I can't imagine how it would feel to have no father. I can imagine a remote father - detached, preoccupied, no space in his life for children. I can imagine his regret and guilt at having been talked into a family he never really wanted - or, perhaps, the absence of regret and guilt, as time starts … [Read more...] about CAN YOU IMAGINE HAVING NO FATHER?
Adoption
Adoption is my passion. For all resources connected with adoption, as well as empathy and encouragement for your adoption journey, you've come to the right place. Enjoy browsing, and let me know if I can help you with anything!
THE MERMAID WHO COULDN’T – BOOK REVIEW
Being removed from your biological family, at whatever age it happens, has life-changing impact. There will be negative emotions and responses which feel so intuitive, that the idea of ever shaking them off seems impossible. The more resources which help children and parents to navigate these … [Read more...] about THE MERMAID WHO COULDN’T – BOOK REVIEW
THE A-Z OF THERAPEUTIC PARENTING – BOOK REVIEW
I'm hugely excited this week to be sharing an absolutely brilliant book with you. The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting (Sarah Naish) was released a few weeks ago, and I have to tell you that it's already revolutionising my parenting. Wait...rewind a few steps...what's therapeutic parenting? It's a style … [Read more...] about THE A-Z OF THERAPEUTIC PARENTING – BOOK REVIEW
WHY ADOPT WHEN YOU CAN HAVE BIRTH CHILDREN?
It's one of those questions that many of us might have in our heads, but never actually verbalise. After all, it sounds rude, doesn't it? As if we're questioning someone's life choices - something we know never, ever to do in 21st-century Britain. Well, here's an answer. It's my answer, and it may … [Read more...] about WHY ADOPT WHEN YOU CAN HAVE BIRTH CHILDREN?
WHY MY SON TORE UP HIS MOTHERS’ DAY CARD (AND IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK)
As an organised, sentimental yet time-starved Mum, my approach to archiving all those special bits and pieces that your kids produce (and which you want to keep because, my gosh, some of it is truly awful), consists of throwing them all into named box files. It works pretty well: each child has a … [Read more...] about WHY MY SON TORE UP HIS MOTHERS’ DAY CARD (AND IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK)
DEAR SON, THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF ‘BROTHER’
Dear Son, The other day you asked me whether your younger brothers were your step-brothers. We'd just returned from school, and I was distracted, sorting through book bags, reading letters and signing permission slips, so I don't think I gave you a very good answer. (That's the problem with being … [Read more...] about DEAR SON, THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF ‘BROTHER’
5 WAYS MY TODDLERS ARE DIFFERENT FROM YOURS
As the 'at home' mum of twin 3-year-olds, I spend a lot of time in the company of other parents and toddlers. We share our trials and joys - but largely the trials. We discuss what time our children are waking up, what they refuse to eat, how many times they've sat on the naughty step today, and all … [Read more...] about 5 WAYS MY TODDLERS ARE DIFFERENT FROM YOURS
ADOPTION AND THE BENEFITS OF THE SUZUKI METHOD
Disclaimer: These views are my own, and come from my 20-month experience as a Suzuki parent in a Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) class, as well as a couple of days' observing SECE training this summer, and a few weeks under my belt as a Suzuki teaching partner. In short, this post represents … [Read more...] about ADOPTION AND THE BENEFITS OF THE SUZUKI METHOD
THE UN-BIRTHDAY: CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF THE CHILD YOU HAVEN’T MET
I wrote the following nearly two years ago, on the occasion of our twins' first birthday. Today, our twins turn one. I haven't yet met them, but I love them already. We need to celebrate - and yet how does one celebrate the birthday of someone they've never met? Someone who is already so firmly … [Read more...] about THE UN-BIRTHDAY: CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF THE CHILD YOU HAVEN’T MET