Why you should honour your Mother this Mother's Day

She carried you for 9 months then gave birth to you experiencing pain she’d never dreamed could be possible.

You almost broke her.

She never complained. 

She rocked you to sleep several times a night as you wailed, she grew weary. 

She never complained. 

As a toddler you threw food at her. Lovingly she cooked meal after meal until you ate one.

She never complained. 

Her hair went unwashed, her basic needs unmet just so she could meet yours.

She never complained. 

All of those years she built her career carefully to watch it come crashing down during motherhood living frugally but giving you everything she could afford.

She never complained. 

Then you got a head full of dreams, her dreams took a backseat to yours and she did everything she could to support you and make sure they came true. 

She never complained.

You met your first love, she spent hours agonising over the safety of her baby. Sleepless nights returned waiting for you to come home, so she could rest, knowing you were safe. 

She never complained. 

Then you were grown, you hardly ever call.

She never complains. 

Honour your mum this Mother’s Day because all she has ever done is honour you. 

Even if all she gets is a smile, an I love you and a hug?

Chances are she won’t complain.  

Love NHM x 

My thoughts on the 60 minutes bullying special. What are your thoughts?

Last night I, like many others watched the special that 60 minutes did on bullying and the approach that one father had taken. Nobody can deny that this resonated with so many parents, particularly those that may have already been affected by bullying. Having children all under the age of 6 I haven't experienced this yet so you may say I shouldn't give an opinion. However, I have been subjected to my own cases of social media bullying personally and I can see how easily it happens and how often it does. 

If you missed this episode, a young girl had been the victim of severe bullying at the hands of her peers and her extremely worried dad felt he really needed to protect his child so he visited the place the 'bullies' hung out and confronted the bully. I see no real issue here, although watching it I did feel that this had the potential not to end well. Before we even saw what eventuated, I worried that this may end at the detriment of his daughter and wondered if she would not appreciate this happening in the first place. Once the father had said what he needed to say to the child, in front of his friends, he then said that the boy in question smiled at him in a leading way and he lost control and attacked him. It is relatively understandable that this happened because he was full of emotion and obviously very upset at what had been happening to his child and as a parent you are there to protect your children at all costs. But, does this really help? Does it really give the right message? 60 minutes questioned him and asked if that made him the bully. I've seen a lot of comments on social media this morning saying that this comment wasn't fair on the father and I agree to a certain extent as well. No, he wasn't the bully, he was a very concerned father trying to protect his child. However, I just can't condone an adult using violence against another persons child. This is the wrong message and it really then puts you on the same level as your antagoniser. As adults we need to model ourselves the way we want our children to behave. I believe there should be more involvement with schools and parents when this occurs. 

I realise this post could be met with a lot of disagreement and again, I haven't experienced this yet with my own children, so I'm interested to hear from you. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think the father was up against a brick wall and felt this was his only option, or do you think he should have tried other methods? 

Newcastle.. the city of opportunity. Do you like it this way?

I grew up on Sydney's Northern Beaches and never thought I would ever leave. That is, until I realised that the cost of our teeny little apartment on a busy main road was going to be the same as acreage 20 minutes out of Newcastle city. When I was little, my family had a pool and a fair amount of space to explore and run around and I felt it would only be fair to allow my children the same opportunity. Newcastle has really given us a great lifestyle. I am seeing more and more posts on the NHM Facebook group with people wanting information on good suburbs and schools because they are considering the big move. And can you really blame them? I really believe that the more people that arrive here, the better it will be for us. We will get more and more decent cafes and eateries, more chance of great musical artists and sporting events coming to town and if you're a home owner, the value of your property will increase too. 

On the flip side, whenever there is change, there is always a level of resistance as well. So tell me, does the influx of new residents impact you? What are your thoughts?

Why you should be proud to have little girls

Have you had several girls? Was there a bit of you that was upset that you weren't given a little boy bubba? When I found out I was having another little girl there was a part of me that was sad for the son I'd never know. Then I just counted my blessings as I counted all her toes and looked into her beautiful big eyes. 

Now is a wonderful time to be born a little girl in Australia and it's only going to get better. 

I know so many inspirational women from Newcastle. I'm talking major, kick bottom, spunky, smart and lovely to boot girls that have built the most amazing brands and have the most unbelievable integrity as people. They also work really hard and often have families as well. 

As far as inspiration goes for your little ladies. Take a leaf out inspirational 13 year old Sabre Norris' book.

Her YouTube channel, Sabre Norris and the Norris Nuts gets 1million plus tuning in and she's working hard on her goal to skate at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. She has been making progress saying “I like to go well in the comps because I like to win, but it’s always good when you’re having fun,” “That’s kind of all that matters,” she said.

You got this girl, take your beautiful big life and make the most of it!

Knights and Jets to inspire young local teams

It was a great sporting night in Newcastle with the Knights beating Manly and the Jets beating Melbourne City to go into the Grand Final. I'm hoping this will at least inspire my oldest son who plays in his first ever soccer game today and is extremely nervous about running onto the field. We go to every Knights home game and there are more and more young kids attending with their jerseys and flags. I love seeing the local young teams running the players out and then having their own mini games during half time on the field. Whether you're a fan of the NRL or the soccer, you can't deny that sport is fantastic for young people to be involved in, and I'm certainly excited for my first soccer mum season! 

Attention Newcastle Filles

Ok so I grew up in Melbourne and we had a holiday house in Sorrento next to Portsea and the Polo is a BIG DEAL down there. ANYWAY it's coming to Newcastle! And it's to be held just metres from the sea at Newcastle’s Foreshore Park.

Polo Classic Newcastle on September 29 bringing Players from London, Chile and Christchurch. Wayne Boyce said “We’re excited for patrons to experience what polo really is,” “Ticket holders can rub shoulders with international guests from the film and music industry. “There will be live performances from some of Newcastle’s foremost musical talents, spectacular fashion parades, a great menu of food and drinks, a retail precinct, pamper lounges and much more.”

Woooo see you at the Moet tent! 

Has the royal family accidentally leaked the name?

The Royal family apparently has websites dedicated to several family members. Earlier this week the web developer suffered a technical glitch. If you were searching for Prince George or Princess Charlotte, you would receive 'access denied'. When the Daily Mail typed in Prince Albert, they received a page looking just like George and Charlotte's, but when they typed in other possible names like Arthur and James, they received 'page not found'. 

Could be a massive coincidence so we will just have to wait and see.

Formula crisis continues... are you being impacted?

I can't believe this is still going on and the government hasn't done anything about it! Apparently since we first heard about the formula crisis, it has changed slightly so that it is not a formula shortage, it is a prescription formula shortage. So basically, if you have an allergy-sensitive child who needs prescription infant formula, you may struggle to find tins. These are being bought up in bulk by Chinese buyers to send overseas. In bulk? Really? This could be so easily managed and governed but isn't and so if a parent struggles to find a formula tin they require, they'll be travelling to the hospital simply to feed their baby. 

Has this impacted you and your family?

Pills in the Moo

You give birth to them raise them with care, then they go off into the world and often do things like take drugs. What's worse than them taking drugs? Taking badly made drugs. Which is why in this instance I think absolutely better the devil you know. A green light has been to test pills for free at the event in Canberra this Sunday. Advice of health experts was that this initiative would help save lives and allow for disposal of contaminated drugs before it was too late. 

What are your thoughts on this? 

Middle Child Syndrome

Wikipedia defines middle child syndrome as, 

'the feeling of exclusion by middle children. This effect occurs because the first child is more prone to receiving privileges and responsibilities (by virtue of being the oldest), while the youngest in the family is more likely to receive indulgences.'

I have three children and have always been very conscious of my middle child and preventing her from experiencing this feeling. Luckily for us (and her) she is my only girl and so definitely receives a substantial amount of attention because of this. What I've noticed lately as the youngest gets older, is that the boys tend to gravitate towards each other more and so this is where now I feel the feelings of exclusion may come into play. 

Have you experienced this in your house and what have you done to combat it?

The not so sweet reality about junk food and our kids

Mum Jenny Norman is over seeing kids watching their iPads eating crappy food she says. Maybe that was my daughter Summer she saw chowing down on a sugar filled Apple Bar from Aldi while watching Wheels on The Bus? 

She's done a study at the University of Wollongong on marketing of junk food to our tots and is now calling on tighter regulations on advertising. 

The findings? the food that kids ate  increased by almost 50 calories after watching food Ads which if sustained over a long period of time would lead to overweight children. She said the study was "all about creating supportive environments for parents so they can bring their children up to be as healthy as they can,”

Righto but Mummy often works too these days and sometimes we need our kids to be entertained for 5 minutes maybe even eating a bit of a sugary snack while we make the boss happy or do something important around the house. 

I think the key here is balance right? If they're on the iPad for a bit then take them to the park or make sure they go for a walk with you afterwards. 

What are your thoughts? 

Stop it Kanye

Have you ever had en embarrassing patner? Isn’t it the worst! I once had a super attractive boyfriend who has the head of the football team. He had an amazing body was fun to be around and had an 8 pack but he lacked intelligence often to the point where it was just embarrassing! 

I remember him standing up at my Year 12 formal wagging a bean around and saying “so what are these long green skinny things anyway?” I decided then that it sadly had to end. 

Sadly for Kimmy K she is in the same boat. She has a VERY embarrassing partner. Oh Kayne SHHHHHH. 

Kanye said on Wednesday “I no longer have a manager. I can’t be managed.”

Defending Kanye’s apparent love of Trump she said “You don’t have to agree with Trump but the mob can’t make me not love him,” “I’m not even political. I’m not a Democrat or a Republican.”

Oh dear. 

On Wednesday, sources said Kim has trouble dealing with his public outbursts and odd behaviour adding: “Kanye is like a child who needs constant attention — and Kim already has three of those,” “So after a while, or when he’s being really needy, it takes somewhat of a toll on her.”

Poor Kimmy, at least she has enough cash for a massage and a nanny.

Lest We Forget.. The Mums of War

As I sit here feeding my little baby, my heart is so full. No one can imagine a bond you feel for a child you have carried inside you for 9 months and ultimately birthed. It is so special but it is terrifying. You are so scared of anything bad happening to your tiny little human who is full of smiles now but who you are sending out into a random, unpredictable sometimes scary place. 

Every Anzac day we remember those young men who gave their lives. Today, lets also hold in our hearts the mums of Anzacs and those who have lost their children to war. Those who birthed little souls just like you and I then had to watch their precious babies go off to die often unimaginable, painful deaths. Those mums of Anzacs who then had to carry their heavy hearts daily for the rest of their existence, pining for their beautiful babies who died senseless deaths, pining for the grandkids they never got to hold and living out the rest of their lives in the awful shadow of war. 

Lest we forget, mums of the Anzacs.  

Mum convinced me to do playboy

You know what? I was actually the opposite. I went to a pretty fancy school and was expected to get good marks and when I got those marks I was encouraged to go to law school. Boo hoo you say and you'd be right I had a pretty charmed existence, thing is I never used that law degree other than to give my friends outdated advice (don't take legal advice from me, I hardly read the text books promise). I did it because that's what I was pretty much told to do ender Pamela Anderson, her mum's advice? She moved to LA to pursue 'modelling' and when she was offered Playboy she thought 'No', but her mum's advice 'Yes'?! She then goes on to say blah blah "Playboy was my university" Blah Blah "Hef was a real pioneer" Blah Blah  "he really empowered women" 

ANYYYYWAY my advice is careful of your advice to your kids, let them forge their own paths, as long as they're not the wrong paths of course, what? I'm contradicting myself LOL. 

NHM   x

Technology and Kids...

When I was pregnant with baby number 1, I swore I would never ever let my child watch the TV or play on an iPad or other such screen. When he was born I did actually manage to hold out for over a year, winning! That baby is now 6 and also probably the least interested in technology. Grace and William (4 and 2) on the other hand were raised completely different, I call it my 'make-do' era. Hence, the picture attached which demonstrates exactly what they're doing as I write this! We try to go out and do at least one activity or playdate a day but there is also plenty of downtime where I am trying to work or do housework and I desperately need some time out from making snacks in the kitchen, so to the screen they go! 

So what about when you go out for dinner with the kids? If you're unlucky enough to be somewhere that doesn't have a kids play area and paper and pencils just aren't cutting it, out comes my phone. Yes, I don't deny that. Sometimes saving my sanity is just a necessity! 

When siblings first meet

Overnight we saw beautiful pictures of George and Charlotte heading into the hospital to visit their new baby brother. I think I was more blown away at how well behaved they both were! It made us think about how special that moment is when children meet their new little baby brothers or sisters. I remember when my youngest was born and Matthew who was 3 and Grace who was 1 came in to visit. It was truly beautiful. Looking back they had no idea how much their lives were going to change but at that moment everyone was excited to be meeting for the first time. 

Congratulations to William and Kate! 

xx

Newcastle Parking Woes

Being relatively new to Newcastle, I'm a massive fan. We are getting more and more amazing restaurants and cafes, cool little pop up bars and better shops, all set at the backdrop of some of the most beautiful beaches. And some of the things the city is doing are incredibly smart and forward thinking... except the parking. Sarge and I were in Honeysuckle this afternoon visiting the Little Unicorn Childcare Centre. Expecting to park at that carpark on the water, opposite the centre, we were met with barricades and a whole heap of construction. Being a mum in the burbs I'd had no idea that more than 250 carparks were removed only earlier this month from the area. What a debacle! Has this impacted you?

Bachelor in Paradise SPOILER ALERT

OMG Apparently Sam Cochrane 'proposes to Tara Pavlovic' in the grand finale episode, with a '$2,000 ring'! 

They said the big I LOVE YOU last night. Apparently Sam bends down on one knee, presenting Tara, 27, with a '$2,000 cushion-cut halo ring from GS Diamonds'.

Sam has said 'I just knew! Tara has everything I need in a woman,' A source said

'They are in love and it's completely genuine. They didn't argue once in Paradise - it's as if they were destined to be together!' 

'He told other boys they'd better not propose to anyone as he didn't want anything to ruin his and Tara's moment,' 

Sam has also reportedly moved out of his Sydney bachelor pad and into Tara's apartment on the Gold Coast as they gear up to tie the knot.

Bachelor In Paradise tonight at Monday at 7:30pm on Network Ten 

Know a local hero who needs celebrating?

Do you know a local hero in the Newcastle community? Westfield want to give them $10,000 to continue the good work they're doing.

Have a think of someone who promotes social well-being, harmony for local families, youth and inclusion project. Local Mumma and Westfield spokesperson said, "Westfield Local Heroes is about finding and celebrating those important people who go above and beyond to help make their community a better place,”  

Nominations for Westfield Local Heros open on Monday, April 23, and close on Wednesday, May 16.

12 year old boy does the unthinkable

Mum told me off once when my friend Sara was over and I got a little annoyed and went for a walk down the street packing several chocolate biscuits that I thought would last me for a very long time. They didn't have to in fact because Mum came along in her big red Merc about 2 blocks into our journey - spoilsport. This story is UNBELIEVABLE though. 

A 12-year-old stole his mum’s credit card, booked a flight to Bali and spent four days living a life of luxury after getting into a fight with his parents. The boy, who has not been named, booked the cheap flight to Indonesia after the heated argument with his parents. Before booking, he did extensive research on which airline would allow him to travel by himself without a written and signed letter from his parents. He managed to find a ‘cheap deal’ to Indonesia and booked the flight on a school day.

The boy then tricked his Nan into handing over his passport, packed his bag, grabbed his scooter and then headed to the airport by train to go on his solo adventure. At the airport, the boy used the self-service checkout and boarded a connecting flight from Sydney to Perth, and then another to Denpasar. The boy said he was shocked no one at Perth International Airport asked him why he was alone

‘They just asked for my student ID and passport to prove that I’m over 12 and that I’m in secondary school,’  While his parents reported him missing he was ordering room service at the  four-star All Seasons Hotel in Bali. Emma his mum said that she was ‘shocked, disgusted there is no emotion to explain how we felt when we found he had left for overseas.’

"It was great because I wanted to go on an adventure.’ After going on a plane and retrieving him from Bali Emma was quoted as saying he 'just doesn't like the word no'. Goodness me! Can you imagine being that mum? Thank goodness everyone is safe.