Motherhood can be pretty lonely, especially in the first few years. Just keeping a whole tiny person loved, safe, fed and dressed can seem like the most monumental of tasks, let alone attempting it all AND leaving the house at the same time. It’s easy to slip into a routine of naps and feeds and… Read More
What I am asking for may be impossible. For my son, many things are – at least for now. He struggles to run, jump and play like other little boys. Communication is difficult and must be learned, painstakingly; it is not instinctual. He faces many challenges, mini-mountains to overcome, every day. Some days, he struggles… Read More
There’s nothing quite like a cold winter to remind us of the importance of having a home that is well equipped to handle the rigours of the chilly season. With so much time spent indoors, the importance of having homely, warm and enjoyable surroundings is all the more underscored. As the temperature threatens to rise… Read More
Twenty years have passed – a brief eternity. At school, I turned my tie around and used the skinny side, because you did. I begged my mother for Kickers, because you wore them. The passions and pulses of our teenage hearts were similar then, though I would not have believed it; I thought you were… Read More
If you have just received a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, the first thing that you need to know is that you are not to blame. That sinking sensation, the feelings of guilt and shame – let them go. It is not your fault. Finding out that you are at risk of sugar levels spiking during pregnancy is… Read More
We have to face facts. We may never be able to enjoy a typical family holiday – at least, not one abroad. I sometimes dream of sandy beaches, of 5 star resorts and fancy hotel rooms, of all-inclusive stays and eating out every evening. I dream of Disneyland. But changes in routine are extremely difficult… Read More
Last night, I slept soundly. I was not up late into the night, marking essays, setting three different types of targets. I did not toss and turn, fretting about the parent I should have phoned, the spreadsheets I should have filled in. I had no meetings to go over, no deadlines coming up. There are… Read More
I have a confession to make. I avoid being in pictures with my family. I avoid being in photographs and videos on my blog. I avoid going anywhere new or getting outside my comfort zone. I avoid making friends face-to-face. I avoid all this because I am ashamed of the way I look. For as… Read More
Valentine’s Day is often tainted by the idea that it is an unnecessary and commercial holiday. Therefore, it is a particularly nice time to share a home-crafted or personalised gifts that can really show your significant others how much they mean to you. These iced heart cookies are extremely easy to make and the decoration… Read More
My son is four years old. Fifty-three months. Two hundred and twelve weeks. Every six months, we attend a developmental review at his preschool. Every six months, we look at which Early Years Foundation Stage objectives he has met. Every six months, there are some that never change: 16 – 24 months Plays alongside others… Read More
When at home with both children it can be so challenging to make sure I do something worthwhile every day. Holidays like Valentines Day may be viewed as a commercial by many, but they provide the prefect excuse to do something fun inside when the rain and the cold mean outside is a no-go. These… Read More
Dear Pregnant Me, You already worry, I know. You are worried about being good enough. You are worried about making sure the precious life inside you is delivered safely into this world. You are worried about money. You are worried about teaching the right lessons. You hope, when your son is here, protected, loved… Read More