Just last week Mia Freedman made the statement that the problem with helicopter parents is the helicopter children they create. Deep in my bones this resonated with me. Hello, my name is Tracey, and I am a helicopter parent. My son is many wonderful things but what he typically isn’t, is fearless. He radiates joy…
raising boys
The one and only. Navigating the feelings of failure in raising an only child.
Having faced the real and agonising possibility of never having a child, the idea of having more than one child was not something I could entertain. It was inconceivable, literally and figuratively. Undergoing IVF, I made bargains with the universe. Give me one baby and I will never ask for anything ever again. I will…
My son gave me a performance review and I did not do well
Last week my son gave me a performance review and I don’t remember reading the bit in the parenting book that said that there would be a time in your life that your child might complain about your parenting techniques. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the receiving end of a performance…
Why Bluey makes me feel bad about my parenting
Any parent of a small person not living under a rock (even if they wish there were) would know of Bluey. Set in Brisbane, it is a celebration of family life and is infinitely relatable. It’s the Peppa Pig of Australia which is excellent news because Peppa is obnoxious and annoying. The episodes are diverse…
My friend’s son has ADHD, and this is what I want other parents to know.
I have spoken in the past about a friendship that I’m lucky to have. A wonderful, funny, kind and super smart lady who I met through our mutual acupuncturist when we were both undergoing IVF treatment. A serendipitous friendship that took an unexpected turn when we became pregnant within a week of each other. We…
An open letter to my son about International Women’s Day
The other day I told you that it was soon going to be International Women’s Day. I should not have been surprised that your immediate response to this information was to ask when it was going to be International Kid’s Day, to which I hastily replied, ‘that would be every day.’ Pretty sure I saw…