One of my most vivid memories of childhood is sitting in the shallow end of a cold, dated swimming pool gazing up at the man on poolside and listening with awe. As swimmers, we were often told about new techniques, training regimes, drills and equipment that would improve our swimming. But our coach was one…
Next week, my little girl will start school. Every day I read another blog post or Facebook status about what an emotional experience it is seeing them off for that first day. But I won’t be sad. And I know you already think less of me for it, you’ve got me down as a bad mother….
His hot coffee in the nasty takeaway cup was starting to burn his hand as he reached his desk. He plonked the steaming drink onto a tattered piece of paper that somebody had dumped next to his computer. The accountant stared absentmindedly at the steam meandering through the small hole in the black plastic lid….
My children don’t watch an enormous amount of television, they never really have. The main reason for that is because we are usually out and about doing things, and don’t have much time for sitting in front of a screen. I’ve also written before about my concerns over the impact of screen time on behaviour. That…
When I listen to my daughters chatting and playing together, the conversation always turns to what they will be able to do, “When I’m a bit older.” It reminds me of my own childhood and the innate yearning for all the exciting things that come with age. I smile wistfully at the idea of them wishing…
Since I was a child, I have always been really fussy about looking after my teeth – and more specifically my gums. My mum suffers with gum problems and always worried that I would take after her and have problems too. Whilst regular brushing and a healthy diet are of primary importance in terms of…