I’m having lunch with my daughter. I am eating the leftovers from Monday and she is in the kitchen making herself something. She calls from the kitchen, “I don’t know how I’m going to eat this without it falling apart”. Moments later she emerges with an impressive looking falafel and hummus wrap. … [Read more...] about How To Avoid Upsetting People
Relationships
Why I’m Scared That My Children Are Growing Up
My daughter is eighteen today and so, essentially, I now have two adults rather than two children. Aside from the pride I can feel in having managed to get them this far in their lives I am worried about their diminishing need for me because parenting is probably the role I’ve been most comfortable … [Read more...] about Why I’m Scared That My Children Are Growing Up
How To Talk To Your Children
I’m waiting in the car for my daughter who said she wanted to leave at 9.45. She knows I am never late. Sitting with the engine turning over I stare at the door willing it to open even though there isn’t anywhere I have to be this morning. She emerges with a plastic takeaway tray in which she … [Read more...] about How To Talk To Your Children
Why There’s No Point Guarding Against The Future
When we were in our teens Paul and I invented a game. From halfway down my long garden, we’d climb over fences and hedges into neighbouring gardens. If a light went on or we heard a door open we’d scoot back from where we came as quickly as possible, hiding behind trees or in the midst of shrubs to … [Read more...] about Why There’s No Point Guarding Against The Future
Why It’s Hard To Say No.
In the park Flynn, my sisters Lurcher spots him first and takes off like the wind, hurtling through the trees and off down towards the lake where the path meanders, with the others soon in hot pursuit. “It’s Stuart,” I say, with a resigned half-smile. I know what’s coming. “That bloody man. He’s … [Read more...] about Why It’s Hard To Say No.