Motherhood is often described as the most challenging yet rewarding venture a woman can embark upon.
Mothers will celebrate their love, strength and sacrifice on Sunday, including Wallan mother Renee Frost who became a mother 21-years-ago.
Mrs Frost, owner of local business Frost Real Estate, still vividly remembers the first interaction with her new daughter Grace.
“I remember having Gracie and the first words she ever heard were ‘oh my goodness, you’re so beautiful’ … even though she was a squished newborn, as her mum, I thought she was heavenly,” Mrs Frost said.
“Gracie was a really tricky baby, and it took us eight months to settle into a routine, so when she was 10-months, much to my surprise, I was ready to have another.
“Noah was completely different to Grace – he was full of beans, always on the go.
“They were both absolutely gorgeous, with very different interests and approaches to life.”
Life has always been ‘full on’ for the family of four, having moved houses 21 times pursuing career ambitions since Grace was born.
“We told the kids it was an ‘adventure’ because it gave them the perception that challenges could be looked at as fun,” Mrs Frost said.
“It’s all for the purpose of ‘how do we use life to grow our children’s lives?”
Mrs Frost’s approach to parenting was picked up from her Bachelor of Education degree, having studied early childhood, primary and secondary teaching.
“I relied on motherhood on what I learned about children in my education – the importance of a child’s sense of belonging, their wellbeing, their individual identities and all their learning styles,” she said.
“They’re little people, and just like adults, they’re incredibly unique.
“For me, it was so important that my children felt valued and seen so that they could develop into all that they were born to be.”
Mrs Frost said amidst the overwhelm of motherhood, appreciating its dynamic nature was pivotal.
“I love that it always changes, I love the unknown and that I have a relationship with my two people – you don’t know where they’re going to end up, what road they’re going to travel, but you get to be a participant in the journey,” she said.
With both children all grown up, Mrs Frost hoped to encourage new mums in the region this Mother’s Day.
“Surround yourself with good people who believe in you and believe in yourself,” she said.
“Create a vision of the life you want for your children and set out to find the people that will support you to make that happen – because it can happen if you work toward it.”
