ChristmasCountdown by Illustrator, Cork, Ireland, Maeve O’Keeffe

Christmas Countdown – Illustrator

It’s the countdown to Christmas.  Since the Toy Show, children have been double-checking their wish lists, posting or burning letters in the fireplace. They can now relax, excitedly waiting for Santa’s imminent arrival.  But what about us adults?  What of all the jobs we have to do?  If only we could write a letter and have Santa’s elves clean the house, do the shopping and magic a cooked turkey onto the table?  Christmas is a wondrous time but is it worth all the stress we put ourselves through? Continue reading →

Smack by Illustrator Maeve O’Keeffe

Smack – Cartoon Illustrator

Is it OK to smack your child for bad behaviour?  Pope Francis apparently thinks so, sparking controversial debate across newsprint, social media and radio.  Last Monday, it was one of the topics on PJ Coogan’s ‘Opinion Line’ @pjcoogan on @Corks96FM .  As a mother of three, I’ve had many scenarios where discipline is needed and was happy to join the discussion. Continue reading →

Buying the tree and getting organised for Christmas can be stressful!

Some people have one special treat that marks the start of Christmas.  It could be advent calendars for the kids, setting up the crib, scoffing a first mince pie or decorating the tree.

“That’s my favourite thing,” sighed my friend, “Going to the garden centre and selecting the tree.  I LOVE the fresh pine smell, the feel and colour of a real fir, bringing it home and decorating it with the kids.  Last year, though, was a disaster.” Continue reading →

Home with the kids while teachers strike!

Aaah!  Home with three teens while teachers strike and there’s another day due in January?  While I despair at having the kids at home when they could be doing something useful in school, I’m with the teachers on this one.   Continue reading →

Do parents stress about their kids getting a school place?

My friend had great news the other morning.  Her daughter was offered a place in the secondary school of her choice.  “What a relief!” this mum said, “The great thing is, it’s her decision.  And being co-ed, her brothers are guaranteed a place when it’s their turn in a few years time!”  I was delighted for her.  I know only too well, the stress associated with getting your pre-teen into second level. Continue reading →

Do all mums nag “Put on your coat!” when the cold weather comes?

I’ve become the archetypal Irish Mammy – worrying and nagging to beat the band.  I try to resist, but at the first hint of winter frost, I start my “Put on your coat, wear your hat!” mantra, especially when colds and flu strike.  Is it just me or do other mums do this too? Continue reading →

What’s it like to be the Kid in the Middle?

Kid in the Middle or Second Fiddle? 

Have you similar memories or stories to share? Post to my blog or email frazzledmammy@outlook.com

Does it make a difference where you come in your family? Bossy eldest, easygoing middle or outgoing youngest? I spoke to PJ Coogan on Cork’s 96FM’s Opinion Line about this parenting topic because, for years, I’ve been bombarded by the wail “It’s not fair!” by our man in the middle.

In families where the kids are close in age, the first is allegedly the over-achiever garnering greater privileges, the baby is spoilt and gets away with murder while the middle or second child can feel neglected and left out.  Is this true?  Continue reading →

Got a Grunter?

Got a Grunter?

Have you similar memories or stories to share? Post to my blog or email frazzledmammy@outlook.com

Have you got a grunter?  Last week I spoke to PJ Coogan on Cork’s 96FM’s Opinion Line about how the kids are coping with being back at school.  How do we know if all is well?  Will they tell us?  Are you, like me, one of those parents who ask their kids when they come in the door “How was school?” or “Howja get on today?”  I usually get a grunt – “Uh,” maybe followed by “Alright.”  I’d keel over with the shock if this pithy exchange led to a proper, actual conversation. Continue reading →

Starting school is tough on the parent too!

The School Start & taking that photo can be tough on the parent!

Have you similar memories or stories to share? Post to my blog or email frazzledmammy@outlook.com

Damn phone.  So much for its in-built camera!  Here I am, trying to take a picture for posterity of son’s first day in Secondary school, but for no apparent reason, technology fails me.  I’ve lost a batch of photos.  Among them were some of his confirmation, 6^th class graduation and last day of primary school.  Continue reading →

Public Speaking can be a nerve-racking experience!

Ever had to speak in public and cope with nerves?

Have you similar memories or stories to share? Post to my blog or email frazzledmammy@outlook.com 

Last Monday morning I was on the radio.  I spoke to Cork 96FM’s Deirdre O’Shaughnessy on the Opinion Line about the wastefulness of new edition schoolbooks, the weight of schoolbags and back to school costs.  Deirdre was great – so easy to talk to that I forgot my initial nervousness.

They say that one of the worst fears humans face is speaking in public.  I’m generally fine if I have something prepared, but having to make an unscheduled emergency announcement off the cuff, out of breath and in front of a crowd is another matter.  Like our Sunday morning sidewalk debacle some time ago… Continue reading →