People always say mums should make time for themselves. It sounds lovely in theory. I picture a quiet morning, a hot cup of tea, maybe even a little skincare routine. Then reality begins. The baby wakes up early, the six-year-old can’t find her socks, and someone has managed to spill something sticky on the sofa.
By the time the day ends, my version of “me time” is sitting in silence scrolling on my phone and pretending no one can see me. Sometimes I feel guilty for not doing something more meaningful, but honestly, that small pocket of peace is everything.
Motherhood doesn’t always leave space for the big self-care moments people talk about. I’m learning that “me time” can be simple. It might be finishing a cup of tea while it’s still hot, listening to music while folding laundry, or sitting quietly in the car for a few extra minutes before going inside.
Maybe that is what balance really looks like. Not perfect calm, but tiny pauses that remind you that you are still a person, not just someone’s mum.