10 things all parents DEFINITELY shouldn't beat themselves up over

As parents, we know how it feels to have a hard time. But more often than not, it comes from ourselves!

Here, Emma Conway, aka Brummy Mummy of 2, writes for our blogger platform Because I Said So (BISS) on the subject of why it's high time us parents gave ourselves a break...

'Parenting is really super easy' said no mum ever.

When you aren't worrying about trying to get them to suck on your boob, you're fighting with your other half over whose turn it is to do the washing up. There are never ending decisions about nursery places and the best after school clubs.

This, combined with the relentless guilt, can make you sit bolt upright in the middle of the night and have a little cry. But fear not! I am here to give you the 10 things all parents definitely shouldn't beat themselves up over.

Save your tears for an episode of One Born Every Minute.

1. Food

While breast is best and baby-led weaning is the norm, you should feed your baby the way you see fit. As long as they are happy and healthy that's all that really matters.

2. Sleep

Babies don't sleep through the night. It's horrific and brain numbing, but you must embrace it. And don't listen to that woman at the baby group who says hers did after a month. She's fibbing.

3. Dummies

We're all in agreement that dummies look horrible. But if it means it soothes your tiny tot for half hour? Then shove it in and think no more about it.

4. Milestones

Children do different things at different times. I kid you not my daughter couldn't jump till she was four and my son has a stammer. But those two beauties couldn't be any more perfect if they tried.

My son having the time of his life at Thomas Land

5. Hating your other half

There isn't a couple up and down the country that doesn't communicate through passive aggressive texts and emoticons for the first year. It does get better. Eventually.

6. Feeling a bit bored

Babies nap. A lot. Toddlers watch Peppa Pig. A lot. If you feel bored this does not mean you hate your child. You just hate Peppa Pig. A lot.

7. Losing friends

You've changed. And sometimes that means you may lose a few friends. But you also may make new ones who are completely exhausted and totally get why you hate your husband.

8. Unsolicited advice

People love giving random baby advice. While your first instinct is to punch them in the face, just smile politely and totally ignore it. Idiots.

9. Tantrums

Your toddler wasn't the first kid to have a full breakdown over a Peppa Pig plaster in the middle of ASDA. And certainly won't be the last. So ignore the shocked shoppers and carry on with your day.

10. Making wrong decisions

You suddenly have to make loads of decisions. From tiny ones like what should be their first shoes, to big ones about immunisations and school places. The worry that you may mess it all up is strong. But take it from someone who has made the odd mistake here and there. You are making these choices with all the love in your heart and generally? It will always turn out for the best.

Become a BISS blogger

Could you be our next BISS blogger? We're asking you to share your best blog post with us for the chance to win a guest spot on GoodtoKnow (and trust us, you'll be in great company with some top bloggers already involved!).

Good luck!