I was co-sleeping with my son until he was about 13 months old, then, out of sheer desperation for a decent night’s sleep following my return to work, I reluctantly put him in his own room. To my surprise he bloody loved it. He loved the independence and instantly started to sleep (slightly) better. It was…
Families
Single Mums on Tour: Episode One
We had exchanged a few emails and met once in the park at a single mums meet up. At that one meet up, after chatting for about half an hour, she invited me to join her and her toddler son for a few days in a caravan by the beach. Although I ummed and arrhhed a bit,…
Single Mum to an Only Child: Just The Two Of Us
I got overwhelmed on my way home from work today. It happens sometimes. That drowning feeling. That moment when I realise this is my life and, for the moment at least, it‘s impossible to imagine an alternative version. Growing up I believed I’d have a large family, a supportive husband and a lovely home. This…
10 Reasons Why I Have a Genius Toddler
I read a blog the other day by someone whose baby is a genius. Like, no shit, their baby is a real live genius and they decided to tell the whole world about it. So it got me thinking, perhaps I’m overlooking my child’s geniusness (is that a word??). And sure enough I was right.…
10 Things Every Part-Time Working Mum Can Relate To
Since having my son, like lots of mums, I’ve gone down to part-time hours. When you have young children* being a part-time working mum is often seen as the best of both worlds, but the reality is a lot more complex than that. 1. It provides a good work-life balance. I think this is the one…
That Moment When You See Your Ex’s Wedding Photo
I’d convinced myself that I was OK with him remarrying. That I didn’t give a shit. And I don’t, give a shit that is, in many ways. But to see how he’s moved on. To see how he has a new life. One that involves happiness, even if that’s not the only story. When I…
How I Spent My Single Mum’s Mother’s Day
I’m always saying how people don’t get what it’s like to be a single mum so here’s a day in the life post from me about today – Mother’s Day. I wasn’t really looking forward to it, but actually it wasn’t so bad after all. My single mum’s mother’s day. Sometime in the early hours…
Travelling Without My Toddler
Somehow, since returning to work over a year ago I’ve managed to avoid any overseas trips. That’s about to end in dramatic style with a ten day trip. Without my son. I did try to mastermind some scheme where I could take him with me, but I’ll be working such long days even if he was…
Separation – Why Us?
You often hear people say that a new baby puts a strain on a marriage, so I guess you won’t be surprised to hear that approximately 20% of relationships end in separation following the arrival of a baby*. But why do some survive and others not? I used to put it down to attitude. Do…
10 Truths About My Single Mum Holiday With A Toddler
I understand now why people thought I was bonkers when I said I was off backpacking round south east Asia with my toddler. Single mum holiday with a toddler – what could possibly go wrong? Now I’m back home though I have to say, despite all the warnings, I’m glad I had the guts lack of…