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 →

Toddler tantrums can take place in the shower!

I’ve taken to Twitter (@frazzled_mammy) and one of the topics that cropped up from Irish radio station 96FM is “Parents. When your child is having a public tantrum, what’s the least mortifying response from strangers? Wry smile or total indifference?”

I tweeted back.  Oh, believe me, I’ve been there.  I know what it’s like to have the place wailed down and you feel every disapproving eye looking at you judgementally.  Continue reading →