How important do you think it is to look after yourself after having DCs?

[sadkoala]

Since having 2DCs I feel I've lost my identity.
I'm currently trying to push myself and look after my face, hair and clothes a bit more. I've recently realised looking at a photo of myself that I don't look like I thought I did or like I would like to.
I usually scrape my hair into a ponytail but in reality I look 100x better with my hair down and around my face so I'm considering a shorter more manageable cut.
I throw on comfy clothes that I think look ok but having seen the photos I realised it all looks frumpy and they're not actually the clothes I see myself in so I'm slowly working on my wardrobe too.

I'm starting to realise that it's important to look after myself and invest in myself not just exclusively in my DC's. I want to be confident and happy with I who I am and what I look like not just forsake it all because I'm focusing on my children.

AIBU to feel this way? How important do you feel it is? Or is it redundant?

Another thing which made me feel this way is realising what my DM did.
She stopped buying things for herself and generally putting any effort into her appearance after becoming a mum. She thought of is as unecessary and waste of money even though she was comfortable financially because she was now a mum and didn't need to do it.
Then she spent a lot of her energy being bitter and quite spiteful and bitchy about any fellow mum or woman who put effort into their makeup/clothes/hair and/or attracted any attention.

I agree.. I have two children.. but always maintained my personal appearance too... don't lose touch with yourself

Lead by example.
If you want your DC to feel confident and look after themselves, no matter what, then portray that to them.
You aren't just a mum.
You are YOU and you should look after yourself.

We all lose ourselves a bit after DC but you've now realised it's time for YOU as well.
Keep working on it. You'll find yourself!

Oh my goodness yes! YOU are still a person not just a mum. I completely felt the same after having children but it's so important to make time for yourself and look after yourself too. Exercise, food and sleep as well as style though. You're amazing don't forget! X.

I think it’s really important but also think it’s something that comes to you when your children are a bit older- the first couple of years is where you start neglecting yourself

To me it's very important, I do my hair everyday, apply minimal makeup and always have my nails done. I've had depression in the past and I feel if I look good it helps me feel good if that makes sense. It only takes me about 10-15 mins to groom myself and it's time well spent. I do it for me but OH has said he likes it that I'm always well groomed 

I decided after having dc2 I really wanted to make time for myself. I lost 4 stone and it transformed me. I now go to the gym every week day and really enjoy shopping which I never did before. I have so much more confidence and went for a new job recently that I never would have before. Little changes make a big difference

I have always considered myself a priority. Dc now teenagers.
I rarely buy clothes but when I do I buy sparkly, glittery, sequin tops and dresses. I go out regularly with friends, and frequently have my 3 closest friends popping over to each others houses for wine and a catch up.
I have my hair cut every 6 weeks and often/occasionally have highlights and lowlights.
I occasionally have my eyelashes and eyebrows dyed, have pedicure or my nails painted for £5.

All these things are important and most of them not that expensive.

Look after yourself. Always.

Definitely think it depends on how old your kids are. When I was in the midst of the chaos with a 2YO and a new born it was pretty hard going and I had little time for myself. I 'neglected' myself. But at the same time it taught me a lot. I'm more confident and comfortable without makeup on than I've ever been and more relaxed about choosing comfortable clothes.

Now my kids are older it's easier to make the time to spend on my appearance and I do make more of an effort now. But I am also more relaxed and confident in my appearance than I ever was before having kids, even though most people would probably argue I look worse now!

Your kids would like you to live a long time so it's very important to look after your health.