Motherhood: the most rewarding and hardest thing I’ve ever done – in equal measure.
Recently, early on a Sunday morning, I bumped into a neighbour as we both snuck out of our houses for a solitary run. My motivation? A desperate need for some quiet headspace away from my (very demanding) family. The night before, I’d spent my Saturday evening sandwiched between my two daughters, who were fighting over the TV remote... and anything else they could possibly disagree on!
Jo, my neighbour, said, “You’ll miss those squabbles and all that noise!” Her children had recently left for university, and she was adjusting to a sofa all to herself - and a very quiet house.
Her words stopped me in my tracks. As a natural introvert with two VERY chatty daughters (aged 11 and 13), I’m constantly absorbing their endless stream of consciousness. They fire off questions before I’ve even had a chance to answer the first.
Jo’s comment made me realise that this phase - this noisy, lively, full-on time - won’t last forever. And when I finally get the tidy, peaceful house I often dream of… will I actually like it?
That thought led me to reflect on what motherhood has taught me and, more importantly, what I want to pass on to my girls as they grow into young women.
Five Things They Have Taught Me
A fresh perspective on life – I love the way their minds work. They haven’t been moulded by society yet; they’re optimistic and open-minded in a way that’s refreshing and inspiring.
Fearlessness – They don’t hesitate to stand up and speak, and they’ve encouraged me to do the same. When their dad had a big birthday recently, I finally faced my fear of public speaking and gave a speech. I practiced with Amelie, my eldest, and she said, “Mummy, stop worrying. Be light-hearted, make it funny—everyone will be rooting for you. Just enjoy it!” She was SO right.
Keeping me current – They’ve taught me TikTok dances, makeup trends (I had no idea what half their stuff was for!), and, let’s be honest, I wouldn’t have a clue how to navigate our TV without them!
Patience—tested daily! – I swear, sometimes they push my buttons on purpose. When I’m exhausted, I snap. It’s made me more mindful about burnout. But if I do lose my temper? That’s life. We’re all human. And when I react in a way I’m not proud of, I apologise and explain what’s going on in my world.
Unconditional love – No matter what, I will always be there for them. I will always listen, always care, and always be ready with a hug when they need one.
Five Things I Want to Pass On to Them
The confidence to work for themselves – I love that they see me running my own business. They know it’s not easy, but they also see the highs. When something great happens, they’re as proud as I am.
Belief in themselves – I found my confidence later in life. In my twenties and even thirties, I was easily intimidated. I don’t want that for them. I want them to have pride in their abilities, to know that others don’t necessarily know better, and to go after what they deserve.
Kindness over competition – Life isn’t about winning the race. When Amelie was little, we used to laugh at her on sports day - she always ran with a big smile, more concerned with how her friends were doing than beating them. I love that they celebrate other people’s successes. There’s room for everyone to do well.
Health & self-care matter – They see me and my husband eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and limiting screen time. We lead by example because actions speak louder than words.
Creativity is just as valuable as academic success – We’re a creative family, and we’re proud of it. We don’t care if they don’t come top in a maths test, but we are proud when they think outside the box to solve a problem.
Motherhood stretches you in ways you never expect. And while it’s relentless and exhausting, I wouldn’t change it for the world. One day, the house will be quiet… but for now, I’ll soak up the noise.
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