Mrs Adams gave me a sideways glance as I placed the bowls of salad in front of the kids and told them they could eat it with their fingers. My wife knows how much importance I place on table manners. I think she was seriously considering calling for a doctor because she had never heard
“What’s the best way to assassinate somebody?” asked Brian the Ood. It wasn’t a question I was expecting to be asked, especially by a space alien wearing a dinner jacket, but hey, I knew this Dr Who immersive performance was going to have some random moments.
Fact: I’m a rare breed. No, this isn’t a reference to the fact I have been the main carer for the children in my family for over a decade. It’s a reference to my status as a stepchild, a reality bought home to me by a superb podcast called You’re Not My Mum.
Picture the scene. You’ve just collected your child from school. You want to show an interest in your child’s day and engage them in meaningful conversation. Your plan is to ask them a creative, engaging question but instead you blurt out: “How was school today?” If you’re lucky, you’ll get a one-word answer in reply.
I’m sure we all known individuals who are parenting with anxiety. I can think of numerous people who are living with anxiety while also raising children, some with a diagnosed condition, others who haven’t sought help. What was once called “nerves” and swept under the carpet is spoken about more freely and a greater range
