we recently returned from 7 days of bliss on the beautiful island of Rarotonga with our family... the 32 Kilometer in circumference tropical paradise did nothing but relax us, refocus us and recharge our batteries to end the year xx

Check out -

Te Vara Nui island night... it'a a cultural experience where you get a tour through a traditional village, you learn about the hisotry - get a cool little coconut tree climbing and husking show and then watch an island dance/show with traditional banquet. we tasted the best food on the island at this show. it will not disappoint.

also, check out Buggy Tours - a definite must for the adrenaline junkies out there. you get a tour through a historic land mark and a trip up to the waterfall. if you're amazing at golf - you get the opportunity to win your money back at the driving range before experienceing the most fantastic sammys on the island!

there are also night paddeling tours and kayak/snorkeling everywhere on the island. due to their strick water motor laws they have the most beautiful marine life so if you want to save some money just go down to the beach with your snorkles and get in!

Where to stay?

we HIGHLY recommend Pacific Resort - their pool is away from the dining area so you can swim and enjoy a cocktail. it is well set up for children and the food is as devine as the staff.

there are accommodation to suit any budget or requirements so have a good look around. if you're travelling in a group there are homes to hire - Coconut Haven is located just off the main road and close to a good swimming beach

What to eat?

SEAFOOD!! of course... but really, check out the local markets... amazing and affordable food. otherwise most resorts allow non guests to dine in (and use their pool) if you're wanting something sit down and deliciously special.

in Aitutaki at the markets you'll taste possibly the best fish and chips of your life, waffles and coffee and coconut pancakes...

vili's burger bar - best burgers in the entire world!

and the Tumunu restaurant for share seafood platters... deliciousness

Getting around the island

if you have a motorbike license you're sweet... if not, you need a license to get a bike, you need a bike to get a license. it can be frustrating BUT worry not, most scooter hire places will hire you a bike and provide you with a 24 hour temporary license. you'll need to head into the police station to sit a bike license which all up costs $30 NZD. make sure to get in there first thing in the morning to avoid the lines.

there are buses travelling both clock wise and anti-clock wise... no bus stops so just wave them down.

 

Shopping?

shopping?... not really. but if you're after pearl's than you're in luck! they sell them everywhere. also, Lavalava (Pareu) and coconut oil which you can use for EVERYTHING (the islands own Kawakawa)

we left a peice of our hearts in Rarotonga

until next

I'll tell you right now - little boys are hard work. background story is required:

 

Miss 6 is on the lowest part of the spectrum for Autism - this, however, cannot be confirmed indefinitely because of her age. I think she is absolutely wonderful. she is smart, polite, well mannered... she's just her own person. Fantastic. easy-going...

 

so fast forward, Dad isnt here anymore and I have a 3 year old boy to accompany this 6 year old angel girl. he is ultimately the only male in the house and he definitely rules the roost. He gets attention out the eye balls, he cries when he doesnt get his way - every time. he cries when he sees me... he loves crying. he is a professional crier. it makes me giggle sometime, you know, when im not tearing my hair out.

 

anyway, in the weekend, he thought it would be a good idea to box his sister in the side of the face because she was watching television. I was horrified! so we're implementing some new strategies into our lives because, yes - it is the parent, not the child.

 

i acknowledge this.

 

I also see how middle children (yes, im the middle child) get their "middle child syndrome". ultimately, the oldest child set's the scene. parents can obviously deal with this new child.. then number 2 comes along and they're completely different, by the time you (as the parent) catch on to what's happening, you're onto the next "hiccup" to deal with. then little precious youngest child is born and is the angel of the family. - totally get it.

 

 

so i really just wanted to say to the Mother's out there with little boys + and no baby daddy around all the time... i feel you girl.

 

 

what i am struggling with though is - what the hell do i do now! so here we go.

 

1. identify what you as the parent are doing - check. i feel like shit now.

 

2. strategise around how you are going to change this - check. easier said than done

 

3. be consistent and fair in your discipline. the child is a good child, the behaviour is bad - check. im weak as hell

 

so now i'll keep on to this and see how we go. wish me luck!

 

if you guys have any strategies you've tried then please feel free to help this Momma out!

 

- until next