Boy 1 has just entered his last year of single digits. I never really saw it as a ‘thing’ when I was younger, but it really has struck me just what a milestone turning 10 is and how much I have learned from my first few years of being a mother. Not just the cliched “time goes so quickly”, I know that, but there are few others that stick with me.

1. Parenting is never easy. From the first day I held Boy1, I realised the enormous responsibility of bringing a human into the world. Every year that passes, there is a new challenge or concern. And the arrival of Boy2 hasn’t eased any of it. From lack of sleep, weaning and toilet training to school choices and ‘serious conversations’, I defy you to find any parent who doesn’t walk around with a permanent worry buzzing around the back of their head. We always seem to be longing for a particular phase to pass or arrive, but all we are doing is wishing a new challenge on ourselves whilst wishing away the precious moments we have in the present. Yes, it’s hard, but it’s a blessing. The moment it becomes ‘easy’ is probably the moment we stop parenting and have to standby and witness the fruits of our labour. That thought alone fills me with dread and a feeling of loss. I’ll stop right there before the tears start 😢
2. Parenting is confusing, which probably partly explains why it’s so hard. So much conflicting advice from friends, family and so-called experts can lead you in different directions. The feeling of only having one chance to make the right decision is horrible – no rehearsals. I like to tell new parents to listen to all of the advice but don’t take all of it on. Why follow the advice of someone whose parenting style you don’t respect or admire, or whose lifestyle is so far from yours you could never implement their approach? Everyone is confused at some point, just find what works for you and your family, find your own juggling technique, then go with it. As the above mentioned worries and challenges evolve, so will your approach. That’s fine.
3. Kids are expensive. I’m not complaining, just making the point to anyone reading this that hasn’t jumped on the baby train yet. It doesn’t end after newborn phase. In fact that phase is kinda justifiably expensive as you’re investing in big stuff – Cots, buggies, car seats. It’s later on when you feel like you’re constantly feeding and clothing an ungrateful machine, who’s always on school trips and has a social calendar that would put Paris Hilton (circa mid-late 90’s) to shame. Yep, showing my age. But be prepared for the constant haemorrhaging of the cash you once would spontaneously spend on shoes, holidays, or meals in places that didn’t serve everything with chips.
4. Children like simple things. No big party for Boy1, in fact we only do a ‘party’ on alternate years. Just three of his friends at Total Ninja followed by takeaway pizza and a very small, undecorated Victoria sponge from Tesco. They loved it. Just the simple act of acknowledging his birthday and spending time friends was enough. I think we often over complicate or exaggerate what our children want, need or like, because of our own insecurities, public opinion or the things we missed out on in childhood. Guess what, there’s no need.
5. Happiness is so important, but we can’t define it for them. Every child is different. They learn differently, they want different things. Our role is to help them find out what brings them joy. I’m not a total advocate of ‘don’t worry about your schooling, as long as you’re happy’, education (not necessarily academic success) is very important. But by opening their eyes to different experiences, we can only hope that they will discover something that sparks real happiness. Because as they get older and more burdened with roles and responsibility, finding a source of joy, something which rests your soul and eases any stresses becomes more difficult. As adults, our own happiness can impact our children. They pick up on everything, even if they don’t or won’t tell you. Being a parent has really helped me to prioritise the happiness of my family over everyone else’s, because that’s what’s important. Their happiness today will influence their route to happiness in the future.
6. Friendships are important. Not hundreds of them, not for social media kudos, not for ego polishing, but real relationships. Friendships give children a lot. As well as the obvious happiness and laughter, they teach children about communication, respect, trust, support, conflict, compromise. Childhood friendships can be messy and fickle, but they are so important to our kids. As much as we can try to instil certain things in our children, it’s real life situations that help them understand and navigate the world. As adults, our friendships are just as important, not only because children see the way we treat others, but we become more conscious of external influence. I don’t want negative energy around my children, so any ‘inappropriate’ friends are kept away from our home. That’s not because they are at risk, of course not, but because sometimes kids just don’t get that the ‘banterful’ or over opinionated friend isn’t being serious and I shouldn’t have to explain them.
7. Honesty really is the best policy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not about to sit down with my 2 year old and break down issues such as sexism, racism, homophobia, the list goes on. However, I’ve realised that kids do listen even when we think they don’t. They watch when we think they aren’t looking. They have conversations in the playground and eventually on phones and social media, where we aren’t privy to what’s being said. So it’s important to give them an appropriate amount of truth and honesty. If not to avoid confusion and influence from those negative sources, but to build trust in your parental relationship.
8. There’s nothing wrong with living in the moment. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day routines and rituals. Running from activity to activity, living life through calendar reminders. But there’s nothing wrong with throwing caution to the wind and being spontaneous with your kids. They love it. A random decision to bake a cake, watch a film or go splashing in muddy puddles, can bring sunshine to a rainy day. Just having genuine, unstructured fun is great for all of you.
9. Nothing beats love. The cheesy bit. I realised when I reflected on my mothering experience for The Mothers project, just how overwhelming the feeling of maternal love really is. I slightly recoil when I see #blessed on my news feeds, but in this instance it’s totally true. My children make my heart smile and they bring a feeling that I have never and will never feel again. Regardless of anything that’s going on in life, this parental love can get you through the most difficult of times. Don’t ever, ever forget that. ❤️