Good Enough Mother- The Kids Are Alright

Sometimes, we mums have to wave our kids goodbye.  Another person needs us more, a friend, a family member.

When my little ones were younger, I couldn’t have come away like I have just now.  They needed me most.  But now they don’t.

I once heard some great advice: ‘Just stop and ask yourself; where is the need?’   I find this so helpful as a mum… where is the one thing that needs my attention or action right now… it’s usually the dishes…

But just now it is my own Mum, who lives on the opposite side of the globe in Bonnie (chilly, windy, wet) Scotland.  Mum has had a hip replacement and she is packing up the family home of 40 years with the aim of moving in July.

Anyway, the wonderful thing is that The Kids Really Are Alright.  The four boisterous bairns and my  Intn’l Man of Mystery are getting on well, ably supported by our very own Mrs Doubtfire.  I am away for a bit under 2 weeks… and so far, so good… all fine, no worries.  Whew!

And no, it’s not that they no longer need me, just that they can manage, they are OK.  This is such a relief, they are allowing me to focus on being a useful daughter, all mothering duties suspended.

I’m not usually a worrier, nor do I expect them never to find life tough, but even for a Good Enough Mother, being halfway across the planet for a couple of weeks is an exercise in letting go.

So I am delighted that they are all fine, that I have been able to be come and not worry.  Soon they will be waking up, heading off to rugby league, soccer, the park and I can go bed feeling pretty sure they’ll have a good day.   For this I am truly grateful tonight.