All articles filed in Parenting

Written by Amanda Coop “Ooh, that’s cute,” I say, seeing a crate of Easter eggs with characters printed on the foil. “I think the Easter Bunny might have to bring one of those.” Miss 10 rolls her eyes playfully. “Sure, the Easter Bunny,” she says with a smirk. My sister, who’s out shopping with us,…

Written by Amanda Coop “This parking situation is getting ridiculous,” I told the kids as we sat waiting with all the other school traffic queued through the carpark and surrounding streets. “I think, one of these days, we might have to start walking home.” “Walking?!” Mr 6 responded in a tone that made it sound…

Written by Amanda Coop Is there anything that says “middle aged” more than being excited about bin day? The first recycling-bin day after Christmas is greeted with nearly as much anticipation as Christmas Day itself, amirite? (I don’t know if middle-aged people are supposed to use expressions such as amirite or if that just makes…

Written by Amanda Coop Ahhh, school holidays. Blissful, carefree, harmonious. Well, for the first five minutes, anyway. With Christmas done and dusted, we head into another month-long slog of trying to keep the kids occupied without resorting to 12 hours a day of screen time or locking oneself in the pantry for a little “me…

Written by Amanda Coop “Mummy,” says Mr 6, laying his hand lightly on my bare shoulder. “Do you think it’s a good idea to be wearing a singlet? You’re going to get sunburnt.” Aside from the fact that he’s adorable and thoughtful, it also occurs to me that he’s very sensible. I guess that makes…

Written by Amanda Coop Beauty – they say it’s in the eye of the beholder. Just ask Mr 6, whose nickname for me is – and I don’t know why I’m admitting this publicly – Chub Tum. “Hi Chub Tum,” he said to me one day as he snuggled up and patted my tummy affectionately.…

Written by Amanda Coop Me: “How was school today?” The kids (in unison): “Good.” Me: “What did you learn today?” The kids (in unison): “Nothing.” Me: “Nothing? Not one single thing?” The kids (in unison): “No.” Rinse and repeat, for the next 12 years. I dare say I’m not the only parent whose kids expect…

Written by Amanda Coop “I CAN’T believe I’m going to be double figures,” my nine-turning-10-year-old says dramatically. “I feel so old!” I chuckle at her definition of “old”. “Kiddo, you’re not even close to old,” I tell her. “But it’s been 10 years, Mum, 10. Whole. Years.” She’s not the only one who’s been thinking…

Written by Amanda Coop Once upon a time, there were two perfectly sane, normal human beings. Their house was tidy, life was uneventful but civilised. And then they had a baby, and nothing was ever the same again. They were always tired, life was chaotic, and the mess was out of control. So, what did…