The Caple Family Photography Session

When I met Jessica and her 3 kids I was instantly at ease. It was just like being with my own family. Her tribe of Jordan, Grace & Koby were lively, happy and crazy in the best way. Being similar ages to 3 of mine, it was just another day at the park for me!

Jessica was such a down to earth mum who has all the time in the world for her kids. It’s great to see such a tight knit little family unit who are always looking out for each other.

Koby was definitely the life of the party on this occasion and reminds me a lot of my little JJ who is also the life (and sometimes the end) of the party.

Thankyou Jessica for allowing me to do this for your family, what a great unit you are!

Read more about what Jessica has to say on being a single mum and see some of the highlights from their family photography session below.

How long have you been a single mum?

Almost 4 months

How has being a single mum changed you?

Becoming a single mum has made me aware of how strong, patient and capable I actually am. Truthfully, my life hasn’t changed in any great extent, sadly I’ve felt like a single mum for a long time, bearing the majority of the parental responsibility on my own. Though now that it is a reality, I’ve come to realise it’s the best thing to have happened to me and my kids. My confidence, self worth and resilience have increased greatly and I’ve learnt so much in the process, which has helped me to grow as a person and as a parent. I’ve completed some great courses with Relationships Australia, focusing on parenting after separation, which have taught me a lot, although it has been hard fitting these extra things into an already busy schedule. Being a single parent has brought about a new perspective where I value quality time spent with my kids so much more. Small things like talking about our day, having fun new adventures, making cubby houses or playing board games. Simply making new memories is now more important to me than some of the little things like housework, which as all mum’s know can be a constant task.

What advice can you give to other women who are about to be single mothers?

You are so much stronger than you think. It’s daunting at first and there’s a lot of emotions to deal with but your kids are depending on you and some how you just manage to keep going. Ask for support from your friends and family, you’ll be surprised how many people are there to help. Also seek some help from outside services if you feel you need it, there are so many wonderful agencies willing to help. Whether it be financially, mediation services or therapy of some sort. Don’t be afraid of leaving an unhealthy relationship because of being on your own. I truly believe the effect of growing up in a toxic environment is so much more damaging to the kids than being part of a separated family, not to mention the effect it has on you as well. Lastly, I know it’s easier said than done, but take time for yourself. You will enjoy it and your kids will love their happy mum.

What is the hardest part?

My biggest struggle is coming to terms with the fact that the love someone proclaimed for you wasn’t real and having to let go of a possible future that will never be. While still having to put on a brave face for the kids. For me, I have found it beneficial to see a therapist and work through these issues one at a time. It’s really hard watching your kids be upset, confused and with questions you don’t really have answers for, but we talk a lot about our feelings, which I think just brings us closer together as a family. Like most mums, I’m constantly thinking. What’s on this day, what’s due that day, what’s for dinner and in the end it is really all up to me.

What is the best part?

The loving moments that myself and my kids share. It’s so nice to hear from my kids that “I’m the best Mum in the world”, not because I bought them a new toy or let them play endless video games but just because. Whether it be that I helped them learn something, showed them a new experience or am simply there to listen to them, makes every struggle I have more than worth it. Having people comment on what wonderful, lovely kids I have is a huge achievement in my eyes and reassures me that I’m on the right track to raising confident, well adjusted human beings able to succeed and be happy in their lives. I love being their mum.

How did you find working with Nick and Barley Monks Photography?

Nick was incredibly patient and had no problems engaging the kids to get some fantastic shots. My youngest likes to push the boundaries lol, but Nick was more than accommodating and let him be his mischievous self, achieving some beautiful natural photos I’ll treasure for a very long time. Nick has a wonderful, kind nature and obviously some great talent, my daughter actually didn’t want him to go home, she was having such a great time.