When it comes to balancing Motherhood after your second child, the juggle is real.
This guest blog post is from fellow wife and mompreneur of 2, event designer, Nicole Emmanuel. Nicole shares her journey and thoughts below:
Balancing Motherhood after your Second Child by Nicole Emmanuel
As a mother of 2 children, I have experienced many challenges. The biggest challenge for me within the first 6 months of being a mom of 2 was definitely sleep deprivation! I remember being extremely tired from breastfeeding, being a momma & wife, and also preparing for 2 events 4 months after giving birth. However, my husband is very supportive and ensured I slept when I could and we took turns doing night feedings. Having your partner’s support in my opinion, is one of the most important factors for recovering emotionally & physically postpartum.
The challenges are felt throughout the family, especially for our little ones. My biggest advice would be to have one on one time with each child, giving them your undivided attention. Time could mean snuggling up watching a movie with my son, baking cookies with my daughter, or simply taking a walk with the two of them, I find that creates a smoother transition. It may be hard for an only child to suddenly lose complete one on one attention to all of a sudden have a sibling. However, creating balance seems to always bring harmony and happiness to our family.
One thing we swear by is our bedtime routine. We try to do the same activities every night leading up to bedtime. Our routine starts with bathing the kids, then heading downstairs for dinner, followed by some “free-playing” time and at about 8:30pm we head upstairs to read a bedtime story, give hugs and kisses and say goodnight.
Did I mention me time?
Those who know me know I am a FIRM believer in self-care. My self-care may seem a bit indulgent (lol) but it’s definitely a great morale boost. I have a few activities on my self-care list, which consists of long spa days,finding a cute cafe in town where I can get lost in a book,my favorite latte drink, or magazine. I also love my solo-dates where I find a cozy restaurant in town,take myself out and have a glass of wine. Self-care on the days I decide to stay in, I binge watch my favorite 80s & 90s sitcoms with my favorite dessert on hand.
When it comes to things I wish I had done before having my son, I would say I wish I traveled more. Traveling gets harder when you have two children because it’s harder to find a sitter if you want to travel alone with Hubby. There’s A LOT of packing involved and more tedious when children are younger. However, as they age it seems to get easier.
Until next time,
Nicole
Contact Nicole
Nicole Emmanuel is based in New Jersey with Her husband, daughter, and son. You can contact her here:
Name: Nicole Emmanuel
Website: Nicolelevents.com
Email: nicole.emmanuel@nicolelevents.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicolelevents (business)
www.instagram.com/nee_emmanuel (personal)
Great piece Nikki!!!!! Love it !!!!! Was too short!!!!!!😘😘😘
Can’t wait for part two!!!!!!
Great article. I whole heartedly agree with the self care, be it a day or an hour. Mommy has to be good before she can fix anyone else.
Great read. I admire your family. Even as a mom of one, I am leaving here with some of the “me time” pointers. I speak about having it but I don’t when the time comes.