This Mother's Day, I am dressing up in my unicorn onesie, putting on my runners and carrying a pink unicorn as I am participating in the Mother's Day Classic, in Melbourne and raising funds for breast cancer research. Every extra dollar I raise through fundraising goes towards vital research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer. I have the support of a great team Bust-A-Move. Although … [Read more...]
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 and Depression; Help me understand.
Warning, this post covers the topic of motherhood and depression. As a behaviourist and researcher, my job entails looking at bigger picture as to why people behave the way they do. Do I understand all aspects of human behaviour? Not a chance. The diversity is too great. Can I get my head around motherhood and depression? Probably not but I hope for a realistic and honest … [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...]
Asking “Why is there such a big age gap between your children?”
Why the Age Gap? Social mores constantly change. One recent example is questioning a woman if she is pregnant. Today, it’s a faux pas to broach the subject if not raised by the (hopefully!) expectant woman herself. Many firmly believe it’s never okay to ask. “Unless perhaps the baby is crowning.” So is it okay to comment, question or assume about a family’s structure? (Tell someone how many … [Read more...]
Whoosh and it’s over
Whoosh (v.) to pass by very rapidly. Everyone I know has had a super busy crazy year. “How are you?” “Super busy, I’m flat out. It’s crazy at the moment, haven’t got hours in day” The last weeks of schools, kindergartens and outside school activities go into overdrive with carols, concerts, speech nights, graduations and finals matches. The busy year gets even busier … [Read more...]