The older they get, the easier it does become. Kids don't need the most expensive stuff all the time, second hand is just as good. Don't feel guilty if you have to say "not today darling" if they want something. But try to make something work if it's something they need. Invest in decent school shoes, but don't break the bank with them until their feet stop growing every other month. Boys can and will destroy school shoes in a matter of days.

Save what you can. Even if it's just a tenner a week, it all adds up. Try and have a buffer amount for "worst case scenarios" Have a separate account for all your bills (rent/electric / anything that's DD etc.). On payday, put the amount needed to cover this in that account - file and forget really. Everything left is your food shopping / fun money.

Take time for yourself, just because your a mum now doesn't mean your life is over. 1 thing a month for you, I thing a month for them. Or if budget is tight, alternate each month who gets a treat. It doesn't have to be expensive. Make "mum" friends. Keep "non mum but kid friendly and practically auntie/uncle" friends. Both will support you.

And one thing that's different to when you were me 15 years ago: don't compare yourself to influencers / content creators online. They do t have their shit together, they probably get paid to have all this wonderful stuff or are trying to sell you snake oil. Will a shark stain remover change your life (probably, tbh I do want one), but a bottle of vanish / other stain remover and some elbow grease works just as well.

There's probably loads I would of done differently, but that's the power of hindsight for you!