered, I guess it was making my   emotions take over the practicality of it all. Was I sad looking at the past? Not necessarily. I have had a wonderful life. Was I regretful? No, I have learnt that regrets hold you back more than anything.

I realised that the lump in my throat was actually frustration. I could remember most “occasions” where photos were taken -where, when, why. I couldn’t however remember my feelings that were attached to that specific situation and parenting moment. For example this simple, everyday shot of my oldest two sons is cute but what did I say to them at the time? What did the baby feel like as I placed him in the position? What did their giggles sound like?

I guess I just wanted more from that photo.

I wanted to relive that moment to some degree.

I know that every still photo that is taken invokes some kind of visual memory for us all BUT I have to say that all you young ones have an amazing advantage over us more mature folk. For you, capturing special moments of your family and children is instant and can be shared with friends and family with the push of a button. Technology allows for rapid clicks, videos, added effects….all literally at your finger tips. How amazing is it to have those first steps, words, smile, athletics race, christmas concert etc all on record with the sounds that go with it. I yearn to remember my children’s voices when they were young. Only special words they used are in my memory bank.

I am almost a crazy woman now embracing moments and photographing important events. For me it is another way of journaling my life.

I know my Dad would be amazed by the changes. Dad loved photography and “back in the old days” it was all about getting the best shot and light exposure at the time. I would stand there diligently holding my pose while he checked the lighting or added a different lens. It’s a bit hard to look natural while you are juggling a netball trophy in one hand and balancing one foot graciously on a brick ledge. Bless him. Hence there are very few action shots in my childhood albums. It would often take weeks to finish a film and then it would be another week for developing. Fingers were crossed as we opened the packet knowing that there would be no second chances.

Your phones and devices today can be grabbed in an instant, auto focus takes over and there you have that spontaneous shot. I witnessed a proud young Dad in a hotel restaurant last week feeding his baby son fruit yogurt with his left hand   (maybe for the first time) and literally rapidly snapping shots with his right hand. It actually made me laugh as I was imagining the baby thinking.. “Gees – it’s hard enough swallowing these damned lumps without the pressure of smiling for you as well!!”

Imagine if the tables were turned and the children had the power of snapping that perfect shot of Mum, Dad or the Grandies?

                Revenge could be sweet.

           It might not be too pretty either!

    What would we have for instagram?

#youtrythelatestbabyvitamintonic

#frighteningwaytowakeup

#eatallyourveggiesyourself

#granddadslatestpartytrick

How wonderful that you can capture all those spontaneous moments. Each click will bring joy to you and your family in future years. Amazing 21st montages and special occasion gifts can be created all from the comfort of your home. If you have relatives overseas or living interstate, how exciting to be able to speak with and see them live online? How beautiful to have young children connecting with parents and grandparents…..even when they are the other side of the world. Hearing a bedtime story from afar could become a family ritual and complete a young child’s (and relative’s) day.

So as you embrace the technology and record your life, I believe it is important still to remember not to let it take away from true connections with people. If you want to record a significant point in time with your children or family, or if it is a special event, take a moment to reflect on why it is special. It is the emotional triggers that come from these that will remain with you and touch your heart for years to come.

“Sometimes you will never know

the true value of a moment until

it  becomes a memory”

Bye for now

Kim

Children’s Book Week is here (16/08 -22/08) and all around the country there are tutus and super capes being dragged out of storage! School children and littlies alike are awkwardly manoeuvring their giant antennae and princess dresses (maybe in the one costume) around the playground for dress up day. Such fun.

This year’s theme is  

Connect to reading ~ Reading to connect.

We know already that children adore the stories that take them “travelling” to other worlds and this year’s theme also highlights the opportunity to create bonds with others. Can you remember back to your childhood and a certain favourite book that your parents or siblings may have read to you? How about when you have been reading to your own children or grandchildren and the ever consistent “Wead it aagaaiin pwease!” Now, don’t even think about skipping a page or trying to condense the plot . You – will – not – win. Believe me I have tried

In early childhood education we already know the importance of stories and books. Most school teachers  encourage a love for books and reading as well.

There are so many opportunities though for families to influence a child’s love for stories and language. Just in simple everyday experiences you can support their love for books and help expand their imaginations.

This is where the whole ‘reading to connect’ comes to light. There are so many ways for your child to connect and have fun with family and friends in the home while developing their understanding and excitement for books and storytelling.

• Read stories together. Not always only at bedtime.  Read aloud while they are having a bath. Times like that can be so interactive.        (and drenching !)
  

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• Even school aged children would enjoy jumping on the couch and sharing a special reading session with someone.  They get to practice their skills and it is comforting for them when reading is not always associated with homework.  
  

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• Babies are never too young to hear your voice and sense the rhythm of verse or simple words. For older babies and toddlers choose those books with clear illustrations and simple texts. They love rhyme and repetition. My favourites are often those with pictures of real objects and settings.
  

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•  You would be surprised how much of your own everyday “literary” experiences you can share with children. Dad reading his list of chores for the day, Grandma’s magazines and recipes and even identifying the letters that are highlighted in a newspaper heading.
  

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• Role modelling a love for books and reading yourself has to be one of the most positive influences on your children. ( A lot of the books I read are personal development and self help books so my children are possibly still trying to “find themselves”!??!)
  

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• Reflecting on the book you have read to them, by briefly going through the pages again, is a great way to encourage language development and to help them recall. Toddlers eyes light up when they identify objects again and again. For older children ask little questions and maybe have them imagine scenarios beyond the book.           Eg “What might Teddy have taken to his Nan’s house if he went for a sleepover ?” or  “What should the man have said to the gardener?”
  

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• Set up a little Book Nook at home.  It doesn’t have to be big but if it is inviting, your child will more likely sit and relax. For little ones you can have some cushions in a cosy corner with a shelf or basket for the books. A couple of their soft toys can add to the “audience”.
  

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• Something that I am passionate about is to always encourage them to respect the books and  handle them gently.  Children can learn this from a young age and if you show them how  to turn the pages carefully and remind them at the time,  they will follow your lead.
  

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• Join a library as a family. They are so welcoming these days and all ages can participate and there are areas for your children as well as comfy chairs for you. Often they have storytelling sessions during the day.
  

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• Books make very memorable gifts for young children. You can write your message in it for special occasions and add it to a present for friends. Book vouchers for older children enable them to purchase something of their interest. For a close friend’s  baby shower, guests were asked to bring “our favourite storybook” for her baby instead of other gifts. I thought that was a beautiful and memorable way to start a library. 
  

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 I LOVE books and always have.

 I know that it has stemmed from my own childhood and from my Mum, Dad and siblings taking time out to read to me.  I was the youngest of four and I always had access to books. I can still remember the big tall book cupboard and its musty smell that was like an adventure to go through to select something to read. I still have my all-time favourite book from when I was around two years old. It was a Golden Book that is out of print now. (Yes I’m that old) I have realised that the values portrayed in its storyline still resonate with me today.

Give your children the timeless gift of books, imagination and wonder. 

Bye for now

Kim

Have you ever wanted to start an activity or try something new but found yourself in that “place of procrastination” as I call it?

I have!

Have you ever sat there and thought of something that you so want to do or achieve, and then found every excuse under the sun why you shouldn’t ?

I have!

Have you ever felt anxious but excited  when you finally  decide to open that “negative thought gate” that has been holding you back from your dreams ?

I have!

That is exactly where I am now. 

At that gate and ready to go!

And that is why Ages and Stages is being renewed. It is being reawakened  from a few years of rest.

If you have read my About Page you will see that I regard myself somewhat as a people person. Im not an extraordinary person by any means but my greatest joy in life (besides my family of course) is to connect with and support others. It is not always that it needs to be in a comforting or mentoring role either.  Most often it is just good old fashioned fun with people. I LOVE TO LAUGH and I have been known to relate stories with enthusiasm and using many visual cues!

Many of my posts / stories will be about my family. (I hear them running for cover already!) There will be blogs about childcare and parenting tips, life moments that affect us all and ideas and support to help bring positive change to your life. Some days it will just be around the simple things that influence our lives.

So welcome to my page. Thank you for your time and I am so excited. Although short and sweet…I have WRITTEN MY FIRST BLOGPOST ……YAY!!!!!

Bye for now

Kim

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