This piece was originally published in the LLLGB Members’ Magazine, Breastfeeding Matters, for which I have been writing a bi-monthly column since 2008. To find out more about how to receive this magazine, click here. “So how long are you
Maybe the Trolls Were Right
Several years ago I wrote this post about toddlers and sharing. It is my most popular post by far, still getting several hundred hits every month. To me, some of the angry comments at the end of that post (including
A nature table… of sorts
‘On my table’ Linking up with Amanda at Habit of Being – November prompt-a-day I tried to have a seasonal nature table. Honestly, I did. You know, those little sacred spaces in people’s homes, usually covered with items like acorns, pumpkins
Once upon a time I was 4
Today’s prompt was: “Begins with ‘M’” Linking up with Amanda at Habit of Being – November prompt-a-day When I was little, probably 4 or 5 years old, my mother bought me a bag of M&Ms. It was an impulse buy from
Reframing difficult behaviour in our children: seeing every behaviour as an expression of needs
There are times when a child’s behaviour can seem so perplexing or irritating or infuriating, that even the most committed gentle parent might stop to wonder how on earth to respond. Maybe your baby is insistent about playing with the
The Work of Parenting
My sister-in-law hates Chiff Chaffs. These little migratory birds arrive in the UK in April or May, perching in the tops of trees, calling out a repetitive CHIFF CHAFF CHIFF CHAFF sound that seems to go on and on. She
The Quiet Revolutionary
He wanted another one. He’d been collecting those little Smurf figurines, and he knew that we’d stopped at a shop where he could get another one. As his mother explained that she didn’t plan on buying him one today, he
Getting out the door with young children
Trying to get out the door with several children in tow should have been one of the labours of Heracles. Whether you’re home educating, or sending your children to school, at some stage you need to be on time somewhere,
Quality Time
Overnight, five inches of snow fell. We awoke this morning to find the world clothed in white silence. Soon, we heard that the local schools were closed. We knew we were having a ‘snow day.’ We have had a wonderful
Holiday time: when family & friends criticise your parenting choices
It’s been a while, but I have written a new post for Mothering.com. Have a look: http://www.mothering.com/community/a/holiday-time-when-family-friends-criticise-your-parenting-choices