So just because you're mum now you can't look nice and make an effort?

[sostressedsostressed]

I don't understand (bar finances and even then not really an excuse) why some women when they become parents, out goes the stylish clothes, in comes Tesco mummy jeans!

Out goes the decent hair cut/colour, in comes uncombed hair.

There is NO excuse (apart from depression before the righteous mafia comes for my neck, haha.

Seriously it really bugs me.

For fuck sake does it really matter what you look like or what you wear?

Yes it does. It's a question of self-respect.

Of course the 20 minutes or so it takes to do hair and makeup could also be productively spent on reading books and gradually educating oneself, couldn't it?

For me its not even a choice between make up/sspend time with my children! As my youngest is autistic he's pretty much my shadow so is usually watching me as I put on my mascara!

I don't know anyone that goes in another room and shuts the door to do make up while their children are elsewhere.

I get what you mean about priorities Empusa.

AP sounds interesting though bonsoir.

I'm always interested in how other people do the first year - mine was more of a hold on for dear life & hope we get through it approach

It doesn't make you a better person if you or wearing designer jeans vs. a Tesco pair.

The first year was really easy for me. But I had a lot of domestic support. The second year provided a lot more challenges, but it was still fun and interesting, as was the third. The fourth year when she started school was when it became hard.

*are

No, but it makes you a better person if your jeans (and the rest of you) are clean.

I love it when people let themselves go. It makes me look all the better.

Amber I expect when DS gets a bit older I'll be more inclined to do make up etc as he'll be able to sit with me. Doing make up with an inquisitive 4 month old is a little difficult plus he'd rather I was playing with him. And I'm happy to oblige!

Why when she started school, Bonsoir?

I found having one baby easy, one baby and one a school easy, but one baby and one toddler bloody difficult. That was a hold on for your dear like year.

I think I still managed to look presentable to the rest of the world, though.

Agree.

Pre children I used to wear lovely designer clothes and regulary had my hair coloured and cut. Although I get dressed up for work I genuinely can NOT afford the wardrobe I would like anymore.
BUT
I wear nice, clean, presentable clothes though. I know what suits my expanding shape and ok I now home colour my hair and straighten it myself but I look ok I think. Im clean, presentable, I dont smell. What else is there ?

To me being 'well presented' = clean with clean combed hair that's been trimmed to keep it looking healthy and clean uncreased clothes that are an appropriate size.

I don't subscribe to the view that women need to wear make up, have highlights, wax, tweeze and wear heels to be considered 'nice'/acceptable.

Getting a 2.10 up for school (breakfast, dressed in uniform, teeth brushed, hair done) etc for a short morning, then going back to get her, then lunch then nap - I never had a second to myself!

Clean people are better people than dirty ones?

Aren't they just cleaner?

Clean is a value.

Did I mention being dirty Bonsoir?

What are you talking about?

What are you talking about- you started going on about clean jeans.

Lynette - love that - so true.

This debate could go on forever. Those who want to wear make up etc & those that don't can all live in peace.

However we will continue to judge each other in silence (or on MN)

sos do you feel better now some people dont give a shiny shite about glam clothes and whatnot seriously have you nothing better to moan about have you not got some make up to put on or your roots need doing ,

(no offence to anybody else except the OP )

Hahaha, try that Bonsoir with on older one you have to pick up at 3pm, and a baby who has to go back and forth with you each time you drop off/pick up. Then try and fit in a hair apt and buy new clothes when you have a DH who works six days a week. It can be done, because I used to do it.

"Clean is a value."

I think I know what you're getting at here Bonsoir, but it makes it sound like you think people from poorer countries who can't keep clean are worse people than ones who can... You don't mean that though, do you?

Remember, I always had the DSSs as well! Two older ones with different times...