Words of wisdom: Semra Bussell

Seeing as we celebrate all things motherhood in May as part of our #monthofmummyhood, we thought we'd chat to some in our Bedhead community and find what pearls of parenting wisdom they have to share! Semra and her son Wren have modelled for us and we love her insights into mothering and self-care - especially her advice to add time for yourself to your calendar so you don't cancel yourself! Let's find out more...

What is your favourite part of being a mum?

I love when the kids are having the best time. I love just watching them play and engage in their life. I love watching them succeed at things that I know they try to work really hard at doing. I love all of the cuddles and the beautiful words that don't come often, but sometimes they'll write a beautiful note, or pick a flower, or just say the right thing at the right time. And honestly, that just keeps you going.

If you could go back in time before you became a mum and give yourself some advice, what would it be?

I would definitely tell myself not to sweat the small stuff, not to worry about getting things perfect and right, and that I am the best mum for my kids. They love just spending time with me even if nothing is perfectly packed away, they would prefer me sit with them and play, than be caught up in all of the other duties.

What were your expectations of parenting compared to the reality?

I can't even remember what I really pictured motherhood to be like. I just know that I desperately wanted to be a mum from a young age. I was definitely shocked at the amount of love that I felt. I never expected it to be so all encompassing everything; nothing else matters. The biggest expectation was that I could keep going on and living my life just normally and you know, now I just have a baby with me. But my whole world changed and everything was just about my child.

How do you make time for yourself?

The balancing act in this day and age is extremely crazy. I think we all just adapt to how fast paced life is right now. Scheduling time for yourself, even when you don't feel like it really makes all the difference. I swear by my calendar. With all of the kids and all of the things that they've got going on, that's the only thing the way I can keep track. It helps me take time for me because once it's in, you're less likely to cancel it. and it really pushes you to stay focused with any plans or things that you have. So yeah, that's probably my tip. Don't cancel on yourself - you wouldn't cancel on someone else - or you're less likely too - so don't cancel on yourself! You're just as important!