Some parents run a tight ship, but just like the tongue-in-cheek meme, it's fair to say I run a pirate ship: there's swearing and drinking (me) and occasional mutiny from the tiny crew I created (them). As mum to Bluebell, 11, Max, seven, Marigold, five, and Violet, two, I constantly feel like I'm being pulled in four different directions. Every single day is about little people and keeping them alive.
Me and my husband Rob, 44, often say it feels like the kids rule the roost, so when I decided to let them take over and give me 'orders' every day for a week, what did I have to lose?
MONDAY
The start of half-term usually involves heavy groans as I tell the kids about the days out I've organised for them and ideas I've got to pass the time. So, when I reveal that they are allowed to take over for a week and choose what to do, they jump up and down in glee. Lots of whispering and giggling goes on before they arrive at their first 'order', which unsurprisingly is junk-food related: chocolate doughnuts. It could have been worse (and expensive), plus they were nice to each other for a full hour while they hatched the plan. I think I'm going to enjoy this week.
TUESDAY
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 31, 2022 من WOMAN'S OWN.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 31, 2022 من WOMAN'S OWN.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother
SLASH SUGAR AND SLIM
Trying to lose weight? With these clever tweaks, you don’t have to miss out on the seasonal sweet stuff
DAWN HARPER ASK THE DOCTOR
Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
SEX HORRORS SOLVED!
Stop physical intimacy from turning into the stuff of nightmares with our expert advice
THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE WITH CANCER
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year in the UK. Two mums tell us how the cruel disease changed their lives forever
DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on marriage, tea and Absolutely Fabulous!
TRAPPED INSIDE MY HOME WITH A MONSTER
Gemma Williams, 46, thought she'd die at the hands of her partner
AMANDA TO REPLACE CAT?
With increasing criticism directed at the This Morning host, are producers ready to call in a familiar face?
Get the GOSS
Your round-up of this week's biggest showbiz stories