SmileyRose Ramblings by Frances Rose Agnes Napper (She/Her)

Although being a Full-Time Mother is not for everyone, I became a full-time mother to both of my daughters Catherine (Kitty) and Lauren (Lolly) whilst my ex-husband became the main provider/breadwinner for our family. I had always worked full-time and giving up my full-time job to care for our children was a difficult choice for me to make.

My husband was a shift worker and trying to find a job, whilst trying to bring up two young children was no fun and games.

I loved being Mum. It meant going without a few luxuries at the time, however, I wanted to give our daughters a good start in life. The “Formative Years” are the most fundamental developmental stage in children, and it falls between ages 0-8.

“Formative years” refer to the early period in a person’s life when their character, beliefs, and abilities are significantly shaped. This time typically spans from early childhood through adolescence, often considered to be up to around age 18. During these years, various factors, including family environment, education, social interactions, and cultural influences, play a crucial role in developing an individual’s personality, values, and cognitive skills.

The concept emphasizes the importance of early experiences and education in laying the foundation for future development and behaviour. Interventions and positive experiences during the formative years can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s life trajectory.

I loved every minute of being a full-time Mum. When the time was right, I was ready to go back to work, however, it was not easy finding a part-time job, as many of those jobs had been taken by new people moving into the country. This put so much stress on my ex-husband and me, at the time, as I needed to go back to work, just to be able to contribute to family bills. The cost of living had gone up so much.

Eventually, I found a full-time job however it was far too late by then and all of the stresses resulted in us divorcing. Sad but true.

I have never looked back since those dark dreary days. I went back to college, to upgrade my skills and I work full-time.  Had I still been married, I would have probably only have needed to work part-time, but my circumstances changed.

I do not regret looking after the children for those early years of their lives. It was probably the best thing I had ever done during my lifetime. The children were our main priority. Now look at the pair of them. They have both completed University and they both have good jobs. What more could a doting mother ask for? I am so very proud of them both.

I sometimes look back and think about those dark days, but my strength and determination to succeed as a working Mother was my main focus. I have never looked back with regret.

I wanted my children to feel proud of me, in the same way as I am proud of them both too. 🙂

Frances x