Half term is hard work! I had so much planned but you know what the highlight has been? The day we stayed indoors, watched the original 1961 version of The Parent Trap and chilled out. We were supposed to be in Bath looking at the Roman Baths and getting our culture on but I slept through my alarm (purposefully) and decided to chill at home instead. Bliss. It certainly wasn’t Pinterest or Instagram worthy but it was near on a perfect moment that I hope you replicate, messy house and all. You see For a moment I felt like I’d let the side down a bit, that I should have tried harder to be super mum but you know what? Princess loved having snuggles and I loved not having to drive 2 and a half hours each direction after a busy evening the night before. I felt like a bit of a let down of a mum for no reason, I worry I’m not a good enough mum but seriously, why am I beating myself up like this?!
We’ve seen family, celebrated my mum’s birthday over a great dinner in London, shopped and shared some magical moments. I’m planning on filling up a photobook with images taken over the half term. CEWE are partnering with Circus Mums and giving us the opportunity to turn some of our memories into a book which is great! At first I went through a self imposed guilt trip, wondering if I’d done enough interesting things to put into a photobook, but then I remembered that it’s not all about grand gestures. I live in a beautiful part of the South East, just a walk through the fields could be a source of wonderful images and family memories. Like duh Tinuke! I am a good enough mum, just sometimes I spend too much time over thinking things that I forget!
Sometimes we really are our own worse enemies. Of course, when your social media feed is full of smiling children in the midst of activity bliss or warming up over hot cocoas after a day on the slopes, it can be hard not to compare yourself. It’s important to ignore the green eyed monster and remember diversity is the fruit of life. We do things differently not better or worse. Whether you go half way around the world or enjoy a walk to the bakery with your kids this half term, it is still quality time with them and that’s what matters. The fact that you worry if you’re good enough means you’re probably doing a pretty decent job!
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Staying in and having a snuggle fest with the kids are the best! You are a GREAT mum, Tinuke 🙂
Michelle, thank you so much for your kind words xx
It is perfectly fine to have home days like you mentioned. If its anything like myself, sometimes you may feel with the time spent working away from you LO, you need to make up for it in going out places. I think children just love the fact sometimes that they can spend time with their parents on days which they normally wouldn’t based on being at school.
Trust me that dont make you a bad mum…it’s life.
YES! This. I over compensate because I’m away working. Have been since my LO was still in nappies. She’s totally happy to spend the day making videos on her tablet and playing Sylvanian Families, but I feel the need to do 101 things with her.
xxx
So much this! I see SO many parents beating themselves up or trying to ‘out-parent’ each other with their activities, especially over the holidays. But honestly, I don’t think the kids care that much, sure maybe going to an adventure park is fun for them, but snuggling on the sofa with a good film and a cheeky snack is what memories are made of too.
I’m glad you’re not being hard on yourself and have realised that you’re doing a great job. You’re an awesome Mum.
Thanks so much! I think you’re right, a good film creates just as many memories as a full on day at a theme park! Sending you hugs xxxx
Hey lovely,
We LOVE our days at home in our house! My son is happiest having a pyjama day and we all love chilling out! I think days out are a lot of fun but we don’t always have to up and off to have that quality time with our kids. Besides if we are always on the go, what are we teaching them? That’s it’s not ok to rest and recuperate?
We’re all doing the best we can, and on those days when I don’t have a cherub faced kid fresh from the slopes to Instagram (i.e.: never!) I just Instagram my coffee instead!
I enjoyed your post Tinuke- enjoy the rest of half term! x
Thank you Nadine! What a fabulous comment and you are so right, it’s totally ok to need to rest and recouperate. We were supposed to be heading out for an educational visit to some local Roman baths but the mini me just pleaded that we stay indoors and do it tomorrow. Who am I to argue? Glad she’s having such a lovely time indoors.
Ooh coffee and Instagram? Totally what the platform was built for! I’m about to make myself a pot….