I guess it’s fitting to talk today of the role of a Mum and speaking from my own experience, I have been blessed in life to be a mother to three, and whilst there are many challenges over the years, it is also my greatest role to date and an absolute privilege to be called Mum.  Two of my children are now in their early to mid-20s, and my youngest, who is no longer a baby yet is my baby, is turning 16 this year.  As most Mums know and can relate, the honest truth is there is no Mum’s guide to surviving and thriving at work and in the home. Being a Mum, as much as it’s rewarding and the best role to date, it also comes with some huge sacrifices, persistent feelings of guilt, and always wondering and worrying about your children no matter what age they are.

Whilst being a Mum is a full-time job in itself (I don’t like to call it a job, yet you understand what I mean), when you throw in a career and a business as well, you always have the feeling; Am I doing enough in my career? Am I doing enough in the business? Am I being enough at home? Am I there enough for my children?  It’s a tug-of-war of mixed feelings that only we Mums know. It’s a constant juggle of sharing yourself thin at times. There are many highlights of being a Mum; the first time you hold your baby, bedtime when they are young is one of the best times in motherhood. Yet when they get older, it can be the worst part if they are still not home!  The worry is real.  Anyone that says anything different is lying.

We all go through the ups and downs in life, and sometimes life is not always Instagram-worthy in the family home. As Mums, we can learn real-life lessons from our children and their perspectives; I certainly know I have or still am. Yet watching your kids evolve into empathetic, kind human beings and being happy as they get older is the big one for me. To see my three living their life to the fullest and being happy and content with who they are outweighs anything else.

Whilst Mums express their love and existence in many ways to their children, a lot of my love for my children is shown through the food I prepare or going out for dinner. I love nothing more than spoiling my children and their friends with the home comforts of cooking, the odd takeaway Lobster Cave platter or chef-prepared meal by Krispy.  Whether it be my son watching his beloved Saints with his mates and the smell of homemade sausage rolls wafting through the house served on a wooden board with a bowl of tomato sauce, or my eldest daughter bringing all the girls around for a Christmas gift-giving, a graduation breakfast, a Mexican feast or my youngest having all her school friends over for sleepovers, you will always find me in the kitchen preparing a spread and maybe having the odd sneaky glass of wine or two! To me, food is so much more than eating. It is how I express my love. In my family, it binds us together, it is engaging, and it keeps us coming around the table for more.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mums out there that are all doing their best. Kudos to each and every one of you, and I hope that on this day, you are appreciated and loved for all that you do throughout the year.

Watching your children grow and succeed is a source of pride and joy like no other. So, to all the Mums out there, keep doing what you’re doing and know that your love and dedication to your children is positively impacting their lives, regardless of any doubts.

SuzieQ x