Because motherhood is full of raw, ugly painful stories that never make it onto glossy magazine covers or Instagram feeds. This is mine. And it is time we started showing the “other” motherhoods too.
That was such a tricky age, Leila. All three clamouring to be independent, but not yet very civilised about resolving arguments without a fight. I tried so hard to set a good example and be consistent but it was such an uphill struggle, a feeling of “is any of this getting through?”.
My parenting mantra is “everything is a phase”, along with “hang in there!”. Are you connected with other mums of multiples? I found the UK charity TAMBA (now The Twins Trust) really helpful, and it had a “Supertwins” group within it. Having only just found you here in the past few days, maybe you’ve touched on it before. I need to catch up!
Oh my goodness I cannot imagine how hard those days must have been for you.
This is such an important conversation to have about the ‘other’ experiences of motherhood that are often shrouded in shame. I had a horrible first year after my second child was born due to injuries I sustained after he was delivered by forceps and I don’t think I’ve ever really made my peace with that. Thank you for sharing this post. Seconding the hope that you are in a better place now.
Congratulations. As a mum of twins, and with a few medical hurdles on top, my introduction to motherhood was so different from what I imagined and what most others around me went through. Sometimes it still stings but the reminder that there isn’t a perfect way it “should” have been is always very useful
Yes all the “shoulds” and expectations don’t help. I never imagined I’d have more than one baby at a time. I was struggling to get out the house whilst my other new mum friends were going on fancy holidays. You can’t compare it but just accept your own situation and path
This is beautiful 💕🫂
I was a single mother at 21 and your words rang so true to me…
Being a mother … is so very challenging, no matter the age of your baby 🫂💕🇨🇦
Thanks for your support. We all need space to talk openly about our challenges. How old is your child now?
He’s 33.
I am an alcoholic and was until 4 years ago …
We have tried to connect over the years with some success…we had counselling as well..I truly wish I knew more when I became a mom.
I am just now getting to know my own self at 54..
Be kind to yourself 💜 - that’s my mum’s motto
🥹🫂💕🙏 I agree 💕
My triplet daughters are 38 now, but this reminds me of the chaotic early days. So pleased to happen on your post, Leila.
Wow 38. Any tips for dealing with preschoolers? Lovely to connect with someone who “gets it”
That was such a tricky age, Leila. All three clamouring to be independent, but not yet very civilised about resolving arguments without a fight. I tried so hard to set a good example and be consistent but it was such an uphill struggle, a feeling of “is any of this getting through?”.
My parenting mantra is “everything is a phase”, along with “hang in there!”. Are you connected with other mums of multiples? I found the UK charity TAMBA (now The Twins Trust) really helpful, and it had a “Supertwins” group within it. Having only just found you here in the past few days, maybe you’ve touched on it before. I need to catch up!
Oh my goodness I cannot imagine how hard those days must have been for you.
This is such an important conversation to have about the ‘other’ experiences of motherhood that are often shrouded in shame. I had a horrible first year after my second child was born due to injuries I sustained after he was delivered by forceps and I don’t think I’ve ever really made my peace with that. Thank you for sharing this post. Seconding the hope that you are in a better place now.
So many of us are having “other” motherhoods that don’t nearly fit the mainstream, polished, perfect narrative. Always here for the conversation 💜
Congratulations. As a mum of twins, and with a few medical hurdles on top, my introduction to motherhood was so different from what I imagined and what most others around me went through. Sometimes it still stings but the reminder that there isn’t a perfect way it “should” have been is always very useful
Yes all the “shoulds” and expectations don’t help. I never imagined I’d have more than one baby at a time. I was struggling to get out the house whilst my other new mum friends were going on fancy holidays. You can’t compare it but just accept your own situation and path
Ps I hope you are feeling brighter!