News — childcare

My Autumn Reset

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My Autumn Reset

I don't know about you, but September always feels like a perfect time to 'reset'.  This year, more than ever, by the end of the school year, my head was so foggy. Our routines were non-existent, as was our family's focus on nutrition, the environment and making sure screen time was limited. Summer Holidays I took the whole Summer 'off'.  I mean, being a mum and running your own business, you're never really off, are you? But... I didn't drive the business in the way that I can; I didn't worry about posting regularly on social media; and I just...

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Privilege

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Privilege

Alongside eco posts, I occasionally reflect on my privilege on here too. And I wanted to do so again.  On Thursday, as it was half-term, I took the girls to the beach. (We were staying near my parents and I grew up by the sea.) The weather was glorious, light sun and a gentle breeze, we got there early and started building a sand castle (sorry, a castle complex, according to my 11YO). Then we went to paddle in the sea.  One of the girls said ‘mum - look at that’. I turned and looked. (Not my photo but another...

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Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

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Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

2009   Looking at the picture of me as a brand new mum, with my eldest as a one-day old newborn, emotion floods right back in, like an unexpectedly large wave.My eyes well up because I see that (obviously) inexperienced one day old mum with a teeny tiny brand new baby, and I remember her numbness alongside the love.I’m still not fully reconciled with the state of my mental health post birth. I never really worked out where I fell. I felt empty and robotic much of the time, but similarly I could find happiness and joy in things.I cried...

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#tbt One from the Archive: i’m leaning in – to work, and motherhood

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#tbt One from the Archive: i’m leaning in – to work, and motherhood

(First published on The Contented Calf website on Monday 17th June 2013. My youngest was approaching 15 months and 3YO was soon becoming a 4YO and heading to primary school. And so I was starting to think more about work again.) It’s funny how in life sometimes things come together at the same time isn’t it? For me this has come in the form of reading Sheryl Sandberg’s excellent book, Lean In, and attending the first ever Mumsnet Workfest this weekend. Although I’d heard her name, I first took more notice of Sheryl Sandberg when I heard her on Woman’s Hour...

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#tbt One from the Archive: The Childcare Conundrum

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#tbt One from the Archive: The Childcare Conundrum

(First published on The Contented Calf Website on Wednesday 12th June 2013. 3YO was approaching 4YO and I was wondering how childcare was going to work....)  Look up ‘conundrum’ and this is one of the definitions you get. co·nun·drum /k??n?ndr?m/ Noun  1. A confusing and difficult problem or question.2. A question asked for amusement, typically one with a pun in its answer; a riddle. Synonyms riddle – puzzle – enigma – mystery Photo by Hannah Olinger on Unsplash It also conjures up images of that clock ticking away for 30 seconds on Countdown. And whilst I maybe being am being over-dramatic, this is...

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