We mums can be so hard on ourselves, worrying that we’re not good enough parents, or that everyone else has motherhood sorted while we’re stumbling through the whole thing hoping for the best.
Hear us now: you ARE a great mum. By virtue of the fact you even worry about being a great mum makes you one. Sure, we all do parenthood differently, but how one person raises their kids is no less valid than how the next person chooses to do it.
The Beatles were on to something – all you need IS love, the rest will follow.
Here are 30 signs you’re nailing motherhood:
1. The fact you’re even reading this piece, because part of you is worried you aren’t doing parenting right. Trust us, you ARE.
2. Your children are clothed, fed and sheltered.
3. They share with others.
4. You tell them when they’re misbehaving, or doing something hurtful, because it’s for their own good.
5. They laugh and smile.
6. They wind their arms around your neck and cuddle and kiss you.
7. They’re your first thought when you wake up.
8. You make sure they have everything they need for school.
9. You know who Peppa Pig is, and Barney, and Scooby Doo. For your sins.
10. That story they tell you about the ladybird they saw in the school playground that walked very very slowly for a very very long time holds you captivated.
11. They say please and thank you.
12. When you discipline and they say, “I hate you” you know it’s not true, nor does it stop you disciplining them in the future.
13. You say things like, “This house is not a hotel!” and “Pick up after yourself!” and “I’m not a taxi service!” Yes, really.
14. You tell them how much you love them all the time – even when they get bigger and say it embarrasses them. Tough, now give mum a kiss!
15. You soothe tears, sore knees and bad dreams.
16. Everything you do is so they can have the best life possible.
17. You want them to be proud of you.
18. You clean up a LOT of icky fluids, without puking we might add.
19. You will always put them first.
20. Although you want to keep them safe and tucked up with you forever, you encourage them to be independent because you know it's what they need.
21. You accept them for who they are unconditionally.
22. They feel secure because of you.
23. You’ll dance crazily or do something ridiculous just to make them laugh.
24. You understand that there’s no such thing as a perfect mum, and with your love and a bit of muddling along, you’re doing the best job you can.
25. You can’t remember what life was like before they came along.
26. You look at them sometimes and your heart feels like it’s going to burst.
27. No matter how old they are you’ll ALWAYS worry about them.
28. You know that love, kindness and compassion are what’s important – not the latest gadgets or trainers. And you’ve instilled that in them too.
29. You’re a multi-tasking queen – folding a buggy, feeding the baby and making a sandwich at the same time is second nature to you.
30. Your patience knows no bounds. And that includes potty training, tears over an unsuitable boyfriend or the way it takes your tot three whole years to eat a finger of toast.
