Mums Matter - Week 2: Letting Go of Perfection and Finding Joy in the Forest

The second week of the Mums Matter - Nature & Wellbeing Programme, delivered in partnership with Forest Frontiers and supported by Bolton CVS, brought together a wonderful group of mums and their children aged 2–4 years for another heartwarming morning in nature.

Following the calm, mindful energy of the under-2s session last week, this week’s gathering focused on letting go of perfection, celebrating the small wins of motherhood, and rediscovering joy in creative play.

It was a session that blended reflection and laughter, affirmations and muddy hands - a reminder that motherhood isn’t about getting everything right, but about being present, imperfect, and connected.

Starting with real conversations about motherhood

The morning began with an open, honest conversation about the pressures of being a mum - the constant comparisons, the inner critic, and the feeling that no matter how much we do, it’s never quite enough.

As the group settled into the forest space, facilitator Julie Robinson invited everyone to reflect on the good things that had happened over the past week. There were small victories and heartfelt moments - from a child finally sleeping through the night to shared laughter during messy mealtime chaos.

“When we start by recognising the good, even in a week that felt hard, we shift the focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful,” Julie explained.

This opening reflection set the tone for the session: gentle, encouraging, and deeply human. It was a space where no one had to pretend that motherhood was easy - and yet, everyone could recognise the strength and love that carried them through.

Exploring the myth of the ‘perfect mum’

“We talked about how easy it is to believe we have to do it all - to always be calm, creative, patient, organised,” said Julie. “But perfection doesn’t exist, and chasing it often leaves mums feeling more disconnected from themselves.”

The group explored what it might look like to replace the pressure to be perfect with the permission to be present.

Through open discussion, laughter, and shared honesty, the mums collectively reframed the idea of what it means to be a “good mum.”

“A good mum isn’t someone who gets everything right - it’s someone who keeps showing up, even on the messy days.”

Mirror affirmations: Seeing yourself with kindness

The group then turned to a beautiful, grounding activity - mirror affirmations. Each mum received a small hand mirror and was invited to take a few moments to really look at herself.

For some, it was emotional. In the busyness of caring for little ones, few mums take time to look at themselves with gentleness rather than self-criticism.

Julie guided the group through a short reflection, inviting each participant to silently repeat an affirmation while gazing into their own eyes - phrases like:

I am enough.

I am doing my best.

I am strong and loved.

Children were invited to join too, holding mirrors and saying their own affirmations - some mimicking their mums, others proudly creating their own, like “I’m brave!” or “I’m kind!”

The forest filled with little echoes of encouragement, creating a moment of shared warmth between mums and their children.

A forest full of creativity

After the affirmations, the group set off to explore the forest. Scattered among the trees were little treasures - leaves of every colour, twigs, pinecones, acorns, and feathers - waiting to be discovered.

Mums and children were invited to collect natural materials to create their very own Leaf Man, inspired by Lois Ehlert’s beloved book Leaf Man.

This gentle, imaginative task sparked laughter, storytelling, and teamwork. Children scampered around in search of “the perfect leaf,” while mums knelt beside them, helping piece together characters from nature’s palette.

Julie shared how powerful these creative moments can be:

“When we let go of doing it ‘right’ and just enjoy making something together, creativity flows naturally. The children lead, and the mums get to rediscover the fun of play without the pressure.”

Finishing with a story and shared reflection

To close the session, everyone gathered together to read Leaf Man, the story that had inspired the day’s activity. As Julie read, the mums and children held their creations close, tracing the illustrations in the book and comparing them to their own woodland masterpieces.

It was a calm, grounding ending - one that brought the morning full circle. The story’s gentle reminder that “Leaf Man’s journey is wherever the wind takes him” resonated deeply with many of the mums, symbolising the unpredictability and beauty of motherhood itself.

“Motherhood is like Leaf Man…We’re carried by the seasons, blown by life’s winds - and sometimes we just need to trust that we’ll land where we’re meant to.”

The group left the woods smiling, with muddy boots, leafy creations, and - most importantly - lighter hearts.

Why sessions like this matter

Week by week, Mums Matter is becoming a lifeline of connection for many local families. It’s not just about being outdoors; it’s about reclaiming space for reflection, community, and self-compassion.

Modern motherhood often asks women to do everything - to be nurturing yet productive, calm yet strong, selfless yet self-aware. The result can be exhaustion, guilt, and a sense of disconnection.

This week’s session gave mums permission to slow down, laugh, and let go of those impossible standards. The affirmations and forest play helped to bridge mindfulness and fun - something that’s often missing in the early years of parenting.

“The forest gives everyone space to breathe,” said Julie. “When mums and children play side by side, it reminds them that connection doesn’t need to be complicated - it just needs time.”