MumAtWork's Blog

My partner recently revealed he had a passing crush on a work colleague. Almost paralysed with guilt, he approached me last July and spilled the beans . As a woman who takes a fleeting fancy to almost any man I come in contact with, I was astounded by the guilt he was carrying around. I told him to enjoy his passing crush and prepare himself for the next big one. That was until I met her. I had...

When my daughter was younger, she had a particularly interesting way of getting her father to satisfy her sweet tooth. Demands for icecream were often followed with the threat of divorce if he didn't comply. And no, she wasn't one of those adorable little girls who assumed she was also married to Daddy; she knew her role in the family. Mummy was married to Daddy, but if Daddy didn't...

There’s precious little I enjoy more than taking a trip down memory lane with my seven-year-old daughter. From recalling her first words to recounting her excitement every time Daddy arrived home from work, time spent reminiscing with Grace is always time well spent. Until she wants to go even further back, that is. Until she wants to explore the months leading up to her arrival, I mean...

My daughter’s return to school this week has signalled the beginning of yet another year of worry. Not mine I hasten to add, but hers. For a child so capable and confident, she worries more than anyone I’ve ever known. Since she began school three years ago, every end-of-year report has noted this particular trait of hers and mentioned specific methods will may help in the coming year...

I didn’t breastfeed either of my children. It wasn’t because I couldn’t, it’s because I wouldn’t. There, I said it. I chose not to breastfeed because I wasn’t comfortable with the notion. I can’t exactly explain why, but I just knew that the prospect of nursing my children would have a detrimental effect on my emotional wellbeing and I didn’t want anything to taint mine or my...

My friend asked me to join her for a yoga session recently. A dedicated yogi, she’s always on the hunt for new recruits. Politely declining, I told her I never found yoga particularly relaxing nor did I find it any way invigorating. When I exercise I like to break a sweat and when I relax I like to do it in the knowledge I can break wind with wild abandon and not find myself clenching my stomach...

My little boy recently turned five, and for his birthday he asked if he could have a toy kitchen. Seeing as he loves to help me bake and cook, I agreed that it would be a lovely present to celebrate his big day. Already hugely impressed by our son’s culinary prowess, his dad also agreed that while expensive, it was certainly a worthwhile gift. Although I thoroughly enjoy having him help me out...

My daughter has decided that my presence is no longer required during her nightly bath. I hadn’t seen this coming just yet and it’s taking a little getting used to. Grace is just seven-years-old so the prospect she is becoming body-conscious startles me somewhat. I know that it’s a normal part of growing up and the insistence to assert her independence should be celebrated, but it’s left...

My husband approached me last Sunday looking like guilt personified. My heart lurched as he uttered the words that instil fear in the heart of any living human. “We need to talk," he said. To say my blood ran cold is an understatement. Hearing these words come from the man who takes everything in his stride and regularly picks me up and dusts me down without so much as a backward glance before...

I almost broke traffic lights in order to find refuge in work last week. The quicker I ensconced myself in the office, the quicker I could put family life and being a mum to the back of my mind. I love my children, I love my partner and for the most part I love being a mum, but there are some weeks where it really does all get too much for me and my small office cubicle momentarily becomes my...