Dear Fellow Mum,
As I sit here with a cup of tea, watching my little one play, I feel compelled to share something that I have found profoundly important throughout my journey as a parent and also something I continuously remind myself of: the art of raising children intuitively. We live in a world where advice flows freely—from parenting books, well-meaning relatives, friends, and countless online forums. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, second-guess ourselves, and lose sight of what truly matters: our unique bond with our child.
When I first became a mum, I was bombarded with advice. Everyone had an opinion on everything, from how to soothe my crying baby to the best way to introduce solids. Amidst all this noise, I found myself doubting my instincts and questioning every decision I made. But as time went on, I realised that no one knows my child better than I do.
Our children communicate with us in ways that go beyond words. They express their needs through their cries, coos, giggles, and even their body language. Learning to listen to these cues and trusting our intuition can be more powerful than any piece of advice.
I remember the countless nights I spent trying different "expert-approved" sleep training methods and tips that everyone would share with, only to find that they didn't work for us. My baby needed comfort, closeness, and reassurance. Once I started following my instincts—responding to her cries with cuddles —both of us began to sleep better. This is not sleep advice, I just needed to listen to what my baby needed more and work intuitively with her.
Intuitive parenting is about trusting your gut. It’s about knowing that it’s okay to hold your baby a little longer, even if someone says you’re spoiling them. It’s about understanding that every child is different and what works for one may not work for another.
Filtering the noise doesn't mean we dismiss all advice. It means we listen, consider, and then decide what aligns with our values and what feels right for our child. Sometimes, this means blending bits of advice with our intuition. Other times, it means confidently forging our path, knowing that we are the best experts on our children.
Every child is unique, and so is every parenting journey. What works for one family might not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay. Celebrate your child’s individuality and your unique relationship with them. Trust in the connection you share and let that be your guiding light.
Raising children intuitively is a beautiful journey of discovery, patience, and love. It's about being present, listening deeply, and trusting that you are enough. So, dear mum, as you navigate the ups and downs of parenting, remember to tune out some of the noise and tune into your heart. You’ve got this, and your child is incredibly lucky to have you.
With love, Another Mum on the Journey
