Becoming a mum has been both one of the scariest and enriching life experiences I’ve had and probably will ever have. With this role comes the biggest responsibility ever; nurturing a small human! You have to learn to be firm but fair and somehow instilling in them a sense of confidence in their ability and embracing a zest for life.
This is all very well when they’re babies and within the safe four walls of their home. But what happens when they start to grow and begin nursery and school? When they have to start paving their own way and developing and owing who they are, sometimes in the face of naysayers and bullies?
Let's face it, as parents we know our kiddos can be super determined. Between being determined not to eat any veg, go to sleep, do any homework and don't forget the determination in not letting you go to the loo in peace....lol
Fun and games aside, it’s so easy to get disheartened by what someone else thinks, feels or says about you. We listen to that pestering negative voice even when we may have been complimented 20 times! I had been a victim of bullying at school and I grew up in a pretty toxic environment. I was never encouraged to embrace whom I was or to stand up for myself, as I was this awesome being who could do and achieve anything.
I knew I had to break this cycle when I laid eyes on my daughter for the first time. I was smitten and knew I wanted to create a better world for her and give her the tools necessary to deal with obstacles when she wasn’t in my presence. We take in the world around us and create our way of being through direct and subliminal messages. It is with this ethos and feeling that the graphics for the Dragons & Daisies range was created. I wanted my daughter to wear clothing that aired a positive vibe and didn’t under represent her femininity through slogans like ‘Daddy’s princess’ or ‘I am cute’. Yes, she is these things but so much more and then some.
My Determined Bunny - Miss E
Our Determined Bunny graphic represents strength and the drive to achieve your goals and aspirations. To realise your full potential, whilst facing some of life’s greatest barriers and obstacles head on. Some barriers can seem too big to overcome and can cause people give up even though they may be on the brink of overcoming their worst fear or dread. If a person loses the will and gusto to overcome the barriers that are stopping them from reaching their goals, they step away or give up and some without even trying, without even putting up a fight.
As our kiddos grow, learn, and discover new and exciting people, places and things, they will undoubtedly face many obstacles along the way. It’s a natural part of growing up.
A child’s brain is like a sponge – absorbing everything that happens and everything that is said. Instilling the importance of determination into their brains will help them to develop, grow, succeed and most importantly prepare them for adulthood. Children should feel inspired to break down the barriers of life’s greatest challenges in order to become the very best that they can be – reinforcing the message that “I can, I will, I must.”
What are you determined to do today?