I talked my wife into getting a puppy – and now I’m lumbered with looking after it
Six months ago, after two years of lobbying, I finally talked my wife into getting a puppy. I have such fond memories of the black labrador I grew…
My arrogant teenage daughter bullies me
My 14-year-old daughter is beautiful, intelligent and talented. The trouble is, she knows it. I’m proud of her in so many ways, but wish she’d stop acting…
I insisted we had a third child, and I’m afraid it has destroyed my marriage
As soon as I told my husband the news, I knew I’d made a terrible mistake. It was 10 o’clock on a Monday night and as usual,…
My 10-year old son’s swearing is out of control – and I don’t know how make him stop
You know how your children go through a series of phases, and some you want to last for ever and others you just wish would be over…
Help! My husband and daughter have started ganging up on me
A worrying new theme has developed in our family and it’s threatening my role of mother and wife. My husband and teenage daughter have joined forces and…
I don’t want my daughter to repeat my mistake and marry a much older man
My parents were concerned when I started dating a man 30 years older than me, but like many of their generation, they were reassured by him being…
It’s not so much my son’s football club that I can’t stand – it’s the other parents
I used to roll my eyes at the parents wrapping up warm and trudging onto football fields on rainy winter weekend mornings. But now I am one….
I’ve said no to after school clubs – if my kids get bored, brilliant?
Ssh! Don’t tell the other mums, but I am actively dissuading my kids from after-school clubs. It’s not at all fashionable but I’m actively resisting enrolling my…
I’m sick of apologising for having an only child
Speaking as the mother of one young son, I must say this parenting lark is a breeze. A doddle. An absolute cinch. I mean, let’s face it:…
My partner’s grown-up daughter has just moved in and it’s driving me mad
Later life relationships bring unexpected family issues. Like his adult daughter suddenly moving in. She’s come to stay with us for a year while she studies for…
My son’s a food snob and I hate it
I knew something unusual was happening when my son was just seven. We went on holiday to Spain and at dinner one evening, when our friends’ kids…
After my mum’s death, I’m feeling consumed by ‘grandma envy’
A few years back, I drank too much sauvignon blanc at a PTA meeting and volunteered to help. I have been chairman ever since. One morning before…