Instagram is a social experiment I’m fascinated by. Recently, I’ve noticed people talking about losing followers. There’s a trend for Instagrammers to purposefully delete ghost fans – people who are not interacting. While other content creators are shedding followers as an offshoot of becoming more authentic; aiming less to please.  You only have to look at this feed (once 145K and now 112K), or someone like @FatherofDaughters (once 1M and now 859K) to see that people tend to press ‘unfollow’ when they tire of you or your output. When they get bored of your face or when they find you slig ..read more

In today’s fast-paced world, the digital age has transformed the way we live, work, and interact with one another. With the rise of smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. However, amidst the convenience and innovation, it’s essential to acknowledge the impact of technology on our mental health and overall well-being. Understanding Mental Health in the Digital Age The rapid advancement of technology has brought about both positive and negative effects on mental health. On one hand, technology has revolutionized access to ..read more

Children can learn valuable life lessons in a nurturing and supportive environment by integrating the daily care of a puppy into their routine. They enjoy companionship and unconditional love while caring for a pet’s daily needs, such as food and exercise. This article explores the impact of such an experience, highlighting how it can prepare children for future challenges and strengthen their emotional intelligence.  The Basics of Puppy Parenting Here’s a look at some of the key responsibilities: Feeding Children learn the importance of nutrition, including the need for a balanced diet a ..read more

Congratulations! You’ve just welcomed a tiny, squirming bundle of wonder into your life. And with that bundle comes a whole new world of emotions, experiences, and responsibilities. The first year of parenthood is a whirlwind of milestones, sleepless nights, and endless questions. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this exciting, often bewildering, adventure. This guide will equip you with the essential knowledge and tools to navigate your baby’s first year with confidence and joy. Preparing for Your Little Arrival Before your little love arrives, ensure you have the essentials covered. Here ..read more

I vowed I wouldn’t write another blog until I finished my novel. But this one couldn’t wait. The novel has taken me a year, as it’s on spec and I had no advance. Writing feels a luxury, hindered by finances, mainly. My ‘working time’ (aka school hours) is reserved for earning. Bills don’t stop coming for aspiring novelists!  If only I had savings, I’ve thought: imagine how many novels I could whizz out if I wasn’t worrying about the mortgage? A room of one’s own, and all that. Truth is: I’ve never saved. I’m someone who – as my mother puts it – ‘spends money like it’s going out of fashion ..read more

I vowed I wouldn’t write another blog until I finished my novel, but it seems this one couldn’t wait. Yes, I’m writing a novel! It’s taken me a year, as it’s on spec, with no advance. I’ve written in snatched moments – paragraphs at 5.30am, a brain dump before bed – as my ‘working time’ (aka school hours) is reserved for ‘earning money.’ Bills don’t stop coming for aspiring novelists!  If only I had savings, I’ve thought: imagine how many novels I could whizz out if I wasn’t worrying about the mortgage? A room of one’s own, and all that. Truth is: I’ve never saved. I’m someone who – as my ..read more

Two caveats, before I begin: firstly, this post packs no punches, some might find it distressing. Secondly, you may not agree with my views, but that’s okay, I’ve learned not to read the comments! Feel free to keep scrolling   There’s been a lot of distressing content this week, hasn’t there? Thousands dead in Israel and Gaza. Kidnapped children, teenagers, mothers, elderly people. On Sunday morning I digested the news and turned to my husband: “MEN. It’s men, fighting, again! What the fuck is wrong with men?” He was doing the washing up, and looked taken aback, so I added: “You’re great ..read more

If you’re someone who struggles to sleep *flings hand up* then you are possibly obsessed, like me, with how other people sleep. How do people sleep? How can anyone ever sleep?! You may be one of those super lucky people who can sleep on a chicken’s lip! You put your head on the pillow and poof! You’re asleep! You absolute lucky dabber. My relationship with sleep has always been weird. Apparently, I slept well as a baby. I was a very early riser, but I needed my bed early. I remember in Junior school my bedtime was always earlier than my friends. But if I got overtired, I would get really nause ..read more

Selfish Mother turns 10 this week. I had the idea in 2011, when I took my 3-month old Rafferty to a music class and he was ambivalent, while I was itching to get home and write. As a freelance journalist, I felt a deep need to feel like ‘me.’ So, the next day I took him to Selfridges to research a swimwear article. Hold on, I thought, if I look after myself, I’m better equipped to look after him! I launched the blog in September 2013, a few months after my 2nd son was born. Within a few months, some blog posts went viral on Facebook (retro!) and soon I had 50,000 followers. When I heard that a ..read more

Selfish Mother is 10 years old this week. If I’d been more ‘on it’ I would have created a snazzy montage or even thrown a party, but I’m tired, so instead I scrolled photos on my phone and smiled. Looking at the pics, I felt proud of my last decade: raising three children; creating a brand; raising a million for charity; writing newspaper articles and blog posts; interacting with a wonderful community; growing my social media; buying and refurbishing two properties; celebrities wearing my tops; running a bricks and mortar shop; a novel – 75,000 words in (and counting); launching a new brand; a ..read more