What Ever Happened to Kids TV?

June 26, 2012 in Books, Children, Entertainment, Film & TV, Parenting

I need help. Over the last few days I have been subjected to the kind of rubbish TV that kids are provided these days. Baby voices putting W’s where they shouldn’t be, beads of sweat on foreheads and open mouthed questions of “Huh?” while making a facial expression that would make even Einstein look like an idiot. And if I have to hear one more bratty child speaking back to their parent with an “Ugh, they just don’t understand anything” tone I am going to stab someone with the remote. What happened to all the shows that actually teach children about [...]

The Story Of A Stepmonster

June 1, 2012 in Children, Fathers, Mothers, Parenting

Disclaimer: I’ve been encouraged to write about what it’s really like to be a stepmother. This is from my experience, from the forums I’m a part of, and talks about what it’s like to be a stepmother while the mother is still around, without any children of your own. Writing this has been hard for me, putting down in words the way I feel about being a stepmother. I have never spoken to a stepmother who has been in a similar position to me who hasn’t felt the same way I do, which is why I have chosen to publish [...]

When To Call Quits On Your Marriage

April 27, 2012 in Dating, Family, Marriage, Relationships

Would you look at me and decide that I don’t deserve to be happy? In a recent court case in the UK, a woman appealed against her husband divorcing her, stating that their problems (arguing over the washing machine and farmed meat) were not enough to end a marriage. I’ve heard from the perspective of people who have been through tough times, come out the other side, and who insist that you need to work through your problems. Do whatever it takes. While I do agree that marriage isn’t always beer and skittles, and believe in attempting to work through [...]

“You Don’t Have A Family” And Other Assumptions

April 17, 2012 in Children, Home, Lifestyle, Money, Mothers, Work

I have a neighbour who likes to remind me that I “don’t have a family” whenever I say something about going out, buying dinner, watching a movie or even going to the gym. “Oh but you’ve got time because you don’t have a family”. Even when I say something about not doing anything on the weekend, she will inform me “You’ll make plans because you don’t have a family”. Ignoring for a moment that these comments generally happen first thing in the morning right when I leave my house, before I’ve had coffee and while I’m still trying to remember [...]