There’s an abundance of posts telling us about the challenges of being a single mum, I should know, I’ve written a fair few of them. I’ve been biding my time to write this post, waiting until the list was long enough; waiting until the feelings were true enough. Until I really could tell you what…
Posts Tagged with single motherhood
Christmas Expectations Vs Reality
As usual Christmas reality doesn’t quite match up to Christmas expectations. Expectation: Christmas eve would be spent singing carols around the piano with my family. Reality: I sang out of tune, my son banged on the piano keys and whacked family members incessantly. The grand finale was provided by a traditional family arguement because – well because it was…
When My Ex Threatened Court
Sometimes things move so quickly with my ex that I struggle to know what’s happening. In the last six weeks my ex threatened court, tried to be daddy of the year and, most recently, disappeared off the face of the earth. Let’s start at the beginning. My ex was out of the country for a few weeks…
My Depression Diagnosis: Getting Help In Real Time
Six weeks ago I received a depression diagnosis, signed off work and given a prescription for prozac. This is my story so far. The first few days Last night I took the pill. Washed it back with a glass of water. Three seconds later I was panicking. Freaking out. Losing it. I texted a friend, confirmed I was just…
Why Having No Routine Is Great For My Son
I’m pretty sure talking about toddler routines in the negative is sacrilege amongst the parenting population. So I’m readying myself for the backlash at this brazen statement, but I mean it when I say not having a routine for my son has been good for him and for me. Contrary to popular opinion, babies and toddlers*…
The Benefits Of Being Raised By A Single Mum
Did you know there are benefits of being raised by a single mum? If you’ve ever googled ‘single mums’ you’d never know it. It makes for depressing reading. The articles written by religious zealots don’t surprise me. What’s more shocking are those articles claiming to be based on research and the opinion pieces in well known publications. Even my limited…
My Drug
Though you leave, there is no reprieve, From the ties that bind us. The craving waiting to wash over me. The relief your presence brings, But brief respite from a hunger I cannot suppress. The part of my story, That brings me sweet, sweet glory Even on the hazy days. Awaiting your return, I cannot…
Depression: This Shit Just Got Real
I went to the doctor’s today. Told them I wasn’t coping. Suddenly everything feels very real. “Depression” was bandied around. I haven’t been coping for the last three years, so it’s not like it’s a new thing. But I’ve had to cope, had to carry on regardless. I haven’t been allowed to stop and breath…
Shooting On Our Estate: A Street Of Two Tales
The other week I returned home to the news that there had been a shooting on our estate. No deaths thankfully, but the kids (and they were kids) in the neighbouring flats were involved. Suddenly the reality of London newspaper headlines were strewn across my street. Only this was a lot more real than any newspaper story…
Work Travel as a Mum: My Love-Hate Relationship
I travel with work. Not too often, but when I do it’s long distances and I have to leave my son with my mother. I have a love-hate journey with work travel as a mum, from the moment I close that door, till I place the key in its rightful slot some days later. I…