I’m a little bit in shock that it’s Easter already. As usual the last term has flown by. I can’t decide whether it’s been a successful term or not. I feel like I haven’t slept properly since half term and it’s been so cold, wet and miserable that everyone has been a bit grumpy and snappy. From a professional perspective, I have had lots of lovely opportunities come my way, and made real progress with Science Sparks in a slightly mad, bursting with ideas and not able to focus/sleep/concentrate manner, but on a personal level, I have a real sense of failure about the last month or so. Our after school activities have become almost unmanageable as Sydney is doing so much gymnastics and I feel incredibly guilty dragging the other two along. I have missed birthday parties, forgot spelling tests and generally just not been on the top of my game. My headaches are back and I feel completely exhausted, but I am not ready to give up on anything yet! As I keep telling my 8 year old “Vanstones don’t quit” I’m not sure he believes me though,
I have managed to drop a couple of activities for next term and hope that if I am more organised with washing, cooking and homework on the weekend the week won’t seem quite so stressful. Balancing the needs of three school age children is proving harder than I ever thought possible. They are doing so well at school and I am incredibly proud of all of them, but they are most definitely all a challenge in their own funny little way and there is an awful lot of bickering at the moment that is driving me a bit crazy. Our house is complete chaos with half finished craft projects and experiments everywhere, I don’t even know where to start to clear it out.
I am going to try to give up coffee, dairy and bread again in the hope it helps my headaches and brings my energy levels up, as I am super excited about some new projects I hopefully have coming my way and really want to be able to make the most of them.
How was the last term for you?
I am sure you are not failing and are doing a wonderful job. I think life is just so busy that it is easy to feel that way often. I hope the energy levels improve and the headaches disappear. Happy Easter! x
Life is so busy, but it is good that you have made room next term by dropping a few activities. Being over-scheduled would give me headaches too – I hope you feel better soon.
It is really hard to balance everything. I always thought that as the kids got older it would get easier. HA, laughing in the face of all mothers everywhere, nope, harder, more planning needed and me all over the place! I hope you manage to find the right balance and I am sure your kids are fine!
You’re not failing, you’re juggling, a lot of us mum’s are the same. It’s difficult with 3 kids at school, I miss lunch bags, p.e. kits etc and my Little Man was missing his tie for 3 days. I felt bad because I had to miss a day of activities in the school with my 3 simply because I can’t manage the stairs inside the school anymore, but you can’t do everything and it’s no use beating yourself up. I think you’re doing really well.
I am ready for half term most definitely, I have cut out caffeine and gluten since the beginning of the year and it definitely helps. Sounds like you’ve had a busy time so hopefully it will get better as will the headaches. Hope you have a fab half term.
It sounds as though you’re actually managing a lot better than what you think you are! You’re juggling so much at the same time, it has to be admired. Make sure you take some time for just you.
Aw Emma, I am sure you are not failing at all but sometimes us Mums need to cut ourselves some slack. I have been struggling too lately, I just don’t know my head from my backside. Today as we drove to London Zoo I was reading a parenting manual on how to raise happy children. I got out of the car all geared up for a happy parenting day and ended up falling out massively with LB to the point we were both in floods of tears in the middle of Land of the Lions. I think we just try to be everything to everyone and are perhaps a little bit rubbish at asking for help sometimes.
Are you able to do lift shares with any of the Mums for gymnastics? I do that with a Mum for Brownies and it helps no end. Hugs xx
I’m sure you’re not failing at anything, but it’s not easy being a mum is it?! You are right to scale back on anything that’s not important and focus on the things that are. I hope you’re enjoying some well deserved time off over the holidays.
Sorry to hear you have not been feeling on top of things. I have had to let a couple of after school activities go as we just cannot fit it all in
I bet your headaches are something to do with the stress of trying to juggle everything! 😀 I hope they improve soon. Yes, this past term has been hectic and as you say, I don’t think the weather helps. Here’s to lighter nights and warmer weather and children outside more! 😀 x
Oh Emma! I am sure you are not failing but I just think that we pile so much pressure on ourselves as mums that we sometimes set ourselves up! Saying that, I can totally relate!
We had a family conversation this week about the time my daughters swimming takes for the whole family every week, this is without the galas and meets and she isnt really enthusiastic about it, which makes it a chore for everyone. I think that sometimes you just have to let some things go and focus on the stuff that is important to you all xx
I know exactly what you mean – lately I feel like I’m doing so much and not doing any of it well.
I’m trying to get back into being organised because that really is the key for me!