I had always wanted to be a Mum. I longed for 6 kids. My husband said he would meet me half way and we could have 3. That was probably a good call on his part. I love each of my kids dearly and there is no way i would be without them. At times I wonder how life would have been if we had had my 6. Perhaps it would have been too much for me and I would feel like the the writer of this article. We will never know.

Good on her for her honesty but maybe she spends a little too much time on Google when she is distressed.

I like the honesty here. I love being a parent but I was lucky to have a breezy time with my first which I think really helped. But my second is a whole different persona and sometimes it’s very difficult indeed. Parenting is really hard and I think the more you care the harder it is too. Interesting article, thank you.

Good on her for being honest. So many parents can relate and I having four children, I particularly agree that once your a parent you shift from being a partner to a caregiver. Hubby and his ironing, washing and general looking after is just another think and person I need to look after. We are lucky to have supportive family who encourage us to have date nights every so often abd we both jump at opportunity to spend quality time together away from kids (although we spend most of the night speaking about them).

Wow I am 64years old & I still hear you. Do you know that these feelings will change but still go on until you leave this earth. Yes it\’s harder to be alone parenting but sometimes you are more alone when still married. Happier with no kids-NOPE. You would be wondering \”Would I have been happier if I had Married-Had children-Been fulfilled if I married & had children-or sad as I never reached the goals I set as a career woman\”?? Who knows what. Like you said this is your life so start living it. OK-since you can\’t ditch the kids how ever hard it may be you have to find a life for YOU TOO. You are: Too tired-Busy-Poor-House messy-Kids neglected…..yep I know all the excuses I made them myself. Your teens won\’t remember the clean house/laundry or healthy meals & they think you are so old you don\’t need/want a life. Do them & yourself a favour-Find ONE. If that means 30minutes walking alone-having a pedicure-staring at the sky-meeting a friend (ADULT) for a chat-then do it. Build up slowly. If every one of your 4 children gave you 5minutes a day 6 days a week=2 hours for YOU. 5 minutes. Make a small start but make it. Do what you like not what you should. Play sport. Read a book. Find a book you\’d like to read. Your children WILL remember if you were a happy person so give them & yourself that Gift. Find yourself-it might take a while but if you don\’t like what you find then Change a little at a time. Remember a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Best wishes on starting your new life it won\’t easy but it will improve & your kids will be proud as you turn into someone they might like to be friends with one day. Love from a Mum & Grandmother-Find Happy it\’s Delicious & infectious.

Really enjoyed reading this article, I can so relate and can honestly say, I get what your saying and completely agree. Love my children, always will thats not an issue but in another life in a parallel universe….. who knows what could of been. Absorbed into the needs requirements and wants of my precious little people not much time left to self indulge!

I would have been happier richer, with an Adonis for a hubby, for less tummy fat – shoulda, coulda, woulda….. Live life, be happy and embrace your blessings

i haven’t thought this but i haven’t been in her shoes.

Raising children and carrying responsibility for them is indeed a huge thing. Sorry it weights so heavy on your shoulders and you have to do it alone ! Motherhood isn’t indeed for everyone. I so hope you have some dear friends with whom you can share, cry and lean on and who reach out to you in times of need !

How honest! Many of us feel this way at some time or another especially when your four children are pulling at you in different ways. But I’d never be without them and I do enjoy them in adulthood.

Lke ga

Nurturing children to be the best they can be is indeed an incredible reward. There will be many years of ‘freedom’ ahead and I will want those nurturing years back! Children will always need their parents and I love our family bond as it has given me more than it has ever taken away. But I respect the fact that everyone does feel differently about parenting.

Yes she is being honest. It makes me sad that she feels that way. I’m totally opposite. I am blessed to have a daughter. Not once have I thought any different

I have mixed feelings about this article.

Parenting is so rewarding because it is so hard and involves sacrafice. I’ll take the hard work because my kids are the type to make the world a better place. The more people that ensure this, the better we all are.

Personally I found this very depressing and sad and thinking about it I feel that this mum is depressed. Her boys are teenagers and I can assure you that not too far down the road she will have some of her old freedom back. The boys will age and become independent and she will have more spare time on her hands, so for pete’s sake nurture and teach them to be respectful children for now. For someone who regrets having children I am left wondering why you had four.

Honest parenting indeed. I absolutely love this article. She is spot on. I miss my freedom sometimes too.

I feel sorry for the women who feel that they have to go a certain way in life and later regret it. It isn’t always their fault, I understand that.
Good on her for being honest about her decisions and life but at least she is embracing life the best she can. That is all any of us can do.

I can’t imagine my life without my daughter. I wouldn’t be happier without her. Quite the opposite.

Never felt this way and there would be an empty void without my children.