Since S was born, Elf on the Shelf has gone from a tiny thing hardly anyone had heard of, to a massive annual event where the elves are stacked up in front of most toy shop counters. Huffington Post now runs articles listing 20 things to do with your elf Read more…
If I had to describe my style of parenting, I would probably say I favour “gentle parenting” over any other label. I try really hard to parent S gently; I do my best to avoid shouting, and will always favour an explanation over “I said so.” But sometimes, parenting is Read more…
I was really excited to be sent a copy of Sarah Ockwell-Smith’s latest book, The Gentle Parenting Book. I always find there are tons of books about babies, and a few about toddlers – but then nothing, until they become difficult teenagers. There’s very little to help you get from Read more…
For those who don’t know, S has been poorly lately. For the last month or so, she’s had what can only be described as the evil cold of doom. She’s very weepy and clingy, and she’s not been sleeping at night. I’ve lost count of the number of nights we’ve Read more…
I’ve written before about the fact I don’t use the naughty step or time out with S. I thought it might be useful to show some alternatives, of things you can do instead of issuing a time out or banishing a child to the naughty step… Time In & Cuddles Read more…
Yesterday morning I bumped into a friend in town. She is moving away soon, and I’d not seen her for a while – so we had lots to talk about. She had her young daughter with her too though, and young daughters are not so fond of mummies standing Read more…
What’s the matter? Why are you whining? If you don’t tell me what’s wrong, I can’t help you! Sound familiar? As the parent of a toddler, I found myself saying this several times a day. S seems to be going through a bit of a phase where she will suddenly Read more…
I spoke to the Sunday Times this week about S being an only child. Apparently families with only children are on the rise, and at present 47% of families have only one child. I know lots of people who have taken the decision to have only one child, for lots Read more…
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about how since we moved, S has been a lot closer to Ted than ever before. I was worried that she was relying on him for comfort so much. I felt that I must be failing as a mother, that she Read more…
It occurred to me this weekend that it’s entirely possible my sister has spent more quality time with S than I have, over the last month. Between moving house, trying to fit packing and unpacking in around work, and a bunch of other stuff I won’t go into, my Read more…
I don’t like the term, “parenting expert.” To me, there is no such thing. It seems to me that there are numerous different approaches to parenting, and we’re all pretty much flying blind. None of us knows for definite that what we’re doing is the 100% right choice, that we’re Read more…
I’ve been reading this book lately, called Playful Parenting. It’s all about how we parents need to lighten up and play more. The basic premise of the book is that when a child is “acting out,” they’re doing that because they don’t feel connected – and the best way to Read more…
Several months ago, I went online and ordered a potty. It arrived, and we put it in the living room. After a few months, S sat on it… and tried to push it around the living room like a ride-on toy. I had vaguely thought that I might try potty Read more…
First, allow me to preface this post by saying that I do not care how you choose to parent your child. I am a single working mother, and frankly do not have time to judge you for your actions. This post is merely about my thoughts on a popular parenting Read more…
Arch, he is being such a little shit today! She’s such a little bitch He’s being such a dick She’s such a brat, winding her sister up… This week, a particular blog post has been very popular. It’s about “how to visit friends with children” and begins with “children are Read more…
Harvey Karp, MD is an American paediatrician, probably better known in the States for his Happiest Baby on the Block book, first published in 2002. In 2004, Happiest Toddler on the Block followed. I’ve not read Happiest Baby on the Block; I discovered Karp when S began to enter the dreaded “terrible Read more…