For me, since becoming a Mum, it’s been really important to maintain my identity, and not just get lost in being Esmé and Elodie’s Mummy. And there have been things that have really annoyed me throughout that, such as health visitors and others calling me “Mum” erm…. My name is Lianne….

Becoming a parent is truly amazing, but it’s so vitally important to maintain our sense of self too, you don’t have to choose between being a good parent and maintaining your identity. Our lives revolve so much around our kids, that it becomes important to step away from that too.

So I’ve come up with a few tips in keeping our identities:

1. Connect with friends – It’s easy to be isolated as a parent, and even if you make new friends at baby groups, the topic of conversation can often be about kids! Keep in touch with your old friends, who knew you before you were a parent – even if it’s just messages, they will keep you connected with yourself.

2. Establish a child free area – Whether it’s in your home, your garden, your work-place, anywhere really, I think we all need somewhere that is just for us, that isn’t full of toys. Or keeps some mementos around of your old life – remember what you loved to do before you had kids.

3. Self-care – Do things for yourself, if you can get out, have a massage, get your nails done, see a movie, do a class, if getting out is a struggle, read a book, make some art, listen to music, and don’t feel guilty – the washing can wait!!

4. Involve your kids – If you did lots of things before having kids, they don’t all have to stop, get your kids involved.

5. Date night – if you have a partner, don’t forget that parents need time together without the kids, just as much as they need me-time. It’s really important to reconnect with each other from time to time. Organise a date night, if you can’t get childcare, do something special at home.