A mum admits she doesn't want to see her kids everyday and says it doesn't make her a "bad mum" - and spending time apart makes her a better parent.

Lucy Parker, 35, had felt "run into the ground" before splitting custody of her daughters - six and four - equally with her ex-husband, 35.

It means Lucy, who runs her own business from home, has more time to get on top of work as well as "filling" her "cup" by socialising, dating and travelling. 

She says not seeing her kids 24/7 has made her a better parent - as she has "more energy" to be present when she is around them.

When she shared her thoughts online, commenters said it "broke" their "heart" and have asked her "why did you have kids then?" but Lucy doesn't want other parents to feel "shame" at wanting a break.

Lucy, a freelance content creator and social media marketer, originally from Maidenhead, Berkshire, said: "It doesn't mean you don't love you kids because you don't want to see them everyday. 

"My kids don't want to see me everyday.

"I don't think that makes me a bad mum - not wanting to be with your kids 24/7.

"The last six years I have felt like I have not been fully present as a mum or businesswoman.

"It's become vital for us both that we have been able to have that break."

Lucy, who now lives in Perth, Australia, has always been "career driven" and didn't want to "give up a career to have children".

She said her ex-partner was always very supportive of this but Lucy put pressure on herself as the main income earner.

As her job was flexible she often found herself juggling work and childcare.

Lucy said: "We just couldn't catch a break. I lost money going back to a corporate job and putting kids in care.

"I have got the skills to work from home and watch the kids.

"It was both a blessing but completely run me into the ground."

Lucy put pressure on herself to earn £20k in three months to relocate her family back to Australia - after years of back and forth between the UK.

She said: "I had to work everyday possible. I didn't ask for enough help."

When the couple grew apart and decided to separate in October 2023, Lucy felt relief at the idea of co-parenting. 

She said: "We said we'll split the care 50/50. As soon as that happened I went 'OMG I'm going to get a break'."

Currently Lucy has the children 60 per cent of the time but her ex-husband will take on extra days when their youngest starts school next year.

When her ex moved out in April 2024 she started to get days off - without seeing the kids.

Lucy is now able to use that time to catch up on work, explore hobbies and get back out on the dating scene.