Well ladies (and gents), this is my last post…
I’ve loved keeping in touch with you over the past twelve months, and sharing some of my experiences and tips on pregnancy and motherhood. I’m a great believer that if we don’t share and laugh together about the madness of it all, we’ve had it!
So, what have we learned?
I think the main thing all of my columns have addressed is the need to be honest about motherhood, and to accept that it’s very hard at times, and we need to give ourselves a break occasionally. To make life a little easier where we can. This can be anything from using a product that saves time and makes a job easier, to spending time with friends, or just having a good cry when you need it. They’re all things that can make or break a busy, tired mum’s day.
There are a million different ways of raising kids, but what’s certain is that we all make mistakes and learn as we go, and the more we can listen to others, share tips and pass on what worked for us, the better.
I’m currently experiencing a new side of motherhood which is throwing up a whole new list of worries and stresses: my eldest daughter is already twelve years old (how did THAT happen?!) and every day she brings home a new challenge that I didn’t think I’d see for many years to come.
Where once my life was dominated by baby rice, toddler groups and teething, now I’m battling with how I feel about letting my kids on Facebook, whether they should have a mobile phone, how much pocket money is too much, and whether make-up is allowed or not.
Another change I hadn’t prepared myself for was losing the evenings. After years of tucking the kids into bed at seven or eight, now it’s at least half past nine before the eldest is asleep and my evening can start. And of course by that time, I’m already thinking about going to bed myself!
All of this is just to illustrate that the challenge of parenting never ceases. Whatever stage you’re at, whether it’s potty training, weaning or watching your child take her first step, it seems like the trickiest thing ever. And then something even trickier comes along!
If I were to pass on one last thought, it would be this: try not to worry. I know that’s so easy to say, and we do all worry about so much where our babies and children are concerned. But the degree of worry really does seem to have reached fever pitch, and it’s not doing us any good.
Children need love and security, and safety. They don’t need every toy you can buy, the most perfect food or extra French classes. And there is no correct time at which they should do something. Some talk early, some walk late. Some hate tomatoes, others refuse pasta. It’s what kids are like!
But so long as they are well cared for, and eat some of every food group, and do most of the things that seem reasonable for a child of that age, they’re probably just fine.
So enjoy these early years as best you can. They are so hard, and so exhausting, but they set you up for life, with your child. You won’t get it all right – in fact you’ll be doing a lot better than most if you even get a half of it right! – but you can only do your best. And if you’ve done that, you can sleep easy.
When they finally let you get some sleep….
Best of luck with all that comes your way, and thanks for reading.
Liz xx
