Tag Archives: relationships

The Babysitter

February 20, 2015 By in Family Tags: , , , 19 Comments

scrabble tiles question mark

“Welcome to my tourist guide!” DorkySon shouts with glee.

I have just opened the door to a potential new babysitter, who we have asked round to the house for a quick chat.

“Let me show you round!” he says, bouncing up and down on his toes with excitement.

First he shows her the den, explaining that it’s where he watches TV and builds toy car traffic jams on the floor. Then he leads her through to the dining room, where he likes to draw, and to the kitchen where he likes to help cook.

“What are you allergic to?” he asks. “I’m allergic to peanuts.”

I watch his approval-meter rise as she lists her allergies. He likes this common bond.

But then the test starts to get a little trickier. Continue reading →

Guest Post: Who Will Love Your Children?

August 1, 2014 By in Guest Posts Tags: , , , , , , , 11 Comments

Today’s guest post comes from Sarah at Grenglish, who has long been one of my favourite bloggers. Last time Sarah guest posted for me – Just the One – the response was overwhelming, and I have a feeling this beautiful post is going to get just as much love… 

Grenglish Blog

Since becoming a mother, there are a great many things I find myself worrying about every single day.

I worry how well my son is settling in at school, whether he eats all of his lunch, and if it is possible for him to escape from the school playground without anyone noticing.

At home, I worry if he is watching too much TV, if we should be doing more crafts, and if he has wiped his bottom properly. Continue reading →

Guest Post: The Daughter-in-Law Prenup

July 30, 2014 By in Guest Posts Tags: , , , , 14 Comments

daughter-in-law prenup

Today’s fantastic guest post comes from my friend and fellow blogger Donna – a journalist and proud mum of two boys at primary school. She maintains her sanity by unleashing her thoughts and feelings over at Mummy Central. Her life’s ambitions are to become a sane and useful member of society. She is failing miserably. (Her words, not mine!) But feel free to say hello on Facebook or Twitter.

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Every mother of boys will have had the following rhyme repeated back to her by a smiling (but ultimately spiteful) acquaintance at one time or another: “A daughter’s a daughter for life. A son is a son until he takes a wife.”

If you haven’t, then you’re lucky. Because what this person is trying to remind you is that much as your boy stares lovingly into your eyes, while he proposes to you every five minutes when he’s a toddler and promises he’ll never leave your side, one day some wench is going to come along and steal him from you.

Anyone who says they are pointing this out purely because they care about you is talking horse manure! Continue reading →

Guest Post: Little Things

July 28, 2014 By in Guest Posts Tags: , , , , , 3 Comments

Today’s lovely guest post is from Nikki Thomas – a former teacher who is now a freelance writer and blogger. She blogs at Stressy Mummy were she writes about the stresses and joys of family life with four children.

little things

One thing that being a mum has taught me over the years is that it is the little things that matter. Sometimes, those things that seem so small and insignificant mean so much and make a huge difference. Continue reading →

Guest Post: Scattered Love

July 25, 2014 By in Guest Posts Tags: , , , , 6 Comments

I’m very pleased to have a guest post on the blog today from Marianne Weekes. Mari has been keeping a family journal of sorts for over 4 years, Mari’s World which made the Finalists in the BiBs 2014 Family category. She is also Editor of the busy BritMums blog which keeps her out of mischief. She likes white wine and chocolate, she loves a good natter with like minded people, and she’s addicted to Instagram.

Maris World Blog

As I approach the 50 years old point in my life it’s making me reflect on what I have done so far and if I could go back would I do anything differently?

You see I’m still a couple of years off, and so possibly in time to make major changes, who knows?

I grew up in the 80’s and I can remember careers lessons at school and lots of encouragement to Get Out There and Do It! Be Someone! Women can now be just as good as men and have high flying jobs! This was the message that was drummed into us as we prepared for our ‘O’ levels (now GCSEs). Continue reading →