A Fresh Start as a “School Mum” I’m no where near perfect.

 I haven’t always been the exemplary school mum, but last Friday really opened my eyes to something and I thought i'd share. 

As a working parent raising multiple kids, balancing school events and child‑focused moments was challenging, but today, I’m recommitting.Sitting at assembly last Friday for my fourth child, I felt like I’d missed the mark.

You see, with my firstborn, it was all new. I attended assemblies, sports days, swimming carnivals and school concerts. I worked part‑time so I could request to swap shifts or just put in not to work in advance for certain dates so that I could be present. 

By the time my second child started school, I faced the double juggle: two children at once. Trying to make it for both class items plus school wide activities. I’d transitioned to running a home‑based daycare full‑time, making school commitments harder and near impossible but I made it when I could.

My third child arrived after a long five‑year gap. He started school after we moved froom NT back to NSW, i was newly divorced and doing it alone, working part‑time and with the older kids now in Years 5 and 7, school came with new anxiety about showing up and giving him the same experience i'd given the older kids.

Fast forward nine years later, along came child number four. It really was like starting everything all over again. I was busy launching a business, then relaunching post‑COVID, learning about my multiple kids having Autism of different levels and honestly, just life. This year, she started Year 3. I’m also blessed with a grandchild at the same school. I love seeing his face light up and the extra hugs i get on school pick ups. I’m reclaiming control of my schedule. I have now decided to block out an extra hour before school pick‑up every fortnight so I can show up consistently for my kids and grandkids. It's 1 hr every 2 weeks that shows with my actions that i'm interested in them and what's happening at school and that i'm willing to make the effort. While up to now i've justified it in the way that i have to work to make money and afford life, i'm reminded on a weekly basis just how fast these little ones are growing up and it really hit me hard. They wont care that i made X amount in this financial year or how many charities we worked with. They'll care that they got to see me in the crowd when they received an award or did a class presentation.

Friday’s School Assembly

A turning point, i made it to my first assembly this year (I don't recall making any last year if i'm honest). I sat quietly at the back and watched all of the awards be handed out for the various categories and the smiles on each child's face as they held them up with pride. Then i saw my daughter, Miss Z, walking fast along side the assembly with her support officer, visibly upset, i later found out she was worried I wouldn’t be there. The moment she spotted me, her face flooded with relief. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. How many times had she looked around, hoping I’d be there only to find me tied up in meetings or admin? I will never know, but today, I vowed to change that.

Why Being Present Matters 

Parents must work, childrearing costs add up, and providing for a family is essential. I'm deeply grateful to each and every every client who supports my small business. Because of you, I can show up more, both now and in the months ahead. I'm not chasing perfection. I’m recommitting to consistency and presence, for my children, grandchild, and for every parent longing to be there more.

You’re not alone. It's never too late for renewal. You can always reset your priorities, for your family, and for yourself. 

Do you hold this type of Mum guilt too or do does another variation haunt you?