Blog: parenting

26 February 2013

The days are long but the years are short

I grew up hearing the story of the night my my mum nearly threw my two month old brother out of the bedroom window after a day of non stop crying... Read more

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06 September 2012

Parenting - 1970’s style

My children will never know the pleasures (and freedoms) of my own 1970’s childhood, and after having just lived through a six week summer holiday, I’m beginning to realise that the 1970’s weren’t a bad time to be a parent either.... Read more

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16 July 2012

The stuff memories are made of

My friend’s son drew her a picture called ‘summer’. It depicts a smiley, happy looking family and, as one would expect, he drew a sun in one corner. It’s really is a lovely drawing, and when and when you take in to account the four rain clouds above the family’s heads and the fact that the mum is holding an umbrella, it’s also pretty well observed. ... Read more

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24 June 2012

Not my best parenting moment

At seven twenty this morning all three children were sprawled out in bed and refusing to get up. By seven thirty two they had each cleaned their teeth, brushed their hair, packed their school bags, had got dressed and were sitting at the table eating breakfast– at just twelve minutes to get three children ready for school, this is the nearest to a miracle I’ll ever see. Except no mystical force was at work here, just some pretty shoddy parenting.... Read more

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15 May 2012

Five things I bought for my newborn (and then never used)

The first time I was pregnant I just couldn't wait to get down to Mothercare to stock up on all the things my precious new born would surely need; Moses basket, cot, travel cot, baby seat, car seat, play mat, changing mat,changing bag, highchair, pushchair, bouncy chair, pram, and if you're a parent you'll know that this is just the start. But whilst some of this stuff is obviously useful (if not fairly important) it makes me shudder to think how many things I bought that I really didn't need. So, here are five things I bought when I had my first child (and then never used): ... Read more

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22 April 2012

Making family glue

I've learned so much since adopting my daughter last year, one of the biggest (apart from developing a whole new understanding of the word tantrum!) is how adults and children bond with each other. All families need bonding experiences but adoptive families are a lot more conscious of it than most. ... Read more

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10 April 2012

Feel a little nauseous?

How many Easter eggs have your children consumed this year? Are you of the ‘Eat them all before breakfast if you must but if you make yourself sick it’s your own fault’ school of thought, or the ‘Mummy will look after them and give you a little bit each day’ way of thinking? ... Read more

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16 March 2012

Could do better

My school report always said the same, 'could do better' and 'must try harder', so from time to time I indulge in a little fantasy of going back in time and doing it all again. I visualise a new improved twelve year old me who does all her homework, who revises for tests, listens in class and who doesn't spend whole lessons writing notes to her best friend. ... Read more

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05 March 2012

Weekend? What weekend?

If the week should be devoted to work, surely the weekend should be devoted to rest and relaxation? ... Read more

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31 January 2012

Anyone can tell a story!

This week is National Storytelling Week meaning that all around the UK in libraries, pubs, theatres, schools and a whole assortment of other public places, people will be telling stories; old, new, forgotten and re-found. What’s really interesting is the emphasis on telling, not reading stories; something that we at Pyjama Drama feel is really worth shouting about. Storytelling is drama, although it requires no costume or props it does require the creative use of facial expression, voice, gesture and eye contact. Perhaps more importantly, the most powerful stories (like the most powerful drama) comes from within, and has a true connection with the storyteller themselves. ... Read more

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