To my 3 stepchildren. I'm writing this open letter because I feel strongly that I want to record my feelings at this time. Sometimes being a step family is bloody hard. My heart breaks often when I listen to the things you have to say about being part of a separated family. Ok, at … [Read more...]
Talking to children about Terrorism and Extremism
Why I try not to shout at my children
I I have spent the entire day feeling seriously cheesed off. I am annoyed with myself. I am tired, currently working nights and I spent my previous evening off attempting to engage in conversation with some people on facebook that had a different opinion to me - Yep - I chose that - instead … [Read more...]
He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice, he’s going to find out whose naughty or nice………
This blogpost has now moved to:- Calm Family - Guest Blog … [Read more...]
Motherhood or Stock Replenishment??
New Year reflections have caused me to recognise that for one reason or another, mainly that huge, overwhelming thing called 'life' I have started to lose sight of many of my parenting values and goals and my own personal goals in recent months. Of late I have begun to feel very overwhelmed and … [Read more...]
Tell me a good birth story – Guest blog!
Two and a half years after my son’s premature birth I found myself pregnant again. Having suffered postnatal depression and post traumatic shock after my first birthing experience I was nervous that it would affect my second, especially since I knew the impact that fear can have on labour and birth. … [Read more...]
Why I ditched Controlled Crying
Becoming a Mum My first baby was born in 2007, my birth experience could have been better: a very long labour with a midwife that didn't much want to be there, ending with a dramatic finish in Theatre. It was however, love at first sight and our little boy was perfect. I was very lucky that our … [Read more...]
Why I ditched the Naughty Step and Reward Charts!
I started my parenting journey with a copy of The Contented Baby book by Gina Ford. My 1st born son was an unusual baby, he slept in predictable patterns and seemed to follow all of the text books with little parental influence or interference. I transitioned from reading Gina Ford to following … [Read more...]
Positive Parenting or Perfect Parenting?
I was talking to a friend recently and she happened to mention that she felt those that followed Attachment or Positive parenting principles seemed to give off this vibe that they think they are perfect. I hate labels but this statement stayed in my head and I kept thinking about it. I guess for … [Read more...]