He Calls Me...

Who knew that Heather Small had asked such an important question! It’s occurred to me recently, as I’ve got to know many different kinds of people that we each have our own expectations and measures of success.  Quite often, as a stay at home parent, these successes seem minor or it feels unnecessary to acknowledge them.  Take the washing for example, how many households have to perform this task on an almost daily basis whilst juggling the commute to work, a 10 hour day and all that comes with it?  But the demands of parenting can be just as numerous and we often don’t give ourselves enough credit for the ‘minor successes’ that we really should acknowledge.  I love to see the joy on my children’s faces kicking through the autumnal leaves, the unprompted manners when we’re out, and the building our own family Christmas traditions.  I have taught myself not just to savour the moment, though that is a big enough lesson in itself, but to allow myself a sense of pride at having cont

What a bizarre phrase that is banded about sometimes when people are talking disrespectfully about those who are no longer with us on earth.  Although it’s often the case, at funerals especially, that the departed are remembered with love and affection by those who knew and loved them.  Having been to a funeral recently it got me thinking.  Why are some of the loveliest things that are said about us spoken when we aren’t even there?  Surely it’s not right that we wait until a loved one leaves us to say kind things, make positive observations or offer words of encouragement.  I wonder if it’s that we’re all just a bit too British.  But actually it’s not even about our own emotions, it’s just expressing an observation about someone in a positive way.  Why are we afraid to do this on a regular basis?  Why are these kind words saved for a special birthday card, or wedding day speeches?  Perhaps it’s because we are shy, or fear the compliment won’t be reciprocated, or maybe we are doing it

“All animals are equal but some are more equal than others.” Although Orwell was referring more directly to politics, specifically communism, gender politics is still of huge importance for us today.  I wouldn’t count myself as a ‘burn your bra’ feminist but I do believe EVERYONE regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender has the basic human right to be treated with respect and shown love. On my Facebook timeline this morning I was drawn to two posts that both, in different ways, highlight the extreme inequality women still face with today.   One article was written by Ruby Tandoh (1), a finalist on popular television show Great British Bake Off.  She draws on the amount of criticism she and the other female finalists received in the press and on social media networks. “…there's the broader background of misogyny and gender politics against which this has all played out. It's a culture of frilly baking versus macho Michelin stars, of real chefs versus

Is it right that the majority of parents are penalised for the negative actions of just a few?  I understand the importance of education and, as a teacher have seen parents who apparently care little for their child’s learning and development during formal education.  But is it right that holiday companies can charge more than double the price for a family of four to go away during holiday time? A 2* apartment for a family of four in the ski resort of Les Deux Alpes goes up from £1598 the week before half term to £3358 the week during February half term (1).  This seems to me to be absolutely criminal and punishing people with young families.  Surely, rather than the government giving head teachers the ability to fine parents up to £120 for unauthorised time off school they should be looking at how to tackle this completely unethical price hike aimed specifically at children and teachers?  I understand that there are some parents who allow their children to play truant and do not adhe

Imagine a world where everyone was always thankful.  Always grateful.  People genuinely believed their glass was always full let alone half full.  It’s certainly not the case in my experience recently, with friends or strangers.  With this continuing miserable weather, lingering illness and down right grumpy mood it’s a tough ask today to count my blessings.  But I will.  I will because I have many things for which to be thankful.  I will because it makes me stop to think.  I will because it changes my mood for the better.  In the insane busyness of life the best parts can often go unnoticed, or if not unnoticed unappreciated.  Too often we catch ourselves thinking ‘I don’t have that’ or ‘I wish I could change that’ which is a mindset we can accept if we’re not careful since we’re constantly told to strive for better, strive for more and strive for perfection.  I know for sure I’ll not meet that stage in this life so it’s time I stopped trying!  I will learn to stand in the blessings