When Molly was in grade two, her teacher called me aside to tell me that she and her BFF had been in a bit of an argument, but neither girl would talk about why. The teacher went on to say that the other girl had said that Molly called her a B-word. A B-word? When … More When little people get ugly
My daughter gave me an origami heart she’d made and I decided to return her loving gesture with one of my own – even though craft is really not my thing. I squashed the little voice inside that said, Well don’t feel too bad if you fail miserably again – I’m sure you don’t need … More Fold here then here, then… oops, I mean fold there instead…or maybe there
My daughter told me yesterday that she loves udders. I was vaguely alarmed, but okay, she’s a little like her dad in that she chooses to love unexpected and often unpopular things. So I decided to just go with it. “So what makes you love them?” “They’re adorable. And the way they nurture the little … More I may have a few issues I need to sweep further under the carpet
Why isn’t there a help column for people like me? With topics like: Gardening tips for the pale-skinned arachnophobe. How to parent without endangering your child, husband, neighbours or other community members. What to do when a spider is on your ceiling (alternative title: Why hitting your husband’s head with a shoe and setting fire … More Life hacks for the socially deficient
Leading by example isn’t always as easy as looking busy or volunteering at bingo. When my daughter said she wanted to be a chef, I – being the great role model that I am – thought I’d show her what that may entail. Now before you hold your breath in anticipation of the suspected disaster that … More Being superwoman could be a little easier
The “see how she’s settling in” interview with my daughter’s principal was due. Wanting to make a good impression, I wore a dress – something I don’t do normally. I also added makeup and heels. The professional look, you know. “Please don’t, Mum. You know how you are in heels. And that makeup makes you look funny.” … More The Principal
A normal day – I’d groaned and rolled out of bed later than I should, scraped the cat hair out of my mouth, and was greeted by my eleven-year-old wearing T-Rex slippers and chocolate smears on her lips. “Been up a while?” I asked her. “Nope. Just got out of bed.” “So the chocolate is … More Revenge on the cowardly
“Is it my fault the chickens ate my homework?” “It is when you smear it with honey and seed and leave it in the chicken coop.” “I had to. I hate algebra.” “You think the chickens don’t?” “I saw Bock-Bock scratching triangles in the dirt. I just put two and two together.” “Did you … More Counting chickens
I am an awesome parent. Of course, some days I end up putting the remote in the toaster or feeding my child rice crispies for dinner, but it’s never out of malign intent. And it’s not like it happens every day. Between homework, music, drama, swimming and gymnastics practice I am mostly able to throw in the odd cleaning spree (unless I … More Parenting with style
