#MoreThanAMutha is all about celebrating the things that women are, as well as being amazing mothers.  In a world where many women feel like they lose their identity when they become a mum, it is important to celebrate and shout that we might be mums, but we are not only that and we are still a force to be reckoned with.

What makes you more than a mother? 

I’m a working parent who has made blogging, along with freelance work, my full time job enabling me to work around my children from home

Are people surprised when they realise you are more than a mum? Does that bother you?

A lot of people are surprised when they realise you can earn enough from blogging to give up a traditional job and work from home. They are also usually surprised by the amount of perks involved e.g holidays to review, invites to events with celebs etc.

What challenges do you face when you’re juggling motherhood and being more than a mum?

If I receive work with a very short deadline I may have to chop and change things around a little with my schedule, I’ve even had a few nights working until 4am when I’ve been very busy. Generally however, the only issue I have is people asking about how they can get the ‘freebies’ which I receive – obviously they aren’t free as I have to work for them/write about them in return!

How long did it take you to remember you were more than a mother after you had your child(ren)?

I had some time off work when my children were born until they started school. At this time my life was focused purely on them and their needs. I did feel as though I had lost my identity for somewhat. I then decided to do a degree with the Open University, so I could still be flexible around family life, but it was amazing finally doing something for myself. Shortly afterwards I started working for a PR company, which involved working with brands and bloggers, and I realised this was something I wanted to do myself.

Who, or what, helps you to make time for yourself? What do you do to escape the stresses of motherhood?

As I’m no longer with the children’s father I get some weekends and evenings to myself to relax, meet up with friends or go for a meal and movie with my boyfriend, when he’s home from the army. I used to find it very difficult to unwind, as I’d be worrying about the kids being away from me too much, but as they are slightly more independent now at 11 and 13 years of age and we are used to the routine I’ve learnt to make the most of the time I do get alone.

What advice would you offer a mum who might not be feeling like they are more than someones mum right now?

If family and friends offer to have the children then let them. There is nothing wrong in having a night out, or even a weekend away, to enjoy yourself (or even just catch up on sleep and enjoy some peace!). You were an individual before your bundle(s) of joy arrived and you will be one when they leave home so don’t lose sight of who you are as a person.

Any advice for someone who is going through the same things as you are right now in their quest to be #MoreThanAMutha?

If you’re thinking about setting up a blog and working from home it does take a few months to get it established, recognised and the work coming in. You have to put in quite a lot of time and effort initially but it pays off later. I’d like to add that if any bloggers have any questions they are more than welcome to get in touch via email or social media.

Who would you like to see featured next in the #MoreThanAMutha series?

Karin Joyce.  She writes a lot about embracing happiness, taking time to yourself and trying to brighten other people’s days.  She focuses on the little things in life being important and has been trying to introduce this at her local school too
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Are you #MoreThanAMutha?  Get in touch to share your story.

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