Sharing parenting

Nothing is more special to me than being in a family unit. I didn't mind too much being a single parent, where it was just me and Josh and I made all the rules as it was us against the world. It was a special time in my life that I will always cherish because it has made me and Josh so close and the bond we have is unbreakable. Josh is a complete mummy's boy. I have always loved having full control of Josh, and that everything that had to be decided or had anything to do with his upbringing was all down to me and the choices that I made.  I decided when he went to bed, what he had for lunch or tea, if he was allowed that extra piece of chocolate. I was proud of the fact that he was this perfect little boy, and it was me who had brought him up. 

Then, along came Will and it all changed. Suddenly, I had someone else giving me their opinions on what I should do, and I had someone else offering to take him places so I could rest. It is perfect having someone who will get up at 5/6am with Joshua; someone who is willing to bounce around and play at silly o'clock.  It was really odd going from being in full control - to having someone else start to take on a role as a step dad. Will encourages Josh when he was doing well and he will guide him when he does something wrong. I struggled for a little while, as I felt like everything I had known had changed and instead of relying on just me (and my parents who are amazing) he had Will to rely on too. I still sometimes struggle from time to time, and we sometimes disagree on things that Josh does. Where I would let him before, Will may not always agree, and that's great because it is a part of parenting that is normal. It is all about compromising what you think is right and wrong. 

I appreciate his help so much more than I thought I would. I didn't realise how different it would be to parent together, especially with being pregnant and being so over tired all the time. It's lovely to be able to sit and watch them play all afternoon, and it really does make me feel so lucky to have them both. I was really quite stubborn before, and I didn't want to share Josh. I especially didn't want to share the decision making with anybody else, but now that I have, I do really see a difference.I love that Josh has that male role model to look up to. He has that special someone to do boy things with, get muddy in the park with, kick a football around with and to go climbing with. My favourite game that they place is 'who can kiss mummy first'. Obviously, Josh has won every single time, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I do take my hands off to all the single parents out there, it's such a tough but rewarding job. I really do think me and Josh grew so much together when It was just the two of us. Being a family to me, is one of the most precious things in the world. I am so glad that me and Will met, and that he's decided he wanted to take on a toddler. I really love how 'hands on' he is. It really does take someone extra special to take on that role, and I am glad Josh and I have found someone as lovely as Will. He is so involved in every aspect of Josh's upbringing, and I love sharing the experience with someone else. I can't wait to see what the next few months hold for us all, and how much parenting can change - when one becomes two!

xoxo