Feeling guilty during school holidays? You're not alone.

School holidays are often portrayed as a time to slow down, make memories and enjoy extra time together as a family.

And while there are certainly moments of laughter, fun and connection, they can also be incredibly exhausting.

If you've found yourself quietly wishing the kids were back at school already, you may have been followed almost immediately by another feeling.

Guilt.

You might wonder what kind of mum thinks that.

The truth is, far more mothers feel this way than they admit.

Loving your children and needing a break can both be true

One of the biggest misconceptions about motherhood is that if you truly love your children, you should enjoy every moment.

Real life doesn't work like that. School holidays often mean days filled with constant questions, snacks, mess, sibling disagreements, interrupted conversations and very little time to yourself.

You're no longer just a mum.
You're the organiser.
The referee.
The entertainer.
The cook.
The cleaner.
The emotional support person.

And often, you're trying to manage work, household responsibilities and everyone else's needs at the same time.

Feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted doesn't mean you love your children any less. It simply means you've been carrying a lot.

The mental load doesn't stop during school holidays

For many mums, the hardest part isn't actually having the kids home. It's carrying the invisible mental load that comes with it.

Thinking about meals.
Planning activities.
Managing appointments.
Keeping everyone happy.
Making sure nothing is forgotten.
Trying to prevent arguments before they even happen.

Most of this work goes unnoticed because it happens silently in your mind.

By the end of the day, it's often not physical exhaustion that's hardest. It's emotional exhaustion.

Why the guilt feels so heavy

Many mothers tell themselves they should be grateful. They tell themselves other mums seem to cope better.

They feel guilty for wanting just five minutes of peace.
They feel guilty for counting down until school goes back.
They feel guilty for feeling overwhelmed at all.

But guilt has a way of convincing us that needing support means we're failing - it doesn't.

Sometimes it simply means you've been looking after everyone else for so long that you've forgotten to look after yourself.

You don't have to wait until you're at breaking point

One of the biggest myths about counselling is that you have to be falling apart before reaching out. In reality, many people come to counselling because they're tired of carrying everything on their own.

Counselling offers a space where you don't have to be the one holding everything together.
A space where someone listens without judgement.
A space where your thoughts, feelings and experiences matter too.

Sometimes that's exactly what's needed to help you move forward with a little more clarity, confidence and self-compassion.

Support is available in a way that suits you

At Townsville Counselling & Wellness, I offer counselling in a way that fits around your life.

Whether you'd prefer to meet in my private counselling space in Alligator Creek, have me come to you through in-home counselling across Townsville, or access support through online counselling anywhere in Australia, there's an option to suit your circumstances.

Because sometimes the hardest part isn't asking for help - it's finding support that actually works with your life.

You deserve support too

If this school holiday period has left you feeling emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed or simply needing someone to talk to, please know you're not alone.

Loving your children and needing a break can both be true. And taking care of yourself isn't taking anything away from your family.

In many ways, it's one of the best things you can do for them.

If you'd like to learn more about counselling or book an appointment, I'd love to support you.