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Dark Day
I am picking up now but for much of the day my mood was so low. Black clouds weighing me down. I hate how even with post-natal depression long gone (years ago), I can still be right back in the depths. I am not a nice person to know at such times. I get taciturn and solemn. If Him Indoors is around, I get angry and raise every real or imagined sin with him. What were the triggers this time? The weight gain this week and the malfunctioning scales. I have felt so in control of things for the last couple of months and then suddenly the scales were telling…
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The Playground Mafia book review
The Playground Mafia is a book I received as part of my membership of the BritMums Book Club. Here is The Playground Mafia book review. I love the club as it leads me to read books that I would not normally select. It is so easy to get stuck in a rut with our reading choices. The Playground Mafia: The Essential Guide to Observing, Identifying and Managing Playground Mums (and the Occasional Dad) was just released by John Blake Publishing. I have mixed feelings about this book. At best it is a bit of fun that certainly can lead to a smile or two. Watch yourself identify with one of…
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How to be a confident parent at last
Are you a confident parent? When did that feeling kick in? Taking a new baby home is a milestone in itself. I remember the lovely outfit I had bought for my son whilst pregnant being way too big when it came to the time to put him in his car seat for the first time. Car seats can be a challenge too for sure! I am the first to admit I was not the most confident new mum having not spent any time around babies before. My husband who had children from previous relationships seemed to know how to do things so much better than I did. The first nappy…
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What is life after depression like?
What is life after depression like? I am becoming increasingly aware and joyful at how differently I find things now the black clouds of depression have disappeared. 1. Life after depression means I don’t mind the house not being clinically perfect. I don’t have the housework skills to make this happen or perhaps I do but not when a husband, children and animals are around. It does not matter. However, it did and it hurt me so much that I could not meet the standards either of myself or others. I always did housework every day but could only see what was not right. Now I focus on what I…
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How to become a happy mum and stay sane
What are 10 ways to become a happy mum? Not every mum is happy all of the time or even most of the time. I love my children but there are times when I have struggled so as I hit the teen and tween years, I am going to share some of my lessons on what has helped me be happier as a mum. 1. Have confidence in yourself and your ability to be a mum. People have done it for years so why should you be the one who messes it up? Believe you are a great mum and see what happens. 2. Look at your own individual…
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A manifesto for mums politicians should adopt
Here is a suggested manifesto for mums. Let’s get political! I think mums matter and do not get valued or supported enough. Recently, I interviewed a diverse range of mums who all had a striking story to tell. With the General Election coming up, I asked how the next Government could help mums. Listening to what they had to say makes me think this would make a good manifesto for mums. Value mums It is important to recognise the contribution that mums make to society whether through employment, business, parenting or voluntary and community work. Employment Government should work to make family-friendly working practices a reality and to support employers…
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How to move on after abuse towards a positive future
How to move on after abuse is a question on the minds of so many people. They might have experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse. They have scars which may or may not be visible. Moving forwards positively often takes huge courage and a willingness to seek support. Vicky shares her story. 1. What is the striking story you have to share? I have been a single mother since my daughter was 3 weeks old and her abusive father walked out on us. I was very lucky that my health visitor stepped in, and sent me to the Freedom Programme, which is group counselling for people who’ve been in abusive…
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Shared parental leave and how it works
As April arrives, the question is how will shared parental leave work for families? You may be entitled to Shared Parental Leave (SPL) and Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) if: your baby is due on or after 5 April 2015 you adopt a child on or after 5 April 2015 Until 4 April 2015 fathers may get Additional Paternity Leave and Pay instead. SPL and ShPP must be taken between the baby’s birth and first birthday (or within 1 year of adoption). You can start SPL if you’re eligible and you or your partner end maternity or adoption leave or pay (or Maternity Allowance) early. The remaining leave will be…
