A month ago today, I was sitting in Regent’s Park, reading a book, drinking coffee. I had an evening at the theatre planned. For the first time in years I felt that everything was under control. I'd spent the previous evening watching Barbra Streisand. I would never to make it to the theatre. 6 hours … Continue reading Get down from there – life with childhood leukaemia
Theresa May is considering bringing back Grammar Schools - that darling education panacea of the right. For some of us, they never went away, and this Saturday my precious first born sits his 11+. If you thought I was anxious about Son2's Year 2 SATS, brace yourself.
Lately I have been reliving my teenage years, in a way that only a woman turning 40 can. I’ve started drinking cider again for a start. I feel the need to mention that I also went to see Benedict Cumberbatch in Hamlet. Not only was this a welcome return to my life before children, it … Continue reading Do You Love Me? The 9 year old’s guide to teenage angst.
Hurray! It’s September and it’s new pencil cases for everyone. I would love to say that I’ve spent the summer having epic adventures of enlightenment and discovery but in reality, I’ve sat in a variety of adventure playgrounds with a rum & raisin cornet. A few castles, the odd zoo, but mainly picnic blanket. The … Continue reading What I learnt at school.
Today was another day for shouting at the radio, and then shouting on the radio. At last the Government has unveiled its plans for financial help for working parents. It has been months in the planning and the subject of bitter negotiation (apparently). All are delighted an agreement has been reached. I shall dig out … Continue reading Childcare again – because it still makes no sense
My youngest son is now 4. In the words of Vinnie Jones, ‘It’s been emotional’. On reflection, this momentous occasion seemed to propel me into some sort of maniacal frenzy which almost led to my unravelling. I have no idea why. I would love to think it was born out of the overwhelming desire to … Continue reading Now We Are Four – party like you mean it
***Update*** In the months since writing this post, following the announcement of the reforms to childcare ratios, there has been almost universal opposition to the proposals. It has even caused the online parenting sworn enemies Mumsnet and Netmums to join forces. Mumsnet invited Childcare Minister Liz Truss to take part in a webchat. Due … Continue reading Childcare: No parent is asking for less attention, however good at fractions.
I’m not one for New Year’s Resolutions. I make the usual stab at the traditional stocking fillers of losing weight, saving money and drinking more water and with them come their inevitable companions of failure, disappointment and resentment. This year, following on from my fallow 2012 (see previous post), I’ve decided to bother. It’s inspiration … Continue reading Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
New Pencil Case 