Commuting Vs Parenting – Which is more gruelling?

Uncomfortable, time restricting, irrespective of personal space - parents have to tolerate a lot. Pity then the poor commuting parent, who must spend hours crushed into hot and sweaty commuter trains, which are frequently and inexplicably delayed rendering them late for their childcare pick-up.   The torture only doubles when they must take back responsibility for …

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Would Like To Meet – Choosing Childcare Online

Once again my daughter has introduced me to a strange new underworld. The last few weeks have seen me browsing the profiles of strangers on the internet, judging them on their photos and arranging to meet them alone in their homes. Not internet dating. Not booking an escort. But looking for a childminder. Various third …

Housekeeping For The Soul

“No, really, I want to do the washing up, you go and play with your child.” This may sound like playing the martyr, but it really is true. I want to stand staring out of the window with my hands plunged in a bowl of warm, soapy water, scrubbing cemented cereal off bowls. While occupied …

Snubbed: Parenting From The Sidelines

I have been jilted. We walked to the park together merrily, holding hands and chatting about what we would do when we got here. But now I find myself standing on my own against the fence, while my daughter and her new BFF (whose name we have not yet established) whisper conspiratorially under the slide. …

Seven Tasks That Make Me Want To Play With My Child Instead

Children are always getting under foot when you have more important things to be getting on with. Sticking their head between your legs while you’re trying to chop onions or wash up; pressing buttons on the computer when you're writing an important email; lining up an army of toys across the floor just as you …

Royal Baby Special: The Secrets Behind A Glowing Post-Birth Photo

The hot topic of conversation with regard to the new royal baby has been less about what the little critter's name will be, and more about, "Poor Duchess Kate", being dragged out to pose for the cameras just hours after giving birth. Some feel this is a violation of women's rights, parading her like a …

Walking Back To Happiness

"Are you happy?", my daughter asks me as I pick up pieces of broken egg off the floor. Kneeling at her feet I stoop to scoop up the cold gloop which is slowly spreading over the kitchen floor, a scrambled mess of yolk, white and shattered shell. "No, I am not happy," I reply. I …

Who Do You Think You Are? Children’s Role Play

I wonder who I will be today? This is the question I ask as I get out of bed every morning. Not as part of some great life affirming exercise, but because I simply do not know. Since I became, “Mummy”, I lost track of my true self a long time ago. But these days …

Keeping Up To Date

There's no denying it, becoming a parent definitely changes a person. Attitude, outlook, goals, ideals, dreams, expectations... creating a life just kicks your own into perspective. And the roles and responsibilities that come with rearing a child take up so much of your time and attention. But sometimes the impact of parenthood can cause you …

Easter Hunt: Ideas For Hiding Chocolate From Your Kids

Why should children have all the fun at Easter? We hide the chocolate from them, then we help them find it and let them eat it all. What we should be doing is just hiding the chocolate. Then we can eat it when they aren't looking. But the trouble is - where to hide it …