I wrote this post earlier this month as a reflection on Mother’s Day as a parent of adults. It hit a nerve, an emotional nerve that tends to co-exist within us as parents, so I’m sharing with you here in case you missed it.
Things the parenting books don’t tell you as a mother of adults …
Your job as a mother is to make yourself redundant from the very position you’ve put your heart, soul and a fair chunk of your life into.
You will always be their mother but the job will become part-time with a “duties as required” caveat.
The cries for your attention (MUM. MUMMM. MUMMMM) will dim to silent acknowledgements, a grunt or a three word text.
… with the exception of these needs: money, food or dropping at a mate’s house (then you might get four words in a text).
The period of your life when your kids go from teenager to early 20s will feel like a long and most painful breakup.
A wise girlfriend once told me: keep your expectations low.
Do that and you’ll catch even slight glimmers of affection.
Always insist on hugs, with both arms!
Say yes to the aforementioned requests for drop offs to parties because they will be captive in the car with you.
In these transitional years, meet them where they are at because in the not too distant future they’ll circle back to you as fully fledged humans.
Your relationship won’t be the same but it will merge into the deepest of friendships.
It’s a privilege to have a front row seat to watch your adult kids build (and thrive in) their own world.
You’ll holiday together (and not just because you’re paying!).
You’ll visit them in far flung places, excited that they’re taking all the opportunities you’d hope they would.
You’ll see them fly. You’ll see them fall. You’ll be there to help them pick themselves up.
And the best gift will always be when you are all together in the same room. Never take that for granted.
If you feel all or some of these feels, the comments on this post are worth a read. You are not alone, no matter how young or old your kids are.
Nikki x
Reading:
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Strangers by Belle Burden
The Name Game by Beth O’Leary
Watching:
Off Campus Season 1 (Prime)
Rivals Season 2 (Disney+)
Dutton Ranch Season 1 (Paramount+)
If you’re new to Nimble, now is the time to try this Australian brand because their Explore More Sherpa collection has landed just in time for temperatures dropping. The relaxed, adjustable fit and cozy feel of these outer layers will have you reaching for them every day.
Shop HERE (use code NIKKI15 - valid for 72 hours)
(sponsored)
Save up to 50% off* with pairs from $99. The sale is on in store now until Saturday, May 30; and online Saturday until midnight June 1. *Excludes COAST style
Shop HERE
PS. If you’re reading this after the sale has ended, my 20% code is NIKKI20 (valid until June 30, 2026)
(paid ambassador)
My love of all things chocolate is slowly but surely infiltrating other parts of my life. It was love at first sight seeing this Alea sofa in store at Kave Home and it’s now become my favourite spot in our home. If you haven’t checked out Kave Home, this is your sign.
Shop HERE (use code AFFstylingyou10 to save 10% storewide)
(partially gifted, affiliate)
You know how I love a packing jigsaw? Travel agency WeExplored asked me to share my tips for packing for spring-summer in Europe for their magazine. They might just help you if you’re travelling to the northern hemisphere in the next few months.
Read the article HERE
Do you know what I’m loving most about this year’s jeans series? The comments section. On each post, whether that’s Instagram or Facebook, so many other women are not only sharing their jeans finds but they’re sharing their size and height in the hope that it helps another women similar in shape to them find their perfect pair. I couldn’t love this more! I’m only half way through this year’s series. You can catch up on any missed videos via the links below.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
Click the image below or HERE to follow me on LTK. You’ll find links to many of the beauty and fashion recommendations I feature.
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