This is going to initially sound massively ungrateful, I'm not being, I promise, people mean well, I get that, but I find it weirdly unsupportive when people tell me this about my parenting.
Some may see what I mean, some may KNOW what I mean, and some may just rollock me for being ungrateful. That's fair enough.
I guess I just wish someone would just for once, for once, ask me how I'm doing, instead of just telling me how I'm doing.
Ironically when you just tell a single mum: "Oh you're doing brilliantly!" that's not helpful. We're not doing brilliantly, we are barely surviving, we feel awful a lot of the time, we're not having any support, we're lonely and you've no idea what my mothering is like when you're not around.
Yes I happen to have been blessed with a lovely child. That doesn't mean I'm doing brilliantly. I'm pouring my heart into her and I am but a husk as a result. And sometimes a rubbish mother.
And before you say it, I have lovely friends but for some reason, they still don't ask, not in that way.
When someone tells you "You're doing brilliantly" it sort of closes any conversational avenues into how much you're struggling or asking for help. They've told you you're doing well, all is wonderful, it's a fact, no problem, next topic please.
I would just love, - no, need - , just for once for someone to ask, "How are you actually getting on Kate? How are things really? Do you need anything?"
All of these well meaning platitudes are really not helpful, they make me feel awful and are just not true. I'm sinking and I need a cuddle.
Next time you feel yourself about to TELL a mother "You're doing brilliantly!!" Stop yourself and ask, sincerely, "Are you doing okay?"
Believe me it will make the world a better place.