As a child, until I was seven, we lived in a cul-de-sac, where there were quite a lot of children. We all played out together from a young age – I’m pretty sure at least three, possibly earlier.
We’re a bit shell-shocked here at the moment. Eleanor has been, generally, a pretty happy, polite and remarkably compliant child. We’ve had problems, of course – sleep problems, tantrums and breastfeeding issues – but nothing major or unusual. Of course, there’s nothing particularly unusual happening now, but it’s still come …
I’m sure every parent of a child between 18 months and 2 years I have ever met has talked, usually with a note of hysteria in their voice, about how the terrible twos have come early to their house. I remember saying it myself with Rosemary. Well, now I do, …
Eleanor has hit the 18-month frustration stage. Otherwise known as the ear-splitting scream stage. Or the head-banging, kicking, defiant, stubborn, really, really hard work stage. I had forgotten about this stage. I had forgotten about this stage. I think perhaps it’s a bit like labour and you wipe it …
