I remember watching the Attenborough wildlife programmes when I was a child and always feeling so sorry for the polar bear mothers: what a lonely existence, out in the frozen wilderness with only their cubs, a relentless task that focused only on survival, with little joy.
Fast-forward to single motherhood and it’s not hard to see the metaphorical similarities, or so I thought. This week I’ve been ill – ill enough to not be lurking on social media but not so ill so as to seek refuge at the local A&E. Let’s not beat around the bush: being ill when you’ve got children sucks. Add being the only adult in the house and it sucks even more; believe it or not the school run cannot be postponed neither can meals, laundry or pretty much anything related to the business of mothering.
Sometimes it’s ok to admit that you just can’t do everything – and this was one of those weeks. But the difference is that it still all got done and that’s thanks to my amazingly brilliant Mum Squad. Yes I can hear the collective eye rolling as you all sigh and say isn’t she too old for a squad? Next thing I’ll be dropping Bae into conversation (I can categorically assure you that the word Bae will never enter my vocabulary and if it does you have my permission to shoot me!). However I’m pretty sure that the likes of Swift, Jenner and Delavigne are not the first with their squads and have probably drawn inspiration from their mothers.
From the school run being taken care of, to deliveries of chicken soup, a good old fashioned hug which should never be underestimated for it’s power, being ordered to consume a variety of citrus fruits, Whatsapp love in abundance and a sleepover for Boo at Grandmas’. From the school gang (how have we only been friends for a year?!), to close friends and of course my own dear Mama; this is my Mum Squad and I’m proud to say they made this week possible. Thank you.
I’m fortunate. I’m blessed. I’m a mother who’s surrounded by other mothers who raise me, encourage me and support me and I them. Mothers helping mothers is as old as time yet in our crowded, demanding lives I am filled with love to say that I am not a polar bear. I am not alone.
Comments
15 responses to “I Am Not A Polar Bear: The Ultimate Mum Squad”
Hope you are feeling better now! Its lovely to have friends around you who can help.
Glad you’re feeling better now. Although I’m married my husband does work away and sometimes I have ended up in charge of two children alone when I have felt like knocking on death’s door!
Every mum needs a ‘mum squad’!! I’m glad that yours rallied round and that you are feeling better.
Brilliant – we all need a squad to fall back on when things get tough – I am glad yours were there to swoop in and save the day. Hope you are feeling better now x
So nice to hear you have a supporting group of mums around you. Every mum should have her own “mum squad” for support.
Girl Squads are pretty much vital in getting though almost anything. There is nothing like having good, kind and strong women around you. They will always be there when needed. Lovely post about something integral to life! xx
Hope you feel better soon. I hate being ill as us Mothers just have to crack on with it!
How lovely that your friends rallied round to help when you needed them most! Happy to hear you’re feeling better x
That is wonderful! So pleased you have such good supportive people around you xx
I do not know where I would be without my best friend, she is my squad.
So sorry to hear you’e been poorly – but how marvellous that your girls have rallied around. Being ill and having to look after kids is the pits. But you did it – go you (and your team!)
Brilliant, such an uplifting post and attitude, I am so glad you have such great support!xx
Hope you’re feeling better and how lovely to have such a great support network!
Glad you’re feeling better now xx
This has uplifted me x
What a lovely post, so glad you had the mum squad to look after you. There’s nothing worse than feeling ropey when you’re trying to be a parent at the same time. Hopefully you’re back on top form again now 🙂