Who Do You Trust?

I remember how delicate and precious my newborns were like it was yesterday, even though my youngest is fast approaching his 8th birthday. Looking back I think of how special it was to have their tiny hands wrapped around my finger while I admired such a miracle, fell in love with their little gummy smiles and created such strong bonds. 

I definitely miss those magical moments. 

I never really had any offers of a babysitter back then despite the sleepless nights and lack of a social life, but even if I had been given the opportunity to have a night off, a child free evening, I wouldn't have accepted. I didn't want to miss out on anything and I felt it my duty to protect them and to be there at all times. I was scared that something may happen if I wasn't there 24/7 and it would appear I'm not the only mum that thinks this way from looking at the results of a recent study. 

55% of mums don't trust anyone to look after their baby. This often includes partners, mother-in-laws and best friends too. As many as 1 in 5 cancel a well deserved night away from parenting duties to be with their child and nearly half of mums that do get to go out leave early to return home.

I didn't have a night out at all until Minxy was 2 and Jamster was just a few weeks old and I was still worried then even though they were just with their dad. I just couldn't enjoy myself fully.

Now that I'm a little older. and hopefully wiser, I'm still quite wary about who has the children and where they go but I have relaxed quite a lot. For their benefit as well as mine. 

I think if the day came when I did have another baby (the Mr still can't be convinced) I would be able to be slightly more open for others to be hands on and help though. I think I would appreciate the rest and be less worried having two children already who have taught me so much as a mum. 

When did you have your first night out after giving birth?

Who are you able to trust with your child?

*Research conducted between 4th September and 11th September by One Poll with 1000 mums taking part

Have fun, be silly, enjoy life.

Before I had children I never appreciated my spare time when I could do just about anything, anywhere. The full days out shopping in huge shopping centres where I wouldn't worry about the notes flying away from my purse like they grew on trees. Buying heels and handbags, stopping off for lunch in posh restaurants and having a few cocktails in the process. The spontaneous road trips to the beach, the nights out til the early hours and the Sundays lounging in bed until the afternoon watching movies with a takeaway and piles of chocolates (in peace!).

 

 

 

 

Becoming a parent does change your life. More than I ever expected it would do and time has become so precious as has money. My life is now my children, and although I wouldn't change that for the world, child-free time is so important and so appreciated! A chance to relax, unwind and enjoy myself rather than worrying about washing and homework, meetings or appointments. I get to spend some time 1-2-1 with the Mr watching the latest movie release from the back row seats or having a catch up with friends... although that quite often involves discussing the children anyway! I still get the odd night out where I can treat myself to a new outfit, maybe a new top, a flapper dress or just some jeans that I can just about squeeze into (yes, I still have a few pounds to lose despite my youngest being 7).

 

 

Have fun, be silly.

 

 

What being a parent has taught me is that time goes quickly and to really make the most of what you do have. When you are with the kids, enjoy their company and play as much as you can. Make them laugh and smile, give them memories worth remembering. The housework can wait until they are asleep as children grow so quickly and no doubt it won't be that long until they are off to uni or starting their own families. When you do have time to yourself don't waste it. Do something exciting, something new or a little scary.

 

Make the most of time and of life.