Secrets and Lies

As I'm secretly packing the kids clothes for a mini break which they don't know about it, it got me thinking of all the little secrets and lies we tell our kids.

The biggest and best is Santa, Father Christmas, St Nick. I'm not sure my daughter 100% believed Christmas just gone. She is now 9 in and I'm sure she was just going with the Christmas flow. But how do I know? I can't really ask her? It's a parenting dilemma. The 5 year old is still firmly in the believing camp phew!

Tooth fairy. When does this stop? When all the milk teeth have fallen out? I once wrote my daughter a note from the tooth fairy in swirly multicoloured writing. She was thrilled! The 5 year old is eagerly awaiting his first wobbly tooth. Is £1 still acceptable?

Easter bunny. Thankfully I didn't go the whole hog with this & haven't made up a huge tale of giant bunnies which if you think about it would be quite terrifying.  I remember being scared of a rabbit mask when I was young. It was the teeth!

I have eyes in the back of my head. I say this often. My kids believe me. My daughter is amazed I can tell if she's sucking her thumb without looking and my son can't figure out how I can tell he's behind me.

You can only have fruit. Not a secret but I often say they can eat fruit as a snack if it's getting late. I however eat chocolate & biscuits instead of the healthy fruit! My children are definitely healthier than me.

We'll go without you. Obviously a big fat lie. You won't leave. You can't. Otherwise social services might turn up! This is sometimes uttered to the 5 year old. Through gritted teeth with steam coming out of my ears. Thankfully most outings are now successful we can usually leave the house without war erupting.

Emma xxx

London afternoon tea bus review

The London afternoon tea bus is amazing & I would 100% recommend.  I was pleasantly surprised by the food and luckily we had a beautiful sunny day.  The company is The B Bakery and it is a converted double decker red London bus.

On board is a little snug but lovely. Please be aware there are no toilets so go before you board ( and have 30p handy as that's the charge to use the toliet at Victoria Coach Station!)

You have proper plates and silver plastic cutlery. You also have a plastic cup for hot drinks with a screw lid to avoid spillages. You can choose from several teas, coffee and hot chocolate. There's also orange juice and water. The presentation is beautiful and we had no problems with things sliding about.

The staff point out several attractions as you pass but really it's more about enjoying the view and food.

It costs from £45 per person which given the high standard of food I think is well worth it. We had the traditional selection but gluten free, vegetarian and halal Afternoon Teas are available.

I would definitely do it again and am considering taking my daughter for a special treat next year (please note under 5's are not allowed).

View from the bus of sunny London town

Victoria coach station was easy to get to from Euston and although the letter states to be there 15/20 minutes before boarding you could get there with 5/10 minutes to spare.  It was extremely well organised and was a fantastic girls day out.

12:30 and 15:00 tours depart from 8 Northumberland Avenue, off Trafalgar Square WC2N 5BY.
12:00, 14:30 & 17:00 tours depart daily from Victoria Coach Station.

The website is below if you'd like more information

B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus

If you need more cake or want to sample the products before booking a bus tour then visit the B Bakery in Covent Garden.  Afternoon tea is also available from £33 per person.


Emma xxx

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Don't feel guilty about bottle feeding

Jamie Oliver has opened an enormous can of worms.  I'm sure he is regretting his statement and may not have been aware of the consequences of stating breastfeeding is easy and convenient.

He has offended some, made others angry and probably left some mothers feeling utterly guilt ridden.

There are already reports stating breastfed babies have lower death rates, better immune systems and higher IQs to make us feel bad.  However you'll also find reports stating there is no truth in these claims and formula fed babies fair just as well. I think these reports are just wheeled out to make Mum's feel guilty. It's like saying if you don't breastfeed you don't love your child enough.

To be frank it's bloody ridiculous and needs to STOP.

It is nobodies business whether you choose to breastfeed or not.  Why do we feel the need to shame mothers or pressure them?

I read one blog post of a mum who tried breastfeeding for 3 days and gave up and has felt extreme guilt forever more. Her children look happy and healthy.  They are cared for and loved. Why should anyone feel  guilty? Why is it looked on as a dirty secret to use formula?

I formula feed both my children and they are fine.  My daughter is in the top sets in her class and both rarely have time of school ill. They thrived as babies and were healthy and happy.

I had a long and difficult labour with my daughter and doubt I'd have coped with breastfeeding. She was given a bottle whilst I was still in theatre. This however is not why I didn't breastfeed. I NEVER had any intention of breastfeeding. At home my steriliser, bottles and formula were bought and ready. I know it's natural but it most definitely did not float my boat.

Do I feel guilty? Hell no!
Are my children healthy and happy? Yes!

For the mothers that breastfeed well done and good on you. For the mothers that don't good on you too.

I hope all you mums with little ones don't have too many nightfeeds and your babies thrive.

Emma xxx