I’m overjoyed to announce that I am representing Fisher-Price as one of their Play Ambassadors! Over the next few months I’ll be partnering with Fisher-Price to share parenting tips, toy reviews and super awesome giveaways just for Octavia and Vicky readers. I’m also joining a community of parents finding their tribe and sharing their favourite overjoyed, overwhelmed and overtired moments at the Fisher-Price website. I hope that you’ll join me there too! Upload photos, videos or stories of your own moments of being overjoyed, overtired and overwhelmed or click through to see what others have to share. No one will accuse you of oversharenting in this space. All of these features will also be available in the Fisher-Price App very soon, stay tuned for more info!

As a part of my partnership with Fisher-Price, Rocky and I went to Sydney last week to go to the launch of their awesome new range of products. It was a like a huge mothers group – with the added bonus of the most delicious breakfast buffet you can imagine! As we sat nibbling on chocolate croissants we joined in a chat with a panel of three parenting experts about what it’s like to be parents – the challenges, the triumphs and the joys. I walked away from that room of bubbly, chatty parents feeling a little bit lighter (in spite of the chocolate croissants).

We all know that parenting is a roller coaster ride of emotion. As parents we feel overtired and overwhelmed, we over-analyse and over-criticise ourselves. We’re overenthusiastic about our little bundles of joy and we over-share on their every pee and poop to our friends (oversharenting, anyone?). The one thing that makes it all worthwhile is that amazing feeling of being overjoyed. Overjoyed at the steps they take, the words they say, their peaceful sleeping faces, the love that they shower us with and the overwhelming love that we feel for them.

Here are five ways that you can feel overjoyed every day:

1. Play

We are always being told about the importance of play for children’s learning and development, but playing with your children is also one of life’s greatest pleasures. Take time out of your day to just be in the moment and play together. Laugh, pretend, build, create, explore and discover through play and you will feel lighter, happier and more connected with your child and yourself.

2. Let It Go

Worrying steals your joy and keeps you busy doing nothing. Try focussing on what you can change, and let go the things that you can’t. I will admit that I find letting it go very difficult to do, but with practice I’m getting better. When I feel anxiety creeping in I find it helpful to stop and think about what I’m grateful for instead or to do a quick mini-meditation.

3. Find Your Tribe

Friends make us laugh and listen to our troubles. Connect with others who are going through the same joys and woes that you are – whether that means meeting up for a coffee or clicking on your favourite social media site. Finding others who understand what we’re going through can lighten the load and help us to feel less alone.

4. Keep it Real

While finding your tribe, remember to keep it real. So many of us feel trapped by pressure, from ourselves or from society, to be ‘perfect’ and to have it all. The truth is that none of us are perfect, none of us have it all. Start changing the culture of perfection and help lift a weight from your shoulders. Let down your guard and you’ll see others let down theirs too.

5. Take a Break

One of the biggest issues for many parents is the need for time to themselves – and finding it almost impossible to get it. Time to yourself doesn’t need to mean going on a spa retreat, or spending the whole day away from your loved ones. I have a friend who finds their time alone in those few minutes in the car before arriving home, cranking up their favourite tunes and singing along. Another friend enjoys that small minute of silence between buckling her children in the car and getting into the driver’s seat. Every minute counts. Acknowledge those moments for what they are, soak them up, and carry on.

Tell me, what makes you feel overjoyed? Why not share your story with the tribe :)