8 Things I’ve Learnt About Christmas Since Having Kids

Office Mum: Santa letter

Before kids, I was adamant that Christmas shouldn’t start until December – the second week would be just fine thank you very much. Jingle Bells on the airwaves any earlier than that just felt wrong. Christmas was about nights out as much as nights in, about finding the perfect sparkly dress for the office party, ...

Childhood Christmas Memories – There Was Almost Always Snow

Office Mum: snow covered garden

The smell of one-sided toast with melted butter - it was always done on just one side under the grill, crisp and melty. Tea for the grown-ups, milk for us. Sitting by the fire that my grandmother had set when she got up at half six, as she did every morning. The smell of turf; ...

Office Mum stories – Lisa Ryan

Lisa Ryan - Office Mum interview

"Working late is not an option when you’re a single mother" This week I hear from Lisa Ryan, who works full-time, and is a lone parent to her two daughters.  Thank you Lisa for sharing your story here – could you start by telling me how many children you have and their ages? I have two children – ...

Santa at Malahide Castle

Office Mum: Malahide Castle

We were twenty-five minutes late leaving the house. Not a good start. Dun Laoghaire to Malahide is long journey. But Sunday morning means light traffic. Or so we hoped, as we made our way towards the M50, promising the kids we'd definitely make it on time - that there was no way we'd miss their appointment with Santa. We'd ...

Office Mum stories – Eithne O’Brien

Eithne O

“I think a woman can do anything in the work place but they need strong support at home.  Too often the role of men isn’t considered enough” In this week’s interview, I speak to Eithne O’Brien who works as a Journalist with RTE producing and presenting reports for the flag-ship Current Affairs programme Prime Time. Married ...