“Is everything okay?”
It’s a popular question for new Mums.
I may have heard it myself on many occasions.
With both my girls.
And the response was often “yep fine”, even if things weren’t.
Why do we this to ourselves?!
Because we women, particularly Mums, like to show and prove we know what we’re doing, most of, if not all of the time.
Even if it means we leave ourselves floundering.
What does it achieve?
Well more often than not, it leaves you stressed to the eyeballs but possibly with the smallest sense of achievement.
But likely not always happy.
Not really an ideal place to be as it can often lead to bigger problems.
I have a few friends who are first time Mums or soon to be and I find myself their go-to person for advice.
Honestly it’s flattering they turn to me, but I’m hoping I’m helping, not hindering, my beautiful fellow mummas.
Because frankly I don’t always feel like I’m winning in the mothering role.
Yep, you guessed it I’m my own worst critic.
There are good days.
There are great days.
And then there are horrendously shit days.
I know everyone has them.
But sometimes it’s hard to find that balance.
Hopefully, whatever “magical” advice my lovely friends receive, is of some use.
Well they seem to keep coming back so I must be doing something right.
But let’s face it parenting really is a lot of guesswork.
I’m winging it most days and my girls seem pretty happy.
Well until the fantastically named witching hour (more like bloody multiple hours) kicks in and then all hell breaks loose!
I’m sure my neighbours must think I’m a crazy lady some days.
But if I can offer up any advice to new Mums or those waiting in the wings to take up their new role as a mumma: never be afraid to ask for some help if you need it!
There’s no shame in admitting you need a helping hand and it’s probably something I should have done a little more often!
After all, many hands make light work.
Just keep smiling (it keeps everyone guessing anyway) and know that whatever happens, being a mum in the early days is hard but they’re only little for a short time.