There are days when I feel like I am watching myself live. It’s like I’m on Goggle Box commenting and critiquing everything I do and say in real time. And, inevitably, condemning myself for everything. Why so judgmental? Because I thought I’d be better at this mummy gig. We all did, didn’t we? I don’t think I’ve met any parent who has said, “Well, this was easier than I expected.” Or, “Yep, I’m acing this parent thing!” Maybe some of you are feeling confident, but I think we all have days when we’re not so optimistic. With each child I felt a bit more unraveled, a bit less controlled in my parenting. Surely, I’m not alone? Read More

The joy of alone time … where ever we find it!

I just had a wonderful moment; a moment that only mums with young children will appreciate. I had to go to the shop to get a cake for my husband’s birthday (no, I’m not baking it). The kids wanted to make him a “dinosaur cake”, which, in reality, means the kids decorate a ready-made cake with toy dinosaurs. I went up to the bakery to get the cake, but while I was choosing it, I got distracted by the chocolate eclairs. I confess, they are my weakness. Even though I would be indulging in “dinosaur cake” in a few hours, I couldn’t resist. I bought my two cakes and returned to the car. Then a thought occurred to me: “If I eat this eclair now, I don’t have to share it with the kids!” So, there I was, alone in my car, rain outside, radio on softly, eating cake. The best part: I actually finished the cake, all by myself. Every last crumb, all to myself! Oh, so devine. Read More