A New Brand(t) of Family

MY HUSBAND HAS A LOVER This is the first blogpost where I’m not sure what the ending will be. Usually, you present an issue and offer a solution. That’s the formula. Struggling to eat well at work? Here are five, healthy 2-minute lunches. Struggling with teething? Here are my 5 top tips. But this is one conundrum I don’t have the answer to. I found a scarlet letter. And I’ve known for a while now, my husband has a lover. His lover is like any other – a beguiling temptress with a catwalk model smile – intriguing, mysterious, addictive. Every person’s dream. Some days she’s a warm, plush velour couch in a cut-glass windowed hotel that cradles tortured artists in her comforting bosom. Some days she’s a powerful amphetamine promising invincibility, even when you’re on the edge of a precipice. And other days she’s a backstage Hollywood mirror that holds up your flaws in all its illuminated 100-watt stark glory. A fickle rollercoaster of rightful dues and rew...

WHEN ‘INNOCENT’ ADVICE BECOMES MOM SHAMING Before my eldest, Lily, was born a few friends warned me that some mom groups can become a hub of shaming rather than support. So I didn’t join any. I couldn’t understand that moms who understood the struggles of parenting and how difficult and lonely it can become would resort to mom shaming. Until I became a mom-shamer.  It was unintentional but since, I've learned that the best of intentions do not really matter – the result is that you’ve hurt someone regardless of your intentions. The damage has been done. The first time was with a complete stranger – because even though I hadn’t even met her or knew anything about her life, her style of parenting (any style that works for your kids is good by the way!) or her family, I felt it my place to “help”. I had just finished reading an article online of a little boy choking on a grape and how his mother Heimliched it from his throat. As I closed it I saw that a mom ha...