5 Strategies for Solo Parenting

  In the first few months, maybe even a year, of being a sole parent, I would get very impatient with women complaining of being a “single mum” when their partners left for business trips or longer assignments away from home. No, I wasn’t just impatient, I was right down angry. What would THEY know about being a truly single parent??? Several years on and I find myself much more … [Read more...]

33 Excuses My Son Has For Not Needing A Shower

My son Mr 9. loved showers and baths. Then he started to grow up. "Mum I don't need  a shower tonight because...." I didn't run today I had one yesterday I went swimming I got wet in the rain I sprayed dad's deodorant on me I used a wet wipe under my arms I haven't used the toilet much My spine hurts (on questioning he didn't know where his spine was) My undies are clean -Look! I … [Read more...]

Motherhood: Does anyone know this mother?

  I know a mother who tries to get through each day to the best of her ability. Scrap that, all the mothers I know whether they are friends or mothers I work with get through the day the best way they can. Some days are ok, some are not ok and some are total shockers. The days where you feel that you cannot possibly carry on, I know those too. "I hate my life" are words that sadly I hear … [Read more...]

Parenting: What would you like your children to remember most about you?

Warning: This Post has Upset some People due to it's nature. The last thing I want is for anyone to feel worse after reading. It is about Life and death and only MY EXPERIENCES.   I think about death. I think about me dying suddenly. Gone forever.  This last year I've seen and lived through people I love die. Good people that were part of my life, people who played a big role in your lives … [Read more...]

After school activities: The over scheduled child.

Working with children takes every ounce of energy I have and then some, with possibly a glass of red at the end of the day. Their enthusiasm never ceases to bring me right into their moment, of course it helps that my career is centred around children and their behaviour. After twenty years I still have nothing concrete to give you, no magic answers. I see patterns, I see uniqueness and I see … [Read more...]

21 Days of Tiny Steps to a Happier Me

Any type of behavioural change takes time. There are some truly amazing people that can decide to change something and can do it overnight. I am not one of these. My head is full of wonderful intent yet  lacking the go and get them attitude when it comes down to the crunch. I can beat myself up over pretty much anything and the words "It's my fault" replay in my head on a daily basis. The irony … [Read more...]

Child Behaviour: How to build Resilience in our children

Resilience the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. Traumatic issues whether emotional or physical abuse take much longer to recover from, some stay with you for the rest of your life, you move on the best you can. Some days will be hellish and some days a little better. This post is about increasing resilience in our children in everyday situations at home and at school. Resilience … [Read more...]