Growing Roots & Wings: Parenting in the Little Moments That Shape Big Hearts

Motherhood is a paradox of small and vast. One day, I’m cutting tiny sandwiches into triangles; the next, I’m watching my daughter, Zara, negotiate a “fair share” of crayons with her playgroup pal. Parenting is less about grand gestures and more about nurturing resilience, curiosity, and kindness—while sneaking in moments of quiet magic.

Today, I’m sharing how I navigate picky eating, messy creativity, and the gentle art of letting go—even as I cling to the sparkle of custom baby jewelry that marks our journey.

1. Food Fights & Food Joy: Raising Adventurous Eaters

At ten months old, Zara started turning away fresh meals. Brccoli? Not! peas? “EW!!” I refused to let dinners turn into battlefields though. Cooking became a science experiment—stirring rainbow quinoa or “painting” pancakes with pureed berries—while grocery shopping became a treasure hunt—that is, “Find the shiniest carrot.” She started sampling gradually then asked for seconds.

Personalised jewellery became our secret ingredient at that point. We gave her a charm on her silver bangle for every meal she tasted—even if she eventually spit it out. Now it’s covered with apple slices, small broccoli florets, and even a micro goldfish (shout to her brief tuna period!). She brightens when we count her “food adventures,” and I find it great how the jewellery transforms finicky eating into a fun mission.

Let young children “buy” their lunchboxes. Zara loves choosing which fruit or cheese stick matches best; she is more likely to eat it if she “chose” it.

2. Messy Masterpieces: Letting Creativity Lead

My language of love is art materials. Zara’s imagination has found canvases in her walls, hands, even the tail of her dog. I now know to welcome the anarchy: finger paints across the dining table? An instance of modern art installation. On the carpet, playdough? like a “sculpture pit.” (Okay, maybe I am confusing myself.)

Custom jewels also find their way into this mess. We add a painted pebble to her “artist necklace” for every doodle she says are her “masterpiece.” The most recent composition One blue stone with her handprint glittering. She wears it boldly while “painting” the couch cushions, sure she is producing the next Mona Lisa.

Pro Tip: Shape food with cookie cutters. When Apple slices have stars or hearts, Zara eats more of them; she also enjoys flaunting her “jewellery snack.”

3. The Gentle Art of Letting Go: Independence & Cuddles

Among the toughest lessons parenthood offers? Learning to cling on and let go. Phase Zara is currently working on? Grandma’s hugs are refused: “No, Mama hold!” It pulls at my heart strings, but I remind myself: growing up involves learning to express independence.

We have developed a “goodbye ritual” instead of pushing cuddles. Whispering, “Mama come back soon,” she kisses her custom name necklace (engraved “Zara’s Superpowers”). She keeps the necklace on her wrist for comfort; I slip a matching pendant in my pocket to feel linked all day.

Pro Tip: Give children options to smooth out changes. “Do you want to dress in the dinosaur or unicorn shirt?” Helps them and preserves your sanity.

Why Jewelry is Our Family’s Heartbeat

Custom baby jewellery to me serves as a link between freedom and belonging. She’s a pro at stirring air, so she wears the silver cuff Zara to “help” me cook; she also clings to a small bracelet with our family names during playdates and the birthday charm fashioned like a starfish (her first beach trip). These pieces serve as reminders for me that she is both staying my baby and growing up, not just for her.

I even developed a custom whereby we embellish her bracelet with a fresh charm each New Year’s Eve. This year the small key was etched “Unlocking Kindness.” She still doesn’t really understand the meaning, but I do; every piece promises to develop her heart as much as her brain.

Final Thoughts: Parenting is a Verb That Means ‘Forever’

Teaching her to ride a bike while seated, praising her freedom while privately praying she doesn’t fall, motherhood is a ballet of contrasts. The quiet excitement of hearing her say “I love you” uninvited and the mixed delight of seeing her share toys (sometimes).

Custom jewellery becomes a time capsule through all of this. Zara will transfer these pieces to her own children one day, laughing at tales of her vegetable revolt or glitter-covered creations and following the engravings. I will also be there observing her grow to be the kind of mother I am still learning to be.