This is a regular post featuring the best of what has been distracting me each month. It could be anything that has made me think: the hidden gems of Substack, a book, a podcast or even something on the telly. I would love it if you shared what you have enjoyed this month too – come join me in the comments on the app or simply reply to this email.
Spring is springing, we are getting our vitamin D - I have had some work this month! Everything is looking up.
I know I am like many Mums in that I am looking forward to Mother’s Day… Sadly like many other days in the calendar it feels like it puts us in our place rather than celebrates us. Help Mum out with the housework etc. I despise being called Mum to be honest. I wish my children would come up with something original! They did, when they were small, but the originality was wiped from them when they started nursery and the word Mum seemed to be the only one that was universally understood. In fact, the staff at nursery still call me Mum even though I have been paying invoices with my name on for four and a bit years now.
I was reminded the other day about something nursery did last year on Mother’s Day week that properly riled me. At the time I was sending my two children in just one day together, I had one day where the youngest was at home with me while the eldest was at pre-school and I had 3 full days of SAHM hell, I mean quality, time with my children.
My one complete day of child care and the only day I could work was a Friday. The same day that they organised a Mother’s day crafting afternoon tea party for the pre-schoolers. The intention was you would be celebrated with tea and cakes and could spend an hour or so before the time you might usually collect your child to hang out with them. I read the e-mail enraged. It is my time! No way. I refuse to go. We spend £350 quid a month for him to be at pre-school one sodding day a week and they want me to go in and look after him??
I didn’t go.
I remember feeling guilty all day. I think I was actually working although I might not have been - either way I felt like I should have gone. This was a feeling shared with my son who then told me off sternly for not attending. Where were you Mummy??
I awaited Father’s day to see if they would try the same idea, and they did, although I wonder if it was received in the same way. This year I am enjoying ignoring the invite knowing my three year old probably won’t understand what is happening. Instead, I excitedly await Sunday morning, where I bleary eyed will read my hand written and drawn cards which I will keep forever and ever. The real treat of course is that the clocks go forward on Sunday morning so there is actually one hour less of Sunday than any other day - one hour less of parenting. (Although, we all know the true repercussions of the clocks come on Monday morning, but by then our day is over!)
In case you missed it
I started questioning my career choices in You Choose
Class Bear - What happened when Barney came to stay
On Substack
Today I wish I didn’t have children by Julia
Is three babies too many? (for a solo mum)
Why kids get grumpy after screen time
Why you should be reading more motherhood memoirs
The problem with part-time work
Does laziness really exist? by Rebecca Reid
Telly
Confronting, uncomfortable, vital watch. I am sure you have heard about it already but if you haven’t watched it, you simply must.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Netflix (2025)
Found this fascinating - It was a story I didn’t know about so had no idea where it was heading. About how wellness influencer Belle Gibson misled followers with a fictional terminal cancer diagnosis.Another true story, this one in the UK about pollution negligence and how the community has to come together to bring justice to those affected.
The Outrun, Netflix, (2023)
Still gutted to have not seen this in the cinema, but overjoyed that I have seen it, finally! Based on the phenomenal book by Amy Liptrot, this true story follows Rona, (Saoirse Ronan) from London home to Orkney, where in amongst the wild weather and the stunning landscapes, she processes years of trauma and addiction.
Podcasts
Happy Place Book Club - Fearne interviews Holly Bourne about her new book - So thrilled for you - about how female friendships change and evolve in motherhood.
The Shift - Sam Baker interviews Martha Beck on creativity, anxiety and finding life’s purpose.
Happy Place - Fearne Interviews Afua Hirsch on body image and colonialism
I really hope you discover something new in my finds and do please share your hidden gems too. I’d love to know what has been distracting you this month.
If you enjoy Distracted and would like to support my writing, but can’t afford to upgrade to a paid subscription, you can buy me a coffee (or a cup of tea!) – it’s a one off £4 payment and it will mean the world to me.
Totally with you, I'd probably attend the mother's day event to avoid the guilt and be absolutely livid about it!
I loved Adolescence, such an important message and the acting is just incredible. 🌟