Snapshot of a House Counting Down

"We'll fit loads in over the next few weeks," I'd said to the kids two weekends ago, not wanting to say what I really meant, which was, "There are only twelve more days left of summer holidays, let's make the most of it." Because I didn't want them on the countdown that I was already ...

Sisters are doing it for themselves

I am the mean-mom who doesn't let my kids have new toys when it's not Christmas or birthdays, despite the fact that every single child in the school goes to Smyths EVERY SUNDAY to buy new toys - these are the same children who apparently all have their own YouTube channels, own iPhones, are allowed ...

11 essential tools that help me to be a moderately mediocre parent

tea - office mum

These are just my own personal essential parenting tools - they're not by any means universal - but without them, I suspect I'd be in some kind of institution at this stage. In no particular order: 1. Kids' TV TV saves my life every evening. Take yesterday for example. There were fourteen children running around my kitchen ...

How to make the best chocolate cake in the world without selling your kids on eBay

baking - office mum

This really, really is the best chocolate cake in the world. So much so, it's worth going through the drama of baking with kids, just to eat it. Announce that today’s activity is baking, then bask in the shrieks of joy and pronouncements that you’re the best mum ever. Tell them nobody is baking unless they’re fully ...

No-FOMO – the stuff I’m not missing

Cheltenham - Office Mum

Some friends of mine are meeting for dinner on Friday, and I can't go. The pull to cancel my plans in order to join them is strong - hovering at the fringes of my mind ever since I saw the email. I'll resist, but I'll be wondering if it's a good night, if they'll be ...