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I have a Prince Louis.

His name is Alfie. He would happily allow me to call him “Prince Alfie” and treat him with the respect the title deserves.

He is, however, simply a 5-year-old boy. With energy. A lot of it – like he has taken a few scoops of my pre-workout for breakfast.

Like Prince Louis, he is just a young boy. Being a boy. Being a child.

Prince Alfie has pulled many a face at me, has happily shushed my husband with a hand over his mouth and has rarely sat still through an episode of Lego Masters – let alone a 3-hour entertainment. He has just started Reception this year, and as anticipated, is perfect in the classroom. Saving the entertaining behaviour for home.

Whilst the world watched the Duchess and her little love, the comments on parenting styles, behaviour and opinions filtered through. Everyone had one.

 Through all of this, I continued to think..

“Thank goodness the world’s eyes did not hear or see me ban Alfie’s Ipad for his entire life if he did not still for that bit longer in the doctors waiting room”

Parenthood has no manual. If it did, people would continue to have an opinion on the content of the manual. If you've wondered how that perfect parent seems to do it all, they probably don't.

I've learned recently what my capabilities are when it comes to parenting my children. When I juggle work, life, and running, I often receive a lot of messages from people in awe of how I can do it at all.

Being married, a mum to two young children, working full time, training for marathons, being Chair of the Board, and attempting to have a social life. I find it important to discuss with working mothers and fathers about transparency and vulnerability. Therefore, I am honest about what motherhood is like for me.

Parenthood should not be done alone. Even with as many advantages that parents have today in comparison to those of the past, there is still the burden of being socially responsible for your child's upbringing. There is an underlying feeling that that if one cannot or decides not to “do it all”, they have failed as a parent.

You don't need to be your family's personal Superman or Superwoman.

In a world where not doing it all feels like a failure, it's ok to show your vulnerabilities. It's also ok to make mistakes and not be the best at everything.

Children are not perfect. So parenthood doesn’t need to be either. Sometimes, it’s wonderful, sometimes not so much.

All the time it’s ok to ask for help. And to give up on the thought of being the Superhero that “does it all”.

To those little ones poking their tongues out at you, not sitting still, and talking back inappropriately, you are their parent. That is better than a superhero.

To those reading this that have their own Prince Louis/Alfie – I wish you well.