Hello World

No-one told me how hard it can be having children.  Or maybe they did, but I was so caught up in the excitement and thrill of it all, that I chose not to listen.  Either way, even when I felt the most prepared that I possibly could be, the reality of parenthood was still one hell of a shock.  Maybe you feel, or have felt, the same way too? 

I was ready for the sleepless nights and knew that a baby would take up all of my time and attention.  What I didn't realise was how responsible and guilty you can feel about your baby, right from the moment you discover you're pregnant; or how the simplest of things like getting showered, dressed and out in the morning can become like a military manoeuvre, planned out to the last detail; or how the worst of the toddler tantrums always seem to be saved for when you’re out and about and surrounded by people (who, inevitably, start frowning at you and no doubt mutter about what a bad parent you are); or having to become a master of multi-tasking (I’m now an expert at feeding a hungry baby, cooking dinner for the rest of the family and answering the phone all at the same time).  Then, add more children to the mix and there's things like sibling rivalry and jealousy to sort out.  It's certainly not the easy, 'romantic' notion I had when I decided it was time to become a mother.

I've decided to pen this blog to share my thoughts and experiences about being a parent and the joys and frustrations that go hand-in-hand with the job.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not pretending to be some kind of expert, offering up tips and advice on how to raise your children.  I'm not that arrogant.  I’m just a mum who has had (and is still having) my fair share of problems, struggling to get things right or rather, as right as I can.  Along the way I’ve found other mums coming up against similar hurdles, which is reassuring to know I’m not getting it totally wrong.  You might find some of my thoughts and experiences helpful, you may not.  What do I hope is at the very least you’ll find my blog a good read.