Just A Mum?

Since having children I have been what is known as a stay at home mum. Some people believe that this means I have an easy life because I'm just a mum aren't I, it isn't a "job", it's not something I get paid to do so can't really be considered work. This however doesn't make it any less of a hard thing to do.

My #PILOTMUM Portraits

I happened to stumble across a fab competition over on Mummy's Little Monkey yesterday, I liked it because it was one that the kids could get involved in.

The My #PILOTMUM competition involves a simple task, my children needed to draw a picture of me using whatever materials they liked, well was always going to be interesting.

Mine opted to draw me using colouring pencils.

First up is Gracie (5) picture. Apparently I look a bit like an old granny with purple hair and for some reason my head is an awful lot bigger than my body?

I Think I'm Turning Into My Mum

Back in the day I always swore I would never be like my mum.

Come on you all said it too didn't you.

Trouble is I'm noticing more and more that I am saying/doing those things that I was adament I'd never do.

Here are five things I bet you've noticed too :

1. You start muttering things under your breath.

We always said my mum had a friend named Arthur, all the time she was calling him , "oh for…."

2. Those sayings that used to really annoy you as a child, it's like torrets they keep popping out.

Give Us Mums (and dads) A Break

Whilst on twitter the other night, I joined in a conversation with some lovely ladies, they were using the hashtag #givemumsabreak. There are days when I really wish this was possible although it isn't just mums, there are dads out there that have a tough time  and deserve a break too.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love being a mum, I think I was put on this earth for the purpose of being a mum and if I could have more kids I would, having the opportunity to stay at home and enjoy watching them grow up is something I am very grateful for. However I do feel that I need a break sometimes, just some of the illusive "me time". It wasn't until I had to a challenge with my BabyBag that I realised just how little time I get to myself.

Others will say, "well you chose to be a parent", yes they are right I did but I am only human, I get tired sometimes and I get ill on occasion, contrary to popular belief we mums and dads are unfortunately not super heroes.

People who go out and work get weekends off, annual leave etc, they get time to sit down and relax, parents on the other hand don't get this luxury, being a parent is a full time job in itself and I don't think others understand how hard it can be until they become a parent themselves. The job as parent is never done, even when the kids are in bed, if you are anything like me, you are on high alert incase one gets poorly in the night.

Since becoming a mum, I have felt rather lonely and isolated at times. I've lost touch with friends along the way as whilst I was at home with my kids, they were still out clubbing etc. I feel like I have lost my identity somewhat. Yes I am a mummy but I think some people forget that I am more than that, I am mummy to my kids but to others I should be Chantelle, it would be nice to have the chance to maybe find myself again.

Recently Daddy Hazelden started a new job and this has meant him staying away from home a few nights a week. I have to applaud single parents as I didn't realise just how much not having him there would affect things. Not having him there to back me up when the kids misbehave and the luxury of having an adult conversation, it has a been hard adjusting to the change.

This is where I am glad that I blog and that I chat with others on both Facebook and Twitter because I think without these people, I may have gone slowly insane, nice to know there others that understand how you feel and not judging you for wanted to hide away sometimes.

So what do you think, should we be given a break?? Do you as a parent manage to balance things so that you get a bit of "me time"? x

xxxx