Being a good mum is worth every sacrifice
AFTER reading the long list of things that modern mums do not have time for — from cooking evening meals to spring cleaning (Mail) — I am beginning to wonder why these women bother to have children at all. I chose to have my three children and knew that there would be sacrifices to make, including losing my salary and also having less time to myself. My husband and I realised there would be less money to spend on leisure, but we enjoyed spending time with our children. We had lots of days out and picnics, encouraging the whole family to enjoy nature. When times were hard, such as when the mortgage rate soared, I did parttime work in order to help out with the family budget. Pampering, massages, pedicures, fake tans and visits to the beauty salon were never on the agenda. But those sacrifices were definitely worth every penny. Now I have time for all those little extras and I am glad that I didn’t hanker after them when the children were growing up. Yes, I did have some ‘me time’ when I was a young mother, such as keep fit classes, the occasional shopping spree with a friend when I had birthday or Christmas money to spend, and the luxury of a hot, scented bath when the children were tucked up in bed. If today’s young women are not prepared to make a few sacrifices in order to ensure that the next generation gets the best possible start in life, then they should forgo the privilege of motherhood and choose to pursue their careers instead. Motherhood is one of the most satisfying ‘jobs’ and should not be entered into lightly. Watching a newborn baby grow into an adventurous toddler, a nervous young pupil, a sometimes stroppy teenager and then finally an adult to be proud of is so rewarding. I say to today’s young mothers: make sure you enjoy your children while you can. You will never have this time with them again.
ROSALIE KNOWLES, Gloucester.