Middle Aged Mother Guilt

You would think that once your kids are grown, mother guilt would no longer be an issue.

I’m here to tell you: it ain’t so.

Sure, I’ve shared before about why I’ll never win parent of the year, and other assorted bad mummy moments here on the blog. But they dated back to when our children were small.

So why is it a problem now? What has triggered my case of middle aged mother guilt?

Hubster and I are in the midst of planning a trip to Europe for our 25th wedding anniversary next May. Exciting, yes?

Until we realised that Mr 20 has a birthday just days after our anniversary, and while we will most likely still be overseas. And not just any birthday – his 21st!

Cue mother guilt overload!

What sort of a mother misses such a milestone in her child’s life?

It’s not like my friend, who also booked a European vacation with her husband – only to discover their very first grandchild was due to arrive while they were away! Fortunately their daughter forgave them for not being psychic about the impending arrival 😉 .

Whereas I’ve had 21 years to know that this important occasion was looming!

When we discussed our dilemma with Mr 20, he gave us his blessing to go on our trip and celebrate his birthday on another date.

But I’m still feeling a tad conflicted.

Dratted mother guilt – please tell me it leaves too when the children fly the nest?!