the do’s and don’ts of starting school

School's out for summer, and for parents all over the country it's a significant milestone in any year. For our family, until now, this time of year meant just two things: lighter traffic in the morning and holidays jumping to twice the price. But for the first time, we experienced end-of-term properly as my junior infant finished her ...

the birthday party

cup cakes - Office Mum

So. Hosting children's birthday parties. I can't possibly be the only person who finds this extremely stressful? When chatting about this to other parents, I sense that they don't find this quite the ordeal that I do. Or perhaps some are better than I am at hiding the fear? I feel slightly...embarrassed about the amount of anxiety ...

Seven very good reasons to work from home

pancakes  - office mum

Working from home: no to mascara and high heels, yes to school runs and meals with kids, and best of all reduced guilt.... Lots of people work in jobs that are not suitable for working from home, and plenty of other people are not allowed to by employers. But if you have children, and have ever considered seeking to work from home ...

Seven tips for going back to work after maternity leave

office mum: maternity leave tips

No matter how much you enjoy your job, and certainly if you don't, returning to work after maternity leave is often daunting. Even if you feel "ready to go back" it's hard leaving the little person with creche or childminder. It's difficult the first time, and it's no less difficult after subsequent babies - not ...