The last few New Year's Eves, I have made one resolution: for the pending year to be more about me and my needs. Each resolution has, of course, spectacularly failed under the weight of the myriad of responsibilities that I consciously or unconsciously prioritise each and every day. And like anything with sufficient repetition, it becomes…
I wonder how many of you read the title and assumed it refers to the absence of a parent. Bit tongue-in-cheek of me really but when we hear the words 'absence' and 'single parent' there's typically a connection. An inference. Usually of the absent, male variety (if the stereotype is to be believed). But for…
This evening as I scrolled mindlessly through my personal Facebook account I read a post by a fellow single parent I know. She was tired from working full time and raising her kiddies, and obviously something had triggered her. So she posted about it. A blurty, raw post seemingly born from frustration and anger towards…
Every Bank Holiday I like to ask myself: "where are all the people likely to be?". And then promptly go there, it would seem. So, as I never learn, I decided to take the child and head for a popular family destination in Kent for an Enjoyable Day Out (you know the drill: "you will enjoy yourself, fruit…
Continue reading ➞ Visit to Port Lympne (I still don’t know how to pronounce it…)
Yesterday was a shit show. A clash of titans in the form of a stroppy ten year old girl-child and her end-of-tethered' mother. One of those days, as a parent, when you just don't know your left from your right but, damn it, you're the adult and you need to bloody well bring it. Despite…
On the Easter Bank Holiday weekend - IF the sun shines - any self-respecting Brit will either: A) DIY B) BBQ C) Day trip with the fam. And a bonus point if you manage all three (I did!). This time, our family activity of choice was a day visit to the Riverhill Himalayan Gardens in…
My 10 year old daughter and I have just returned from our first trip to Center Parcs. We chose Elveden as it's only a couple of hours away in the car. Choosing to go in February half-term was a bit of a gamble weather-wise but we could not have been luckier: it was mild, it…
Continue reading ➞ Single parent review of a trip to Center Parcs
I can be a bit vocal in my opinions in real life. Admittedly, not yet on the blog. Hold my beer... Camp Bestival. Never been. Why? Well, I can't afford it, essentially. OK, I'm not pleading poverty here (having just come back from Center Parcs that would be an ignorant call) however as a single…
Continue reading ➞ When diverse parenting lacks diversity (Camp Bestival: are you listening?)
Age 5 and my daughter had expressly narrowed down her princess of choice to Elsa. Or Anna. Just anything Frozen really. Except Kristoff. Like any self-respecting mother and child of that time we overdosed on it until no more could be taken, and we had to well and truly Let it Go. However, before the…
Five year old Moo wouldn't be caught dead in a pirate costume like her four year old self fancifully was. No, five year old Moo thought pirates were for babies and princesses were for big girls...you know, 'regal' and all that. Moo's favourite thing of all time around that age (for years really) was dressing…
The Sound of Motherhood 