To Those Who Mother

Mother’s Day has started to feel a little different for me over the years.

“Mother” is such a big word. It’s not just one role, or one kind of person. It’s all the people who show up, who care, who hold things together, often quietly and without much recognition.

Of course, there are mums.
But also the stepmums, the grandmothers, the carers, the friends who feel like family.
And the ones who are simply doing their best each day in ways that are not always seen.

It’s not one version of motherhood. It never has been.

I’m a single mum to three little girls, and I feel that weight, and that privilege, every day.

Some days feel calm and beautiful.
Some feel like complete chaos.
Most are a bit of both.

And for a long time, I think I just ran on empty. Making sure everyone else was fed, organised, okay… and not really thinking about myself until I absolutely had to.

I’ve learnt the hard way that if I don’t look after myself, I’m not the kind of mum I want to be. Not perfect. Just… more patient. More present. Less overwhelmed.

So these days, I keep a few things really simple.

1. Sleep (even when I want “me time”)

This one sounds obvious, but it’s the easiest to ignore.

Once the kids are in bed, it’s so tempting to stay up just to have a bit of time to yourself. But I’ve realised I feel so much better when I actually go to bed instead.

Waking up rested changes everything.
Waking up exhausted makes everything harder than it needs to be.

2. Some form of movement every day

Nothing extreme.

Some days it’s a run on the treadmill while the girls have breakfast.
Some days it’s walking to school and back.
Sometimes it’s the gym.

It’s less about fitness and more about having a moment that’s mine.

3. Eating properly (especially protein)

This is a big one for me.

I used to get to the end of the day and realise I’d fed everyone else… but not really myself. Then I’d be starving and grabbing whatever was there.

Now I try to keep it simple and make sure I’m actually eating enough, especially protein. It keeps me full, steady, and a lot less likely to crash by 4 pm.

4. A simple nighttime routine

Nothing complicated.

Washing my face, putting a bit of skincare on… just a small moment to reset before bed. It’s not about the routine itself. It’s just a pause and a signal that the day is done.

None of this is groundbreaking. But together, it’s what helps me show up better. Not perfectly, just better. So this Mother’s Day, I’m still thinking about the small things. A moment to sit down with a cup of tea. Something sweet that actually makes you feel good. 

To everyone who mothers, in whatever way that looks like, I see you. You’re doing a really good job.

Tess x