An everyday mum, Steph is a former teacher, has two beautiful children and lives in Sydney. I came across Steph, who is the author of Mummy Blogger Sydney , on Instagram and was immediately drawn to her honest, and sometimes hilarious, account of parenting. This article written by Steph reminds us that as our children become more independent, not to forgot about you as an individual.

It has taken me 3 years to finally get some of myself back. In the past three years I have given birth to 2 children, and devoted my mind, body and soul to their every need.  Every. Single. Day.

The first time I left my kids for a night, my son was 2 and my daughter 1. Prior to this I had never been away from either of them for more than 5 hours (to work.) Everything I did revolved (and for the most part still does) around my children. I didn’t have the time, energy or strength to focus on the things that made me, ME prior to motherhood.

However now that the toddlers are becoming more independent, I’ve gained some spare time, which at the start I didn’t know what to do with.

I’ve now realised that this is my chance to get ME back. It’s time for me to remember all the things I enjoyed prior to becoming a stay at home mum, and to start doing them.

So…

I’ve started reading novels again.

I’ve begun exercising with a trainer.

I’ve resumed my teaching passion by starting at home tutoring sessions.

I’ve gotten creative with scrapbooks and decorating.

I’ve begun binge watching Netflix series.

And every once in a while I even treat myself to a wash and blowdry AS WELL as a manicure and pedicure.

Alot changes when becoming a mum, and often the last thing you ever think about is yourself. After you’re done taking care of everyone elses wants and needs, you need to make the time to refuel and revitalise YOURSELF.

It’s taken me far too long to realise this, but like the saying goes, “better late than never.”

It’s so important to make time to take care of ourselves as mothers. Even if it’s the smallest thing like having an uninterrupted bath to relax, or 5 minutes of quiet with a hot cuppa. Often that’s all we need.

What do you do for YOURSELF?

Sending you love,

Steph

MBS

xx