As parents we provide our children with pets for many different reasons, it teaches them to care for another living creature, develops a sense of responsibility and provides companionship. In our family we've had a few attempts at pets - the Christmas present hermit crabs which on unveiling promptly bit the child, leaving her completely … [Read more...]
A Week Is A Long Time At Shambles HQ
There are households where dinner is never burnt, housework is always under control, the residents never disagree and the homework is done with a minimum of fuss ahead of it's due date. This is not one of those households. As we skate in "just in time" with all our responsibilities, argue amongst ourselves over the best approach to an assortment … [Read more...]
When Your Kids Have Hobbies You Know Nothing About
It is inevitable your children will one day develop an interest in things outside your scope of experience. Now on one hand you can consider this a learning experience, expand your horizons to include areas you have never considered. On the other hand, it can be annoying. My children play musical instruments and like to sing, I think they are … [Read more...]
Eating Out With Kids or My Failure as a Food Blogger
Eating out with small children is not an enjoyable experience. There was a long period when fine dining became a distant memory for us. MacDonalds became our restaurant of choice because THEY HAD A PLAYGROUND. Anyone who has tried to keep toddlers or preschoolers confined to a seat for any longer than three minutes knows the importance of that … [Read more...]
School Days
There's nothing that marks the passing of time more than the start of the new school year. Mothers everywhere crying softly in their cars having deposited their baby for the first day at pre-school, big-school, high-school. Doing our usual mother-worrying "will they be alright", "will they find someone to play with", "will they get lost" ... and so … [Read more...]
What the bloody hell is a feminist?
As you stand surrounded by the debris of domesticity, up to your armpits in washing, cradling a sick child and wondering what's for dinner can I ask what are your thoughts on feminism? I know probably not your most pressing issue at the moment but bear with me. … [Read more...]
The Laundry
Right, it's decided, this family are becoming nudists. No I've made up my mind I can't be talked out of it. This post is brought to you from under a pile of washing so high it makes Everest look like a hill. We've currently experiencing yet another season of wet weather, most of the area on the Mid North Coast is on flood alert, and I'm too … [Read more...]
Before I Had Children
Before I had children ... I knew good behaviour was just a matter of proper discipline. I knew sexism and inequality were the result of gender stereotypes inflicted on children by parents - no child of mine was going to play with a Barbie Doll. I knew consistency was the only sure way to deliver a well rounded individual to the world. I knew my … [Read more...]
Ten Golden Rules of Parenting
This is not the advice in the parenting books - this is advice you take when you have ditched aspirations of perfection and are simply in survival mode. Never wake a sleeping child. If they are not bothering you don't bother them (admittedly this is how my kitchen came to be painted pink - but it was old and needed a facelift). Children don't … [Read more...]
The trials and tribulations of a techno connected life
We aren't exactly the most technical of families The desktop computer is four years old. My laptop belongs to a time period pre-everything, any attempt at internet connection allows you to go off and cook a three course meal while you wait for it to load and it won't let you type the letter "g". This proves somewhat difficult given my email … [Read more...]
