'Be Kind to Yourself'

So 'be kind to yourself' is a mantra I've been told by various people in my life. I find it really easy to assume the worst and act like the glass is half empty. The trouble is, lack of or limited sleep, only exacerbates the self deprecating part of me!!!
So about a year ago I got myself a little whiteboard and wrote my new mantra on it. Gradually I've learnt to give myself a break. I don't need to complete everything at once by some deadline I've artificially set myself.
If the washing up doesn't get done nothing bad is going to happen. If the pile of ironing turns into a mountain,  no one will be hurt. So when things go wrong and not according to plan, shrug your shoulders accept you're not perfect and enjoy the time with your family. Life is far too short and complicated to not enjoy your babies.
Being around kids makes me act like a kid and forget the big world (which is sometimes tough). My aim is to act like a kid for as long as I can.
Since having my babies, I get to play and giggle and marvel at their ability to pick things up all day long :)
I've also met some amazing new friends, and we pick each other up if one is struggling. So, don't just be kind to yourself, be kind to other mummies and tell them what a great job they're doing xx

Deciding that my babies DON'T have sleep problems

When trying to decide what to do about sleeping baby problems talk to everyone. I think having a good natter with lots of other people will help you find your own feelings.

I remember feeling so conflicted about letting my boy sleep in my bed at night (every night)! The whole world seemed to tell me that I was 'creating a rod for my own back.' So I tried letting him cry in his cot but it only ever broke my heart.

It was then I realised that my (well hidden) mummy instincts were letting me know what I was comfortable with.
Comforting my boy at night when he's sobbing helps him and helps me as well. He wakes up in the night and just needs me and I'm there.
The minute I took the decision, that sleeping in my bed wasn't a big problem, I felt so much better about it all. Now I no longer have sleep issues with my kids.
When they need me I'm there and I sleep sounder knowing they are OK. But that's not right for everyone, us adults are all different so why would we expect all our babies to be the same!!

Although I'm not gonna lie, I've still got my fingers crossed that I'll have a Jack free night tonight ;)