Superwoman?I am not Superwoman. Being a mum (or dad) uses a LOT of energy. I used to kid myself that I could do everything for my girls. I could always go that extra mile! Trouble was, in running all those extra miles I somehow left myself behind. I took great care of the Witchlings (I thought) but I stopped taking care of me.

When I first became ‘mum’, the Witchlings took up every waking moment of my life. But I soon found that once they were out of the picture, safely tucked up asleep in bed, I was exhausted. I was far too tired to make time for other people or activities that I had previously enjoyed and made me feel confident and positive. I sank into the role of ‘mum’ and forgot who else I might once have been.

It took a rather stern talking to from Grandmera to wake me up to the fact that I was turning into a blob of mum-ness instead of her confident, outgoing daughter.

Make time for yourself. Not a special treat time, but regular time out that is dedicated just to you. Use this ‘you time’ to relax. Do NOT use this time to clean the gutters/wash the car/do grocery shopping! This is time to spend doing something you ENJOY.

There are so many things that we mums forget. Little pleasures that break up a day and re-charge our batteries in brilliantly, if only we remember to take advantage of them!Relax

· Go for a walk – without the pushchair!

· Have coffee with a friend and talk about sex or politics – not Year 7 SATS!

· Paint your toenails. Properly. – No rush jobs allowed, two coats plus top coat please!

· Slap on a coat of mascara and some lipgloss to do the school run. You will be amazed at the bounce it puts back into your step!

Most importantly….When someone offers to help you – say YES PLEASE! Being a mum doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. Nobody (especially other mums) is going to think less of you for accepting help where it’s offered. If someone offers to watch the children while you get some ‘you time’, then I heartily recommend politely ripping their arm off to accept!

Witchling Gem #2

Witchling 10: Mum, you look stunningly beautiful!

Mum (struggling into new suit in shop fitting room): Do I really?

Witchling 10: Well I don’t actually know what it means but I thought it was a nice thing to say.