Alsager person-centred counsellor, Hannah Bolton, offers her professional insight into the challenges of parenting, believing none are "perfect"

Hannah told Nub News: "There is no such thing as the perfect parent.

"It can be easy to scroll through Facebook or Instagram looking at people's posts of the 'perfect' family snapshot, or reading posts about how they are 'enjoying every second of parenting.'

Alsager person-centred counsellor, Hannah Bolton, offers her professional insight into the challenges of parenting (Nub News).

"I can honestly tell you while these moments do exist and no, parenting isn't always horrendous, enjoying every second is not reality.

"Where's the pictures of parents struggling with their child having a tantrum?

"The messy house where you are juggling tidying up whilst trying to keep the kids entertained?

"The moments of your child/children shouting 'mummy' or 'daddy' I want this constantly and not being able to do anything in peace?

"Or the knackered moments when you feel as though you can't function without an endless supply of caffeine? 

"I can honestly say I've been there, as a mum of two boys under the age of five, I feel like I'm always juggling work/life balance and trying to be the best mum I possibly can be. 

"It is hard work. There's no manual for parenting and nothing can prepare you for how you will feel.

"I can honestly say I had a different expectation of what parenting was and especially what maternity leave would be.

"I thought I would make lots of friends and be busy all the time. I personally found this wasn't the case and being honest I didn't enjoy maternity leave as much as I thought I would.

"I found sometimes I would go to groups and feel isolated as other people knew each other already or on occasion I felt judged.

"I also felt going back to work part time no one else was free to meet so it was just me and my children. 

You can contact Hannah Bolton by visiting her website, calling her on: 07768198184, or emailing: [email protected] (Nub News).

"Being on my own didn't help with anxieties I was feeling. Since becoming a parent, it was like all my anxiety seemed to fixate to my children.

"What if they are poorly' would be my main worry and sometimes still is. Or focusing on what is expected from them in society and if I'm helping them enough with this.

"What if they think I'm not around enough when I'm at work, or when I am at home, I need to do the housework and can't play with them.' Then the guilt kicks in.

"There are so many pressures placed upon us on as parents it can be really overwhelming.

"If you find you can relate to this, I can assure you you are not alone. 

"This is why I have set up a group for mums and dad to meet and go through their experiences as a parent and any anxieties they may have.

"The group is used as a support system as well as going through any specific concerns you have.

"As a mum and experienced counsellor, I am passionate about this group and have had amazing feedback about it so far.

"In the group, I also go through grounding techniques for anxiety, other resources for support and the challenges of parenting. 

"All my details are on the flyer attached please feel free to contact me if you or anyone you know may be interested in booking on, I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you have."

You can contact Hannah by visiting her website, calling her on: 07768198184, or emailing: [email protected]. 

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