Dear Mum Guilt

Dear mum guilt,⠀⠀⠀

I accept that sometimes I can’t wait for my little one’s bed time. Not every night but some. I want you to know that this doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy being a mum, that I love my child any less or that I’m failing motherhood. It often just means that the day has taken a lot from me, that my child has or that I need some time to catch up before the following day, which I always hope will be better.⠀⠀⠀
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I accept that sometimes I let my little one have screen time for longer than recommended. Not every day, but some. I want you to know that this doesn’t make me a lazy mum, an incapable mum or a bad mum. It often just means that I need some hands-free time to cook dinner, hang out the washing or drink my coffee. And before you start, using this time to drink my coffee does not make me a selfish mum. ⠀⠀⠀
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I accept that sometimes I feed my little one spaghetti on toast for dinner. Not every night, but some. I want you to know that this doesn’t mean I don’t prioritise her health, or want the best for her or that I’m neglecting her well-being. ⠀It often just means that I’m poor on time, energy or groceries. For the record, she likes spaghetti more than any nutritional meals I cook anyway. ⠀⠀⠀
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I accept that sometimes I work while she’s awake. Not every day but some. I want you to know this doesn’t mean she’s not my priority, that I don’t try to avoid this or that I’m falling short of my SAHM duties. It often just means that nap time didn’t last as long as normal, that I used up most of nap time sorting the house, or that I have a heavier workload than usual. ⠀⠀⠀
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I accept that I buy things for only myself every now and then. Hardly ever, but sometimes. ⠀I want you to know that this doesn’t make me selfish, vein or entitled. It often just means that I need something warm for winter, to fit my new shape or to make me feel good. And for clarity, “feeling good” is a valid reason. ⠀⠀⠀
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I accept that these are only a few examples of our meetings but I want you to know that you are a feeling wasted on us mother’s consciousness enough to care. Please stop wasting our time and we will stop wasting yours!⠀⠀⠀
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Regards,⠀⠀⠀
Your victim.