Writings by me

Monday was my first day of freedom after 10 days in the house. It was hard at times but actually a blessing in disguise. The main reason? I now feel full of energy and patience to see them again in just under an hour. I feel excited – honestly like a kid at Christmas (and as a woman in her early 30s who still behaves like a kid at Christmas, having what feels like a second Christmas is just great). 

Despite what society has us believe we need time away from our children. I still believe 10 days is too long – I’ve physically missed them at times, yearned for their cuddles, giggles and, believe it or not, their noise. The house was quiet. It was also Harry’s third birthday on Wednesday and being away from him on that day was just horrid. 

And now, it’s half term, I have managed to get a lot of work done to fully immerse myself in some fun with the kids and I actually want to. I’m not feeling overwhelmed; I’m ready. And I’m ready because I have had time to replenish myself.

So I’m advocating for time to replenish ourselves regularly. I’m saying it’s time to let go of the guilt we have been trained to believe is just a normal part of parenting because ultimately anything that replenishes us, replenishes our kids. It makes us miss them, appreciate them and then look forward to the time we did carve out for ourselves. 

So this half term, whether it’s a quiet half hour led down on your bed, reading a chapter of your book, while the kids watch Halloween films galore (here’s a good list: https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/news-entertainment/g34520594/kids-halloween-movies-on-netflix/), or sneaking out for a coffee, take that time. 

We are belatedly celebrating Harry’s birthday at Wookey Hole today and I am ready for it, to be fully present, to dive into cuddles and kisses, to being climbed on, cried at. What a time to be alive!