Parenting posts
And so we approach the end of the first week back at school for kids in England and my, hasn’t the 6 hours of daily silence been wonderful? Not having to fight with my offspring about ‘homeschooling‘ is a particular highlight I must say. However I think I may have somewhat romanticised the idea of getting back to school; there […]
Back to school bingo: The 2021 edition Read More >>
It’s day three of the cold, miserable February half term holiday. Unlike previous years when we’d be having days out at the zoo or farm, or at soft play, or palmed the kids off on grandparents, it’s another school holiday in LOCKDOWN. Woo-bloody-hoo. Although I must say I’m preferring the relaxed days to the daily battle of wills that is
There are so many reasons I didn’t choose a career as a teacher, but the primary one I suppose was because I hate teaching. I am absolutely happy to admit that I don’t have the patience for it. Just ask my friend Zoe who asked for my help with her GCSE maths 20-odd years ago and still hasn’t forgotten about
Ten top tips for coaxing reluctant homeschoolers Read More >>
I realised today that I haven’t written a proper blog post in weeks. However, I do have a pretty decent excuse, in the form of our two-week October half term holiday. Yes, you heard me correctly. A two-week half term holiday, after my kids (albeit thanks to me having Coronavirus) have managed to be in school for just three full
Notes from the end of a two-week half term holiday Read More >>
New parents have a lot to contend with, even when it’s not 2020 and the world is turning to shit around them. For the majority of people, becoming a mum (or a dad) for the first time, no matter what anyone tells you, is really hard; most likely the hardest thing you’ve ever done in your life. Probably harder than
It’s only a phase, it all gets easier: Eleven lies we tell new parents Read More >>
There is just a single bank holiday weekend left before my whole family needs to become diurnal again. In a few days, the kids are back to school after the longest summer holiday in the whole of living memory. And yes I am aware I say that every year, but this time I’m not even exaggerating. In fact, I am
A back to school like no other Read More >>
When I was pregnant, my midwife encouraged me to breastfeed. The NCT and antenatal classes showed me different techniques, and told me what to expect. There were no breastfeeding problems that couldn’t be overcome, they said. Only 1% of women could not make enough milk for their baby; that was a fact. Just 1%! And so breastfeed I did. My baby
Why is breastfeeding so difficult? A post for World Breastfeeding Week Read More >>
Read the rest of my Corona Lockdown diaries here. It’s the end of the school year, and the summer holidays are upon us. At long bloody last! Unlike previous years, when I’ve dreaded the six week break, this year I’m quite looking forward to it. It’ll be business as usual, without the trauma of homeschooling. Lovely. It’s fair to say that
Corona lockdown week 18: 11 things my kids have actually learned in lockdown Read More >>
With the Coronavirus pandemic meaning families are stuck inside, self-isolating with nowhere to go, here are some ideas for activities that primary-aged children (and hopefully parents too) will enjoy doing, and are a little educational to boot. 1. Get gardening Get some seeds, pots and soil, and plant some veg! I predict that growing your own is going to be
Nine nice things to do if you’re at home self-isolating with primary aged kids Read More >>
When they were younger, I used to worry a little that my kids didn’t do enough in the way of extra curricular activities. Even as toddlers, it seemed like all the other kids we knew were doing swimming, ballet, football, archery, paragliding or whatever on a Saturday morning; meanwhile I was sticking mine in front of CBeebies and trying desperately
Going clubbing: After school style Read More >>
