The Northern Echo | Mum At Large

The end of appeasement

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:22:22 +0000

WITH the in-laws gone, the two older boys returning to university and the younger three back at school this week, it looks as if life may, at last, return to normal once again.

Looking back in miniature

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:17:21 +0000

PARENTING is a constant challenge. But writing a regular column about family life is useful. For, as 2011 draws to a close, it allows me to look back over the year, take stock and reflect on all that has happened.

Let’s hear it for Scrooge

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:24:00 +0000

MY children started calling me Scrooge – just because I banned any mention of Christmas in our house until today.

What’s up pussycat?

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:24:53 +0000

THE boys have been out of their minds with worry.

Parenting: It’s a dirty job

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:55:13 +0100

THE phone rang. It was son number two and I could hear another voice in the background. “I’ve got a bit of a problem. I need your help,” he said. He’s living away from home for the first time, 200 miles away in Norwich.

Our old life is his life now

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:43:13 +0100

"CHARLIE, how do you fancy a life swap? Just for three years. Then we can swap back again?” Our 18-year-old ignored his dad, again. This was about the fifth time he had asked.

Insights into teenagerdom

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:20:26 +0100

"THAT is sick. You are so sad,” said 12-year-old Roscoe. Our guilty secret was out. We, a pair of middle-aged crusty old parents, were going to see the new Inbetweeners film, about a group of four, hapless, sex-obsessed teenage boys going off on a lads’ holiday abroad.

Generation games

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:12:12 +0100

WE were a bit reticent about leaving two of the older boys with Granny and Great Uncle Peter for a few days while we took the younger two away. But they all assured us it would be fine.

Boy, oh boy

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:12:43 +0100

NORMALLY, about 90 per cent of my relationship with my second son, Charlie, involves me urging him to pick up his dirty clothes off the floor, clear up his mess in the bathroom, put his dirty cups and plates away, turn that noise down and get out of bed while he says: “Yeah, yeah, yeah” and “Can I have some money?”

The perils that await in Spain

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:20:58 +0100

THE 17-year-old had just finished his A-levels and wanted to celebrate. He and his friend got a cheap hotel and even cheaper flights for a short break in Barcelona.