5 Things the Second Year of Motherhood has taught me

We are now on countdown to Isabella turning two. This past year has gone so incredibly past, it’s been full of happy memories, tough days and weeks and lots of learning.

Here’s 5 Things the Second Year of Motherhood has taught me:

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  1. Working full time is the best thing for you as a family - now don’t get me wrong I miss Isabella terribly when I’m work but that time away for both of us from each other is crucial. I found the summer holidays incredibly hard, and we worked round it by adding additional days for Isabella at the childminder meaning our routine was more structured and we both enjoyed the time more that we spent together.

  2. You’ve taught me so much - Every day I feel like I am learning something new, or how to look at something like it is new. From spider webs, to the rain, to the bubbles in the bath. Isabella is interested in everything little thing, constantly soaking up and learning from what is around her. It’s really helped me to slow down and to appreciate the little things.

  3. Tantrums are tough - I think we hit toddler tantrums at about 16 months. Isabella is a strong willed little person and when I am out of our comfort zone of the house it can be incredibly difficult to manage her tantrums. I find myself feeling conscious of what others will think when I am unable to keep her calm. But I’m trying to find a new balance of working through it with her.

  4. My PND is still very much there - there have been smaller sections of time when I’ve felt low or felt triggered but I am still very much aware of how I have to constantly manage my mental health and wellbeing to be the mum I want to be for Isabella. I’m learning with each day how best to manage these emotions and shifts in mood but we have definitely got to a place where as a family we can function when I am in a low place.

  5. Self care is paramount - In early September I nearly burnout. I was doing too much, working too much and not giving myself change to rest. My body and mind were tired and I wasn’t able to give my all to anything. Over the past 12 months I’ve learnt more about what I need to do for self care and that it is okay to ask for time for me.

Emma x