Parenting confessions... Why we're all just doing what we can to make it through to bedtime

Parenting is the hardest job to do, but the easiest thing to judge. I've found that both in parenthood and pregnancy, judgement, snide remarks and mum guilt is rife. Someone will always have something to say about how you parent your child. And with that in mind I'm waving my white flag to confess some motherhood taboos. Along with a selection of rather wonderful mothers I'm admitting my parenting confessions, and letting you in on the secret that we're all just doing hat we can to make it through to bed time!

Why we're all on countdown to bedtime

Parenting is a full time job. It's more than a full time job actually. We work from the minute the kids get up to the minute they go to sleep. And even once they're in bed (looking all angelic and as cute as can be) we're still on stand by with sometimes numerous call outs through the night.

What you see online and what's more openly discussed is the successes of parenthood. And whilst I believe celebrating wins can only be a positive thing, it's only smart to recognise the things we don't like about parenthood. Being open and honest about our confessions and admitting the little things we do to make it through to bedtime is actually really flipping liberating.

I secret eat in the kitchen while the kids are playing in the front room so I don't have to share

KIM

Benefits of sharing our parenting confessions

Although taboo there are many benefits or sharing our parenting confessions and letting others into our realities.

1. Sharing creates a sense of community: Sharing parenting confessions helps parents realise that they're not alone in their struggles. This can be comforting and motivating as it fosters a sense of community among parents.
2. Reduces feelings of guilt: Parents may feel guilty or ashamed of their parenting decisions, but sharing these parenting confessions can help alleviate negative feelings by normalising the idea that every parent makes mistakes. Nor do they enjoy parenting all of the time.
3. Helps to learn from each other: Sharing confessions can be a great opportunity to learn from others' experiences. Parents can gain valuable insights, strategies, and tips to improve their own parenting. Even if it is telling little white lies about bedtime.
4. Strengthens relationships: Confessing your parenting mistakes can be a vulnerable act, but it can also help build trust and strengthen relationships with other parents. It shows that we are willing to be honest and transparent with one another, which can deepen connections.
5. Encourages seeking help: Talking through our confessions can encourage parents to seek help when they need it. It can normalise the idea of asking for support or guidance from others, whether that be from other parents, a professional therapist, or another resource.

So let's dive in with some parenting confessions. I wouldn't be surprised if you find yourself nodding along to these ones.

Parenting confessions

Kayleigh from kaycaton.co.uk says 'I love my child with all my heart, but somethings I think 'gosh you're being annoying right now''. In the midst of the fourth trimester with a ten week old baby she also confessed 'once or twice I've forgotten to mention my baby has pooed before handing her over to my husband'. We've all done that haven't we?

I push for independent play because I don't enjoy playing with kids

Charlotte

Rosalyn, a British teacher living in Valencia admits 'I don't care about screen time' Some days she looses count of the hours but is confident everything balances itself out.

Kim admits she's not a sharer when it comes to snacks. And nor am I! 'I secret eat in the kitchen while the kids are playing in the front room so I don't have to share'. A mum after my own heart. I've found that once you have kids nothing is yours anymore. You'll be surprised the tiniest of things they'll want to half with you. And it's always the bigger half they want.

Charlotte encourages independent play with her kids. 'I push for independent play because I do not enjoy playing with kids. No thanks'. And again, I have to agree. Soft play in particular is my idea of hell. I hate that my kids love it so much.

Stacey Jane discussed meal times with me confessing 'my child has porridge/toast for dinner at least once a week because I can't be bothered to cook'. We have a big toast fan in our house and I appreciate the quickness of it all. My eldest would eat 'toast with melted butter' for breakfast, dinner and tea, seven days a week if she could.

Amy lets go and admits that she'd 'rather embrace the chaos than the tantrum'. Something I'm 100% on board with.

Which leads me onto my own confession... I'm the type of parent who will quite happily sit back and watch the kids cause a riot in my home if it means I get to sit with my own thoughts for five minutes. Ten if I can manage a cup of coffee! who'd have thought 'just sitting' would be a deal breaker!

I'd rather embrace the chaos than the tantrum

Amy

Hannah, a mum of two from Teesside says she's 'told the kids the parks shut because it's too muddy'. Genius if you ask me.

Lorna, small business owner and silversmith at Hearts of Brass admits that although she has an adult son now, she 'used to turn the clocks forward and hour' to get her son to bed early. Apparently 'it worked until he found out the time Coronation Street started'.

Vicki, mum of three and blogger at My Little Girl Tribe says 'sometimes I don't even put my kids in pyjamas for bed. They refuse and I don't argue it'. I resonate with this one as I feel I'm pretty good at picking my battles. Some things are worth the fight, but others, like PJ's aren't worth it.

Lisa, a motherhood blogger at Love From Lisa shares her parenting confession based around mum guilt. She told her sister her 'toddlers cake was made with sweet potato to avoid judgement on sweet intake'.

Natasha, blogger and small business owner of Quinlan's Homeware and Cards parenting confession is similar to Lorna's. She says 'I tell them it's bedtime even if it's earlier because I need the day to be over'.

I tell them it's bedtime even if it's earlier because I need the day to be over

natasha

Why sharing your confessions shouldn't be taboo

Sharing parenting confessions shouldn't be taboo because it allows parents to connect with one another on a deeper level. It can help to break down the unrealistic expectations and societal pressures placed on parents and provide a safe space to discuss the challenges, mistakes, and victories that come with raising children. By sharing our vulnerabilities and learning from one another, we can build a supportive community and strengthen our parenting skills. Normalising the act of sharing these confessions can alleviate feelings of guilt or shame and encourage parents to seek help and support when needed. Ultimately, it can lead to a more honest and empathetic parenting culture.

Which of the parenting confessions made you giggle most? Are there any that you also do as a parent? Do let me know in the comments.