22/12/2025
Today was a BIG day.I dropped my three kids off to their dad and step-mum’s house for Christmas week. This will be my first Christmas without them—without waking up to excitement, loud noise, chaos, and wrapping paper all over the lounge room.
Driving away, I felt every emotion. After a big hug from their step-mum (yes, there were tears from both of us), I had a five-minute pity party, called my partner —who always knows just what to say—and then something shifted. I started thinking about how grateful I am.
Grateful for three healthy, happy, thriving kids who are excited to spend Christmas with their dad and step-mum. Grateful that another woman loves my children like her own. Grateful for a healthy co-parenting relationship with their dad. Grateful for my partner who loves my kids as if they were his.
It hasn’t been easy. From the outside, it might look strange—but it took work to get here. It took self-work to realise it’s not a competition. It’s not about jealousy when the kids want to call Dad while they’re at Mum’s, or ring their step-dad to talk sports, or share something exciting with their step-mum. It’s about being the best parents we can be—for them.
Our kids have two homes, two sets of parents who love them deeply, who show up for them, who want nothing but the best. Sharing your most precious gift—your children—50/50 is hard. Someone once said, “It must be great to parent one week and have the next off.” No. We all parent 100% of the time. We go to their events even on our “off” week, we talk to them every day, and we’d drop everything if they needed us.
This Christmas will feel different. I even thought about skipping it altogether—but instead, my partner and I will FaceTime the kids Christmas morning to see what Santa brought, then enjoy lunch with his family (his mum is visiting from Tassie 😍). Yes, it will be different—but it will still be celebrated. Because I have so much to be thankful for, and someone patient and understanding by my side through all these new moments.
Here’s to love, gratitude, and embracing what matters most—even if the milk and cookies are waiting at another home for Santa this year!
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