Week 2, Term 2 2026
THIS WEEK’S TOPIC
This week we looked at the topic of CONNECTIONS and what that means for us, our babies and those around us.
How do we connect?
What does connection feel like?
Connection is what we all yearn for and is what your baby is trying to achieve in all it does from smiling to crying. Connection doesn't need language, although this definitely helps. Connection is in an action, a look, a gesture, an action.
Connection is being seen, feeling safe and a sense of belonging. Connection could be with ourselves; what are my needs right now. With a partner or special person and always with our children.
We might feel a connection with someone straight away or it may be something that needs to grow with time and practice.
Connections can change over time as things change in ours and others lives. At these times a consciousness is needed to maintain the connections.
Connection with our baby’s changes everyday as they change each day and we get to know more and more about who they are becoming.
So how do we weave connection into our daily activities;
Nappy changing with our youngest ones is the perfect opportunity to have a meaningful conversation rather than distracting them with toys.
As mealtimes become more meaningful and regular we have another wonderful opportunity for sharing moments, making eye contact and building a rich vocabulary.
Bedtime can often be a hard time so why not try and turn it around, rather than dread it, take the time to be with them with compassion knowing that they are finding it hard to let go when they so much want to be with you. Build rituals around cuddles, songs and or stories.
Model language that is rich and connectioning avoiding shaming or harming words. They hear how you speak to others as well as them.
Repair. Remember connection is a practice that needs time and practice. Find compassion for yourself when you don't feel you connected and reflect on the why.
Find simple rituals to connect with your partner. Make time to listen to each other's needs and respect them. You are building a new family, whatever that might look like and each member is trying to find their way so keep communications open and accepting.
Maybe the challenge this week is to discuss with your partner or someone special to you what your needs are and ask what theirs are. The goal is then to look at how you might be able to help each other in a realistic manner.
Recipe of the week: Date Brownies
Date Brownies (No Added Sugar, No Gluten) - The Conscious Plant Kitchen
Ingredients
340g Medjool dates, pitted
160mls boiled water
180mls peanut (or other nut) butter
2 tbsp flaxmeal or ground chia seeds
40g cocoa powder
40g dark chocolate chips
30g flour
¾ tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp of salt (optional)
Method
Preheat the oven to 180c. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan.
Place the dates in a bowl, pour over boiled water and press the dates with a fork to make sure they are all mostly immersed in hot water. Cover the bowl with a plate and leave for 10 mins.
After 10 mins pour water and dates into a food processor.
Add nut butter, flaxmeal/chia and baking soda.
Process on medium high until it comes together and forms a paste.
Add the remaining ingredients; flour, cocoa and vanilla then process again until it forms a super sticky chocolate batter.
Add chocolate chips and pulse to mix through.
You will now have a very sticky and messy batter that is hard to spread. Scrap it all into the pan then cut a piece of baking paper the same size and oil on one side. Place the oiled side on top of the batter and use the back of a spoon or base of measuring cup to spread it around the pan.
Remove the greaseproof paper and bake for 25-3- minute at 180c until the top is dry and cracks.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then on a cooling rack.
Optional: sprinkle with extra chocolate chips and salt.
Cut into 16 brownies once cool.
