When I was younger I always knew that I wanted kids even though I never felt I had that maternal side. I mean, being around the children of our friends and knowing what to do or how to speak to them just never came naturally, so although I wanted my own kids I always worried how I would cope and if I would be close to them.
Having said all that, I’m relieved that being a Mum somehow came naturally once our little ones made their entrance into the world. I feel as though I have fabulous bonds with all three of our kids but being a Mum hasn’t been without its challenges. From having to accept the inevitable changes to my body and life, through to what seems like the daily struggle of balancing (or even juggling) it all layered with the constant testing of my patience, it’s definitely had its ups and downs but I wouldn't change a thing!
There isn't a moment that goes by when I don't realise how lucky I am to have my three. They have definitely made me a better person and taught me a huge amount, so I thought I’d share with you my biggest take outs of being a Mum so far.
1) Your best is good enough
You don’t have to be Supermum and do it all. They don’t see the piles of washing or other chores you haven’t done, they see you and just enjoy all the time you get to spend together. It’s easy to feel guilty that you’re not doing enough but they don’t see it like that so we shouldn't either!
2) Don’t take life too seriously and have fun
Watching the kids laughing, chasing each other and generally going crazy has reminded me it’s good to forget everything else and immerse myself in the fun instead. Just for those small moments I can feel the stress lifting and of course treasured memories being made.
3) It’s good to notice the little things
My kids find so much joy in the smallest things, from a little snail in the garden to leaves from the seeds they planted finally growing. It’s a reminder we too can find the same. For me, the birds singing in the morning when I’m having a coffee reminds me that there is so much to be grateful for.
4) Every day is a new beginning with new opportunities
It’s easy to let feelings from difficult behaviour roll over into a new day but kids just don’t do that. They wake up on a new day and at that point have moved on from anything not great the day before. This is one thing I try and emulate because holding onto those emotions doesn’t help anyone and can cloud another day which needn’t be…..plus life is too short right?!
5) No dream is too big and nothing is impossible
Lately, Jasper has reminded me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. He tells me what he dreams of being when he’s older and I just love seeing that focus and belief he has in himself which reminds me that we all have the same possibility of achieving our dreams if we dig deep. I know I’m guilty of self-doubt a lot of the time so believing in myself and achieving my dreams is a work in progress!
6) You don’t have a finite amount of love
When I had Jasper and was pregnant with Rudy, I used to wonder how I would have enough love to go around. The truth is that it just did. The same thought crossed my mind when I was pregnant with Sienna last year, but again I had more than enough love for them all. The truth is, I seem to have more love than I ever thought possible and with each passing day my love for each of them is more and more.
7) It doesn’t matter how tidy or big your house is
I spend a lot of my time thinking our house should be tidier or improved, and even how much better it would be for the kids to have somewhere bigger to live and play, but in actual fact it doesn’t matter. My kids don’t see any of that, they don’t care about the house being tidy or big, they just care about the time we have together talking, playing, having fun and giggling as much as possible.
8) I am a better person because of them
My kids drive me up the wall half the time and test my patience a least every minute of the day but I wouldn’t have it any other way because they make me a better person. Because of them I try harder, focus on being the best version of myself, have more patience (although still not loads!) and don’t take myself too seriously. Having said that I am fiercely protective of them and they are the reason I stand my ground and fight for what I believe in. Ultimately I want to be the best I can for them, a role model, their biggest champion, best friend and mum because they deserve that and more.
I would love to hear other things that your kids have taught you so please do share!