longjourney

Told off by 6 this morning for being too bossy. My response was less than therapeutic. She's right though. Spend so much of my time either telling kids to get dressed and ready for school or washed and ready for bed. Is there any way to break this #parenting cycle of nagging?

Mother's Day. Everyone's talking about it. "Mummy my heart is broken because I can't see (birth Mum). It's going to be broken forever and so is hers". Have talked with her about how I'm sure she's right. How I wish it didn't have to be like this for her. #adoption is #trauma

Parents evening. Teacher talking about how 5 is at school. Me: you do know she is adopted. That trauma has had a big impact. Teacher: I knew she was adopted. Not that there was traumatic. Me: #adoption is #trauma Teacher: oh.

@professor_dave Feels very much like brainwashing doesn't it.

Radio 5 Live now in Day 4 of its new show 'Just a Mourning' in which they have to talk about the Queen without hesitation, repetition or deviation for a currently undefined period that could last for anything up to a total of 10 days.

@emmalgsutton Me too.

Holidays Finding the precise sweet spot when the kids have had just enough alone (screen) time to leave the house before they get bored & fractious So far, I’m a rank amateur & constantly diving in too soon or too late

@emmalgsutton I have done so many loads of washing!

@Ithakas1 Lots of squabbles here … everyone is dreaming of a relaxing time but that can’t happen because laundry/ food etc still happens even when away For me, it’s much of the same (and in some ways, even more) but in a new environment

Family holidays. Are everyone's full of sibling squabbles, marital squabbles and even more whole family squabbles or is it just me? Love being away together but really can't wait until the start of term now.

Could not have put it better myself. Tax cuts will inevitably lead to public sector cuts and cuts to the support services (which this govt has decimated) that those most impacted by #CostOfLivingCrisis need most.

@EmilyLearyCooks You probably have!

@Ithakas1 They used to be but the kids are 10 and 14 now and our adventures this year have been surprisingly chill and amiable throughout. I've jinxed myself, haven't I?

@LD39018814 Yes 6. My 6 is angry quite a lot at the moment.

@Ithakas1 Is she 6? That’s interesting coz my 6 year old boy is very angry this holiday

"Mummy, I feel like I'm in a video game. I feel like my life isn't my own." 6 processing some big feelings about #adoption. I'm listening. Acknowledging. Telling her I love her and it's OK to be confused, sad, angry. Thoughts welcome on what else might help at this age.

@professor_dave I feel your pain. A pet hate of mine too.

What kind of person kits out a holiday cottage kitchen without any sort of device for making proper coffee? I mean the place even has a toast rack for god's sake, so its not like its otherwise under-equipped! #barbarians

6 has showered and got ready for bed all by herself for the first time tonight. I know one day I'll miss them but the glimpse I've had tonight of independent bedtimes is so tantalising.

@JeremyClarkson is right. This is an important point. UK food security is an issue that needs far more focus in these turbulent global times.

Term finished on Wednesday. 5 cannot understand why there's no school for 6 weeks. Nor can I really. Struggled so much with every nursery transition and school transition last year when we limited any holiday to 2 weeks. Dreading September already. Why are holidays so long?

My thoughts on the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Who would you send to Rwanda?

@SammyDuffin2 @Miniweller I tell my adopted children often that their belly button connected them to the Mummy that grew them and whatever happened that meant they were adopted their Mummy loves them and thinks about them every single day.

@Miniweller I no when we had our last contact I told her when your sad and your belly hurts touch your heart and I'm right there and rub your belly button cos that will stop it hurting x

All your card at home and balloon which go into your memories box happy 9th birthday love mammy nana gran-gran granny Ann nanna auntie uncles cousins friends and your best mates rich n sue 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜🦄🐱🎂

We've reached 300 signatures on our open letter to the Prime Minister!🙌 There are still a few days left before we take the letter to Downing Street next week. Sign and support now➡️bit.ly/3O5iLyn✍️ @BorisJohnson - it's #TimeToDeliver on letterbox contact! 📬✉️

As an adopter having better contact support for the whole of my family - me, children and their birth family would be my greatest wish. In our digital world safe digital letterbox arrangements should be a in place as an absolute basic. #timetodeliver #adoption