Monday, April 16, 2012

Repeat After Me: I Love Being a Mum!


I've read a lot about motherhood lately which has given it a pretty bad wrap.  I understand the childless by choice stories and honestly respect everyone’s right to choose, but what’s getting me down is the constant stream of negativity about Mums, from Mums! 

It’s a hard trap not to fall in to and one I’ve fallen victim to on countless occasions.  There can be a lot to whinge about.  But you know what.  I love being a Mum, so much so I went back and did it again and thanks to this new natural contraceptive I’m using, I’ll probably be back for thirds.  I love being a Mum, but I didn’t trade my sense of adventure and style when I rented out my uterus. 

Despite The Wiggles on constant repeat inside my head, I still know important things like what’s happening in the Middle East and who wore what at the Logies.  I have goals and aspirations that don’t revolve around my children, but are an independent accompaniment to a very full life. 

My beautiful Jessica, only minutes after she was born
I’m no Super Mum though, like all of us, at times I’ve really struggled and I have had professional  help to get through physically and emotionally.
   
It can be tough and we need support, particularly from other Mums, not being on each other’s case about parenting style or adding to the negative poor-mum syndrome.  I want to challenge every Mum out there for one day to drop the negativity and be proud of being a Mum.  When someone asks how the kids are, don’t reply with rolling eyes and tales of woe. 

It’s a hard habit to break and without getting into a heap of feminist rambling, it’s something us chicks seem to constantly come up against.  Imagine if instead of your husband and his mates sitting around at the pub trading footy yarns they told amazing tales of their heroic wives who braved 13 hours of labour to give birth to a 9 pound baby with no pain relief! 

While I don’t see that happening any time soon, it’s completely easy to tell another Mum that she’s doing a great job, to tell ourselves that we’re doing a great job!  There’s a lot to love about being a Mum, something that’s easy to say at 7.30pm with 2 kids in bed, perhaps we just need a reminder sometimes from our Mummy mates.

5 comments:

  1. Hey Cassy, loved the post.
    I'm a mum of four and love a group I fell into - Sunny Mummy Sisterhood - it's a warm supportive place for mums. Half the time I go in to read updates and forget to post! They are a beautiful bunch of girls.
    I am sometimes bemused by mums who whinge about the little things - almost with pride. Yet the ones facing big serious issues say little about the negatives of being a mum.
    It's always refreshing to hear positive stories about mums - and yes - there is a new breed of blokes who rave about their wonderful partners and the stories of their children's births. I love hearing their perspective - it's so different from the mums :)
    You have one gorgeous baby there. P.S. There is an alternative to the Wiggles - check out www.funkykidsradio.com.au for a brilliant mix of family friendly tunes :) Big Hgus from a fellow mum

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    1. Hi Marina
      Thanks for leaving your comments. You're right, it's so important to have a supportive group of mums to surround yourself with. Especially with 4 little ones, wow!
      I did check out that website - thank you! My son is a little Wiggles obsessed!! I've told him that we don't play Wiggles in the car which he happily accepts, so at least I have one Wiggle-free sanctuary!
      I'm glad you enjoyed the blog, if you want to keep up to date with them all you can subscribe via the link at the bottom.
      Thanks again!
      xx

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  2. Beautiful post Cassy. You are one very talented Mumma and doing such an amazing job of bringing Jamie and Jess up. Love ya xxx

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  3. Lovely post Cassy. I was directed here via Facebook by a good friend of mine (June). I am Mum to 4 kids who I raised alone and I loved every minute of parenting. Loved it so much I went back 4 times after difficult pregnancies, long unsuccessful labours and 3 emergency caesareans (the 4th was a planned caesar).
    Being a Mum is the greatest experience of my life!!
    Good on you. There should be more young Mums like you :)

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    1. Hi Liz
      Thanks for stopping by, I'm glad you enjoyed my blog and thank you for your kind words. June is a sweetheart for sharing with her friends!
      I can't even comprehend 4 kids as a solo mum, you're a legend!
      I don't expect June to share all my blogs, so if you want to stay in touch I'd love you to subscribe via the link below.
      All the best
      xx

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