Does The Modern Mum Ever Rest?

I have lots of mums in my life and these women are superheroes in my eyes. I’ve never desired to have children being a big kid myself I am very happy with the Aunty title.

As I sit here on Keppel island on my own looking over the beautiful ocean writing this, I feel very lucky indeed. I’m not having to home school my kids through a lockdown as well as manage a full-time job for some mums.

The term it ‘never stops’ is a mum’s mantra and it’s so true. When I spend time with my friends with kids I quite literally am knackered afterwards so let’s add on a continuous tiredness.

I love kids but those buggers are energy drainers and need constant attention until they hit their teens then they just want screen time.

Now I’m not here to pick on men but in my opinion if you’re both working then the split of childcare and household duties should be 50/50. Gone are the days of dad going to work and mum staying home with the kids. The thing is when you have kids you can’t just do the things you want anymore you have to take care of a little human and that take sacrifices on both sides.

We are in a modern world and it’s time for my beautiful mums to speak up and ask for what you need. You see unless your partner knows what you want there is no chance for them to step up and help.

Now you might be screaming at me saying I do ask, and he still never does it. To which I will ask how and when do you ask? We sometimes forget that men are different to us women hence need a different approach.

No one ever teaches us about relationships we pick-up things from our parents. Then suddenly you have a partner and children which no one has prepared you for. Did you ever sit down with your partner and discuss your life goals and family plans?

If so, then great but did you stick to them and get the support you needed. Why can it be so hard for women to ask for what they want? Is it because doing it ourselves seems easier?

I was one of those women so controlling about how something had to be, that even if they helped it wouldn’t be to my standard therefore, I’d do it myself. But then I would get frustrated and annoyed and huff around the house. Hoping that my annoyance would flag a ‘do you want a hand?’ But even if they did ask, I’d still huff off saying ‘no’ because in my head it was too late now, I’m nearly done.

I was the cause of my own frustration as I wanted them to do if off their own accord like I would. But they are not me nor do they think like me.

I notice in a lot of my mum friends that they never get enough rest. Be it the kids always want mum’s attention or mum to do it. Or they feel guilty to take time out for themselves.

I’m here to tell you that taking time out for yourself to rest and revive is the best thing you can do for yourself. Do it weekly as both partner and children will feel the benefit when you are happier and more relaxed.

The mums in most houses are still the centre of the family. I like to see it as a water fountain that supplies the whole family. If you don’t replenish your water with things that are just for you then you have no water to help the rest of the family.

Taking time for you should be a priority each week it’s not selfish it’s smart.