I've been a busy mum with new babies and a busy working mum of toddlers. I've also been in the position of the childless friend trying to reach out to the new mum. I'm a little over pulling the " you can't possibly expect ME  to communicate here"  scenerio You DO have time to text a message to a presumably dear old friend even if it's to say.......can't meet for coffee but I'd love it if you could grab takeaway coffee and come here for a quick catchup. Use your words !!! You will need her 

I think asking the question "would you give this to your child ?" confuses the issue again. A young child's metabolism is a different creature to an adults especially when hormones have become involved. A child's metabolism is operating efficiently and effectively unless they have a medical condition so they may  metabolise fruits and other carbohydrates way less problematically than an adult who is also not as active. 

A comprehensive and thoughtful article and nailed a lot of my feelings about the monarchy . 

Exactly how I felt when my first born started highschool. Brought back all the emotions you articulated so well. Thankyou for validating it as I wondered if I was a bit obsessed at the time. My husband didn't know what I was trying to express 

Some good advice but nothing here about the challenges of adopting a rescue dog which happens a lot now. They come with their own established habits and baggage. In my case money spent on training didn't resolve the "reactiveness" of my dog , a major challenge in itself. Nothing in the early conversations with the rescue group or the meet and greet prepared me for this dog's problems. In lieu of don't rush the purchase my best advice is don't rush the adoption 

Yeah still resonated despite the fact my kids are adults, as here I am now entertaining grandchildren with multiple lists and food prep still fitted around this as Xmas day is still at our house. I love them all , but daydream about rocking up to one of their homes one Xmas with a plate feeling relaxed and joyous. 

Not just Gen x but also Boomer females went through this . I'm in my sixties and this totally resonated with me. No paid maternity leave,  worked full time in a stressful job while a teenage son went " off the rails" and my 2nd marriage teetered on the brink. Step children, aging parents and God awful menopause symptoms mixed up with burn out.  We were at the front line pushing ceilings but I feel I wasn't truly there for me or my family 

You've survived one hell of a journey so far in your life. Full kudos to you for being so proactive in getting help and attending supportive therapies and doing the best you can for yourself and your baby. That's being a great mum 

Pretty much agree with most of that as a mum of 5 and nan of 7.  As a grandparent I found the best toys that have stood the test of time with each grandchild at our home were 2nd hand or donated items. Still going strong and cost nothing. 

If your husband is supportive and caring now I'm not sure why he would be different when you go through menopause.  Ageing is a state of mind for sure so stay healthy and active . Don't hesitate to be assessed for something like MHT to help with symptoms.  We don't have to be martyrs.  HRT was a life saver for me. Now in my 60's I'm healthier and fitter than I was at 30 and way calmer and content.  Sex can definitely improve after menopause without worrying about contraception and periods and I still have awesome orgasms.  Just chill and decide to enjoy your marriage 

In the real world it can come down to the first available place sadly. 

Hope to God everyone remembers Scott Morrison's lack of regard and respect for women and their needs before they vote. Look beyond the fake waffle please 

In all the years of being given "coffee table " books i can say honestly they will never stay on the coffee table ( kids,dogs,food spills) . Also after the first flick through they're forgotten about at the bottom of the bookshelf.  Get something you'll use. 

@gu3st have to agree to disagree on that. There are some pretty average looking guys in front of the camera and they still keep their jobs as they age. 

@gu3st my husband had a stomach when I met him and I was slender but I managed to be attracted to him. Go figure.  I think most intelligent females can look past abs to the man within. 

@gu3st well older men with flab and grey hair are widely accepted on commercial TV whereas most females in front of the camera in successful positions are almost always slim with dyed hair and botoxed faces. The pressure to keep their jobs dictates this. 

Good tactic and the same responses from a female in an emotive environment don't work as well as from a relatable guy in an educative session.  Bring it on 

A good article.  There needs to be more constructive education and advice to young males at their most impressionable stages. Needs to start earlier. It's a confusing world for adolescent boys at the best of times. I remember phone calls from my young 20 year old son as he tried to analyse and  decipher nuances in arguments with his girlfriend.  He sometimes sounded totally baffled and confused by things said. Males can't always readily vent to their mates as females do 

It worries me that this advice keeps needing to be told. Apart from zoom meetings I've been doing these for decades. Common-sense and practical thinking. 

Celebrating the beginning of British settlement with its grim treatment of both convicts and indigenous people is definitely not a cause for celebration.  The federation of Australia began on 1st Jan 1901. Maybe pick the nearest Friday or Monday after this date to celebrate modern Australia.