Catherine Tyldesley admits she feels mum guilt as she struggles to homeschool her son Alfie, 5

Catherine Tyldesley has admitted she is suffering from mum guilt as she shared the highs and lows of homeschooling her son Alfie, five.

The Coronation Street actress, 36, took to Instagram on Wednesday saying she was finding the task more exhausting than taking part in Strictly.  

Sharing a sweet snap of herself cradling Alfie in her arms, Catherine wrote: ‘Keep going mums and dads!!! Some days are utterly disastrous. 

‘Some days are truly blessed and magical.., and there’s not much middle ground is there? Don’t get me wrong, most days ARE magic… but today. 

‘Today was really b****y hard. My boy is a beautiful boy. Well behaved and the kindest of hearts. And motherhood is the best job in the world (even when covered in poop) But it doesn’t mean that being a mummy is ever easy. I had nothing in the tank today.’

Catherine continued: ‘He wanted to play, I wanted to have a gin and not move for several hours. He won. Because I’m a mum. That’s what’s expected. I found a middle ground of playing Harry Potter games with a gin in my hand but non the less, I was exhausted. 

‘The past ten weeks have given me beautiful memories. Wonderful moments filled with love. But I’m more knackered now than when I did Strictly!! Hats off to stay at home mummies everywhere. 

‘You’re phenomenal. But I’ve also come to terms with the fact that I LOVE being a working mummy. And you know what… that’s ok!!! 

‘Whatever makes you happy! Happy mum = happy home. I struggle with mum guilt a lot, as I know many of you do.’

Catherine went on to say parents need to give themselves a break and that they are ‘not alone’.  

The soap star said: ‘But tonight I ask you – give yourself a break. You’re doing your very best. And as long as that little person is loved and cared for – and has quality time with you when you’re able … we’ll then they’re happy too. Tomorrow is another day!

‘Sending so much love to all my fellow mummies … this is so hard. I’m with you. You’re not alone. Keep going!!!! We can do this!!!! Let’s support each other.’

Earlier this week, Catherine admitted the current coronavirus lockdown has put her in a ‘dark place’.

The actress confessed she was left ‘crying all the time’ when her mother was sent to ICU for an emergency surgery – an ordeal which left her ‘unable to parent’ her son Alfie, who she shares with her photographer husband Tom Pitfield.

Earlier this month, Catherine revealed her beloved mum was rushed to hospital to undergo emergency surgery.

The mother-of-one took to Instagram to praise the NHS for their ’round the clock care’ during a ‘horrendous’ week.

The illness is not thought to be coronavirus-related, although Catherine’s mother and father have reportedly both had the disease. 

The news comes after Catherine revealed her grandfather is fighting for his life in hospital, having contracted COVID-19 also. 

Her worries have lessened, however, as she revealed Janet is now home from hospital and recovering. 

For information or support with mental health issues visit mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393.