As I drag my tired body along the landing at 1.52am, muttering angrily about the nightly bed swapping, I feel a wave of guilt for not simply throwing a welcoming arm around my son and ushering him into my bed. As a mother, I am supposed to always put my children’s needs above my own […]
Two stories about mothering in the headlines this week. One on breastfeeding, or rather bottle feeding, based on the news that updated advice from the Royal College of Midwives stresses that new mothers should be given appropriate support if they make an informed decision to bottle feed. The other on ‘working mothers’ and how they’re […]
There’s a quote I’ve repeated to myself many times over the last few weeks, and it comes from an unlikely source. Those of you with young children may be familiar with the cartoon Daniel Tiger, and the wise oracle like figure of his mum. She has a song, “ Sometimes you feel two feelings at […]
Pro-life , or anti-choice to give them a more accurate descriptor, campaigners like to cite the fact that many women who have abortions come to regret their decision. Despite evidence not supporting that claim, it’s reasonable to assume that for some women it may well be true.
As I hear the car door close heavily behind me, I take a deep breath and steel myself as I walk down the path to the after school facility where my 8 year old son spends his afternoons. I hold my breath as I enter the building and hope I won’t be approached by any […]
There’s a referendum coming in Ireland, predicted to be on May 25th. You might have heard it being referred to as a referendum on abortion. This is not correct. It is a referendum to repeal an amendment which removes a person’s human rights on pregnancy. You don’t need to be in favour of abortion , […]
On Wednesday 14th March, we will host our fourth Raising Feminists panel with guests Sarah Breen, Sue Jordan and Sinead Redmond. As with all other events, all proceeds will go the the Abortion Rights Campaign.
I lie in bed at night, drifting off and hear the feet approaching, steadily pacing along the landing. Shortly after, a small, hot body climbs over me and takes her place between myself and her father. She wedges herself against me, claiming the pillow as entirely hers. It’s funny how a four year old can […]
Recently I’ve read two very different pieces of writing, but both of which highlight the importance of being aware of the voices behind the stories which shape our beliefs. One is a book about the early days of motherhood, and the other an academic article analysing the language used to talk about male and female […]
I bet if you’re known as your family’s pet feminist people are always recommending movies and TV shows to you on the basis of the ‘strong female characters.’ ” Oh, you’d like that , lots of strong women in it.” Cue rolling of eyes.
By talking about the need to raise boys with an awareness of boundaries, consent and respect for women we are, implicitly or explicitly, blaming mothers for the actions of men who commit sexual assaults.
