I was on the radio last week. It was the first time I’d been on the air in a couple of years and I really enjoyed it. The topic of conversation was a belter too: has parenting become harder in the 21st century? Now, obviously, I’ve only been a parent in this era so it’s …
I’m starting a new job soon. Thanks to the pandemic, I spent all of my last role as well as half of my previous one working from home. So I’ve been around my kids much more, which is great. This got me thinking – has being a parent helped me professionally? And the answer is …
I recently realised that I have a handful of parenting tools that I turn to significantly more than others. Now, if Google search results are anything to go by, most people think of techniques when they see this term. And that’s fair enough. While we all have go-to parenting strategies that we wouldn’t be without, I’m …
I’ve changed a lot since becoming a parent. One of the many ways in which I have relates to my language. And, yes, I’m mostly talking about swearing in front of kids. Before having children, I was quite the potty mouth. Even in the early years of parenting, I was pretty liberal with my lingo …
I had my first Covid jab a couple of weeks ago and have to admit I was a little nervous. Not because of needles, you understand. I have asthma and, as a result, have to get a flu jab every year so I’m very used to them. No, it was because of potential side effects. …
Today marks the publication of 5 Big Insights – the largest ever study on the early years of childhood. Earlier this year, I shared my thoughts on its predecessor, 5 Big Questions. Backed by The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, it encouraged parents and carers to think about the early years …
Five years ago, I found myself on a panel at a Mumsnet event for soon-to-be parents. I was a father of two at the time, with youngest due a couple of months later. At the end of it, we were each asked to give a three-word tip for the expectant dads in the audience. Thinking …
Like most of the country, I’m the angriest I’ve ever been right now. Our Prime Minister has effectively just stuck two fingers up at us for adhering to the formerly-clear rules regarding lockdown. Similarly, his advisor, Dominic Cummings, has given his version of events without the merest hint of an apology for breaking his own …
I love taking part in radio conversations – it’s something bloggers are invited to do quite a lot – but hadn’t been involved in any since starting my new job. When I was offered the chance to take part in one on BBC Radio 5 Live this week, I jumped at the chance. It was …
Like many parents, I experience self-doubt all the time. I’m forever wondering whether I’m doing enough for my kids and if I’m giving them the same kind of happy childhood that I enjoyed. I often feel that I’m average at best and somehow letting my children down. Times are tough and modern life is becoming …