I always thought I would never let my children watch television. Until I realised they need down-time as much as I do.
I always thought I would never let my children sleep in my bed. Until sleep only came when they were lying by my side.
I always thought I would never allow the kids to off-load all their school bags onto me. Until I saw how freely they could then run home.
I always thought I would offer water, not juice, because then they’d never want what they’d never had. Until they wouldn’t drink enough, and I panicked it would make them ill.
I always thought I’d have a career. Until I realised that would mean never seeing my children.
I always thought my house would stay tidy, with a neat stack of wooden toys in the corner. Until I realised the best toys don’t come in neutral colours.
I always thought I would never shout at a child. Until I reached the end of my tether.
I always thought I’d be the perfect mother. Until I realised none of us is.
What did you always think?