The Comforting Mum

This week marks my fourth week in my new job. And honestly? It’s been amazing… and really stressful. Balancing work, home life, school runs, nursery, and motherhood is no small task. Some days I feel proud of myself, and other days I feel like I’m just about holding it all together.

During my second week at work, I had to take time off because my daughter was ill and couldn’t return to nursery. And, of course, it fell on me to figure it out. As it always does. Her dad didn’t step in. He didn’t offer support. He didn’t rearrange anything. So I did what mothers do — I handled it.

Then came my third week. My first day back after being off. I was finally settling in, feeling like I was getting into a rhythm… and I received a call from the nursery. My daughter had wet herself three times and needed more clothes. Which meant I’d likely have to leave work — again.

I asked the nursery to call her dad.

No answer.

No call back.

No surprise.

Thankfully, my sister was able to step in and help. And I remember feeling such a mix of emotions — relief, gratitude, frustration, and exhaustion. Because while I was grateful for the support, it hurt knowing that once again, I couldn’t rely on the one person who should’ve been there.

This year has taught me so much. And a lot of those lessons… I don’t want to carry into 2026.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of protecting my peace.

For a long time, I allowed my children’s father to do the bare minimum in the name of being a “civil co-parent.” I convinced myself that keeping the peace meant not rocking the boat. But in reality, it came at my expense. Because for him, it meant no accountability. No consistency. No responsibility unless it suited him.

He could show up when he wanted.

How he wanted.

With no consequences.

And I was left carrying the weight — emotionally, mentally, practically.

✨ Reflection

I’m learning that protecting my peace doesn’t mean being difficult. It doesn’t mean being bitter. And it doesn’t mean I’m asking for too much. It means I’m finally honouring myself and the life I’m trying to build for my children.

Peace isn’t something you stumble into — it’s something you choose, sometimes over comfort, sometimes over familiarity. And sometimes, choosing peace means setting boundaries that make other people uncomfortable.

God has been showing me that I don’t have to carry everything just to keep things “nice.” I can be kind and firm. Loving and clear. Civil and self-respecting.

And maybe this season isn’t about doing more — maybe it’s about doing less of what drains me.

If you’re a mother reading this and feeling stretched thin, please know this: it’s okay to expect support. It’s okay to speak up. And it’s okay to stop accepting crumbs just because you’re used to surviving on them.

🌸 Affirmation

“I choose peace over pressure. I release what no longer serves me, and I honour my boundaries without guilt. God is guiding me into a season of clarity, strength, and balance — and I am allowed to protect that.”

Signed,

The Comforting Mum 🤎