Newbie Tuesday Round-up: New beginnings

I’m going to be predictable and start by telling you that I’ve just dropped my children off at school for their first day of the new school year. Although they are not new starters, they still have new beginnings – a new teacher, a new playground, a new school in GG’s case,  and so there were tummy wobbles this morning. I am proud to say that mine handled their butterflies very well, with the right mix of excitement versus trepidation, but there were lots of red-eyes on the playground this morning, and it wasn’t just the kids! I know that lots of you are facing your first school-run this week, so here are my top tips for starting school – a post dedicated to helping parents cope, not just the children! And before you know it you’ll be writing a beautiful letter to your child as he starts secondary school!

One mother with attitude is very glad to get her son back to school, not for her own peace and quiet, but to keep him out of the line of attack from all the gossips of the neighbourhood! Along with Diary of the Milkshake Mummy she’s introducing a new linky in her post about mothers having their say. I know of a few mums who like to let off steam, so head over and join in! Three under 3 has had a huge week of new beginnings, with the cot to bed switchover, first time at playgroup, first steps and first words! Or maybe you’re planning a new start for your blog. Stilettos on the School Run took a long break from blogging recently but I’m pleased to say that she missed us all too much and is back. Go and give her a prod to keep her blogging! Perhaps you’re going all out to find a new job. If so you’ll be interested in this brilliant discussion of what you say about your status as a mother, and gaps on your CV.

Now that we are getting back into the post-holiday routines, maybe you’ll find time for some new beginnings of your own. For those lacking in motivation I have discovered Kat’s weekly Monday incentive post to get you going and cheer us all up. Brilliant idea for those Monday mornings when nothing seems like fun. Or when children’s demands mean you can’t even drink your tea hot! Or perhaps it is time to finally convince someone other than you to make a start on that to-do list, like Cold Tea and Smelly Nappies. One chore facing me is redecorating. The Bug is desperate for me to repaint his bedroom from the pink that he inherited when we moved in 3 years ago! I am ashamed of myself, but if I could get him to do all the hard work, like wallpaper-stripping (yes, Everything’s Rosey has proved it’s possible!) maybe I could be tempted to pop a few Star Wars stickers up for him?

For me, new beginnings usually involve some kind of decision around what I eat. This time it means cooking for 4, rather than 2 lots of 2. Instead of preparing separate meals for the children, I want to save time (and waste) by making food that we can all eat together. So I’m compiling a list of recipes which appeal to me and Actually Daddy, whilst not prompting too much revulsion from the children! Here are some of my favourites from newer bloggers:

• Mixed Bag of Allsorts has a Butternut Squash risotto that we will all like, and has the advantage that I can cook it for the kids and reheat it for me and AD if he’s running late. Add to that the fact that we can grate parmesan onto it and my offspring will be in heaven – did you know that grated parmesan turns into wriggly worms on hot rice??
• Meal Planning Monday is a meme which lots of bloggers take part in, and I went over to look for inspiration on Dolly Bakes blog. I read her meal plan and then somehow got sucked into her Calendar Cakes roundup. Now my meal plan consists of a couple of healthy family meals and rather a lot of delicious-looking cake!

If new beginnings have you lamenting the passing of the (summer) holidays then maybe it’s time to book your next holiday. Some of the best deals for next year go out now, and I was particularly impressed with Slummy to Yummy Mummy’s review of the Haven Blue Dolphin caravan park. I’ve not tried Haven, but it sounds like a great time for the children, which always makes for happier adults. Or maybe you will finally find time for tackling your reading list. Here is a blog all about New Beginnings, where the author could do with some tips about how to keep going with hers. Help her out if you can.

If all else fails, why not have  a good old rant? Baby Steps is unleashing her views on unwanted parenting advice. Never has a blog been of better service to a parent than when you can use it to let off steam. So if you’re feeling all pent up at the thought of the new beginnings you haven’t yet begun to get going with, RANT away and see if it helps! I know if I was over at Confessions of a Mumpreneur right now I’d be having a serious word with those being overly nosey about her pregnancy!

Right, I’ve got to head off for the school-pick up now. Where on earth did today go? And I haven’t even begun that new venture I was going to start today…

About Helen Wills

Helen Wills is the voice behind the very loquacious GG, who blogs at Actually Mummy. She's been blogging for 2 years and still considers herself a newbie in the blogging world. She spends too much time on Twitter and Facebook and reads a ridiculous amount of blogs. She especially loves to lend an ear to new bloggers, having navigated the waters of blog set-up with the invaluable support of more established bloggers. In her free time she is a freelance writer, blogger and social media professional.

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