My ten year old son came home from school yesterday talking animatedly and knowledgably about penises and vagina's. I don't think I've seen him this excited about learning in school since the day they had a visit from an African drumming crew, he was enthralled! It was charming and hilarious at the same time (yes, … Continue reading Penis doodles: what’s that all about?
parenting
The Rules of Play
The boy sat down to play his game And then called out his favourite name Mum, oh Mum oh Mother dear I’m rather thirsty over here If you could bring me a cold drink I promise not to make a stink But if you dawdle or refuse I promise you, you’ll sing the blues I’ll … Continue reading The Rules of Play
Parenting in Hindsight: the toddler years
Surrounded by toddlers and pre-schoolers at my nephew’s fourth birthday party, I looked on with empathetic amusement as the parents of these bundles of energy did their best to mitigate destruction and injury, and realised I have a lot to reflect on about parenting in the toddler years. I miss the sweetness of my kids, … Continue reading Parenting in Hindsight: the toddler years
Is there a grown up in the room?! Parenting through the transition to high school
As anyone who has felt the stamped foot of their petulant inner child can attest, being a grown-up is more a fluid state than a definitive destination. The more unresolved issues we keep inside from our childhood (and I’m not necessarily talking ‘big’ issues, things we deem insignificant can still push those buttons, raise those … Continue reading Is there a grown up in the room?! Parenting through the transition to high school
Technology: Power to the People
How often do you have a technology wobble with your kids, or yourself? I fell off the proverbial screen time cliff (again) earlier this week. It happens when my kids have been in a particularly entrenched technology use cycle (hello lockdown) and I succumb to the scaremongering of the media, as I picture their jellified … Continue reading Technology: Power to the People
Removing the Filter
I like to think I’ve been honest in my blog posts, albeit occasionally exaggerating anecdotes for humorous effect (what good story teller doesn’t?). But a recent conversation with a friend reminded me that despite my best intentions, I too can fall into the trap of only showing the good side of the story to others. … Continue reading Removing the Filter
The imaginary life of perfection
I read a lot. In particular, I read a lot about how I can be better. A better parent, a better writer, a better human. Whilst I know I can never be perfect, there’s a small but maniacal part of my ego that refuses to let go of the belief that if I just work … Continue reading The imaginary life of perfection
It’s school-life Jim, but not as we know it
I’d never questioned the status quo of the education system before, always seeing learning as synonymous with school. I knew home-schooling existed, but it wasn’t something I’d ever considered for our family because we were ‘mainstream’ and home-schooling was ‘alternative.’ Plus there was no way I could possibly teach my kids. Right? Cue a national … Continue reading It’s school-life Jim, but not as we know it
Rae Cod’s Writing 