Laugh or Cry

Trying to walk to dinner like normal people, there is always one isn’t there?

Introduction:

Welcome to the chaotic, beautiful, and downright hilarious world of parenting two teenage girls and a spirited toddler. As a mum, I've find myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, milestones, and a constant quest for sanity. In a nutshell there is the consistent balance between my full time usual day job working at a hospital, kindergarten days (what have I forgetten, what day is it, did I miss a note saying it was dress up day), sport and coaching the middle child’s team, to mastering the art of driving (yes, the eldest has her learners, I am learning the art of the invisible brake!)– all while maintaining a semblance of humor and grace. This is the perfect reason I am working towards my own time freedom journey to change the chaos. I would love you to join me along my journey and feel normal while you read about our very normal but crazy lives.

Embracing the Chaos:

Life with a 16-year-old, a 12-year-old, and a 2-year-old is a symphony of chaos. This is where the laugh or cry comes in, have you ever heard the saying if you don’t laugh you will cry! Life is not boring that’s for sure. Some days we are on top of it all, others I am ready for bed by lunch time, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Beauty in Every Stage:

One of the most beautiful aspects of our family dynamic is witnessing each girl at a different stage of life. From the innocence of kindergarten to the testing waters of adolescence, every age brings its own rewards. Sure, the teenager eye rolls and toddler meltdowns can be trying…….very trying, but they're also a reminder that life is a tapestry of moments, each unique and precious in its own way. I am certainly not the bias parent where I say my kids do no wrong, gosh I remember being that age, but I do admit by girls are great, they work hard at school and sport, they have jobs and they help me out so much with their little sister. Just look at the picture about, they have much more patience than me, most of the time!!

The Teenage Odyssey:

Navigating the teenage years is like embarking on an epic odyssey. The journey involves deciphering text messages (I find myself googling half the things they type), surviving mood swings, and mastering the delicate art of letting go. As they inch closer to adulthood, I find myself both proud of their independence and nostalgic for the days when a simple hug could solve all problems. The strangest part is I am finding teenage years much easier than toddler years, is this just me?

The Toddler Tornado:

While the teenagers are mastering algebra and social dynamics, our little toddler is a force of nature. Her energy is boundless, and her curiosity knows no bounds. She would have to be the most challenging and the most stubborn, but isn’t that meant to be a good thing in the long run? She is so quick with her come backs and sayings, I find myself speechless most of the time and in disbelief those big words just came out her mouth. Think this one is learning so quickly from the big girls she is a good mixture of all of them. On a side note, she still is a 2 year old, as I type this she is currently putting coasters down her top telling me she is playing a game….. I choose not to ask questions most of the time!

The Blessing of Age Gaps:

Having an age gap between each child may seem daunting, but it's also a blessing in disguise. The older ones become built-in mentors, helping with homework, offering fashion advice, and occasionally sharing the secrets of navigating the teenage landscape. Their support is invaluable, and the bond they share is a testament to the strength of sibling relationships. They are like my own personal nannies that I don’t have to pay. They allow me to go for a walk or have a shower to myself. When I need to finish up some work they are on hand to entertain the littlest and for now still allow her in their rooms to keep her entertained.

Humor as a Lifesaver:

Humor is our lifeline in this household. Whether it's sharing embarrassing stories from my own adolescence to ease the tension or finding the absurdity in everyday situations, laughter helps us survive this whirlwind we call life. A well-timed joke can diffuse a brewing storm of emotions and remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. Don’t be fooled it does get tense and trying but at the end of the day I know we are always here for each other. Girl Gang forever.

Getaways: The Glue that Binds Us:

In the midst of our everyday lives, small getaways serve as the glue that binds us together. Escaping the routine for a weekend allows us to reconnect, create lasting memories, and appreciate the uniqueness of our family dynamics. These breaks are a breath of fresh air, a pause button on the hectic pace of life. The picture above is from a recent getaway to celebrate the eldest’s 16th birthday. We had planned to hire out a Kombi camper but due to needing urgent repairs that was cancelled last minute. 2 days out panic stations hit but ended up being a blessing as we stayed at Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast. We visited Sealife and stayed right in the action. Easy access to the beach to run off plenty of energy, the girls were able to go do some shopping and we had lots of places to choose for dinner. We don’t eat out often, so going out for dinner is a treat for the girls. They are also obsessed with Ghanda at the moment, so they had fun doing a little shopping on their own.

Conclusion:

Life with two teenage girls and a toddler is a wild ride, full of beauty, chaos, and unexpected surprises. As a mum, I embrace the laughter, try navigate the challenges, and revel in the shared moments that make our family uniquely ours. The age gap, though challenging, has proven to be a blessing, creating a support system that strengthens our family bonds. Through it all, we find joy in the journey, knowing that each stage is a fleeting chapter in the grand story of our family. They also keep my young and feeling old at the same time. Who can relate?