I was going to be calm all the time, always made up even while just going to the shops. I was going to be fit and strong, I was going to be the ‘perfect parent’ I thought to myself. Well that was a fairytale.

Now as a mum of a very wild and social three year old – I’ve made so may mistakes and will make some more. I’ve yelled at my daughter, hid in a pantry to finish a whole bag of chips, doom-scrolled on social media while my baby napped and I go to the shops and most public places in my pyjamas or tracksuit, messy hair completely bare feet.

I’ve learned to accept that parenting is not perfect. In this day and age of social media with constant advice being thrown at us left and right – gentle parenting, don’t feed that to your kid, sleep training, don’t vaccinate them, do vaccinate them, no screen time, little bit of TV won’t hurt… it’s overwhelming.

And can make you feel so guilty. Am I doing it right? Am I doing it wrong? I’m such a bad parent… I say who cares, do what you want – as long as you are doing your best. Because mama you are. You are enough and always will be.

This world will have many opinions on what being a mum should look like. Listen to your truth. And remember to savour every moment. Because these moments fly. Remember to play, find joy in the ordinary, collect beautiful moments and remember that you must be present to realise that there is beauty in simplicity.

Because as complicated as society makes out motherhood to be, it’s not. It’s simple – just be present and do your best. And know that you’re not alone in this journey. We’re all just trying our best as parents. And another thing I’ve come to learn is that self-care isn’t selfish. Do something that fills your cup. Find a hobby. Or continue to do your hobby. Try and learn something new.

Be fearless, stay curious because your kids will see that. And they’ll learn it’s good to take care of myself, to pursue my passions, to learn something new. So take care of yourself mama. Stay strong.

Love,
Kayla