Hi, I’m Kylie and at the moment I would describe myself as a reluctant stay at home mum.
Why am I telling you this? Because context is everything.
I have two boys who are aged 4 and 2, and whilst they are loved and they are wonderful little human beings that fill my life with joy, they often bore me. I did choose to leave my job and look after them most of the week, but it was a choice that was forced by a broken childcare system and lack of family support.
Me with my two boys (3 and 1)
Distracted was born because of this boredom. It has become my creative outlet and my source of community. I’m so glad you are a part of it.
What to expect
I write honestly about life through the lens of motherhood.
I like to think of Distracted as a conversation with a friend (who happens to be a mum) over a cup of tea. She won’t gloss over the awful feelings in life and motherhood, she will remain honest and unfiltered. She isn’t afraid to question why things are the way they are and how she can go about changing them. The conversations can be silly but they can also be analytical and insightful. What they definitely aren’t though is interrupted by children (at least not mine!)
Expect one essay a week, on a Saturday morning. I share thoughts on topics such as: identity, relationships, body image, women’s health and wellbeing, parenting, the juggle of work, writing and creativity.
A small community is starting to build in the comments of each piece, I really love reading your stories and continuing the conversation: this is our little village, thank you for being part of it.
My posts are very honest and I moan about my kids a lot. I have protected their identity with limited use of personal information and photography (I illustrate my posts where I can) and I will paywall the posts after 1 year. This may be sooner once they are in school, can read and/or have access to the internet themselves.
Me and my second born the day after his birth, if you look closely you can see my first born napping on the monitor
Distracted By
I send out a selection of recommendations each month. An algorithm-free scroll celebrating the hidden gems of Substack, books, podcasts or TV – anything that has inspired me. This is sent out the last Tuesday of each month. In the comments I encourage you to share your recommendations too.
I have a Bumper Edition of Distracted by where I have collated some recommendations for The First Years of Motherhood.
Distracted Fiction
This is where I share short stories that I have been working on. These will be sporadic when I have something new to share, but no more than twice a month and usually on a Sunday. If it’s not your thing please feel free to un-click this section in your account settings.
Is it Free?
At the moment, Distracted is free to read, with the occasional paid subscriber post (these may be more personal or have taken more work) but if you do want to support my writing and have full access to the archive you can become a paid subscriber from only £4.16 a month.
What do people really think about it?
“Kylie, your writing is very candid, thought-provoking and insightful” Pledged Subscriber
“Love the total honest and raw way that Kylie-Ann shares her experiences of Motherhood. I often resonate very deeply!!!” Held by Lauren Barber
“Every time I read one of Kylie-Ann's posts, they are thought-provoking, considered and relatable all at once. Kylie-Ann writes about motherhood in a way that is so brave, she is writing what I wish I could articulate myself. Highly recommend!” Jenna Folarin - The Motherhood Connection
Distracted Index by Category
Parenting
Thoughts on A Year With Two children
How potty training had me in tears: The Last Hurdle of Babyhood
Travelling solo with two kids: A Taste of Freedom
The Breastfeeding Trap
A Crisis of Confidence after a week of illness
I’ve Lost Control of my Picky Eaters
When a Holiday isn’t a Holiday
Is Bluey Making Our Job Even Harder?
What my toddler is teaching me about how it feels to say “Yes”
Reflecting on what it meant to raise a Pandemic Baby
Has Motherhood Killed my Friendships?
Positive Parenting on hard weeks and gratitude
The Question of a Third Baby
Failing at Motherhood
On perspective in parenthood: The Long Way Round
Family Eco Swaps
Mental Wellbeing
Self-care in motherhood
My Children Bore Me
Writing & Creativity
On quitting my job in Sacrifice or Opportunity
Reflecting on the importance of A Space of One’s Own
Am I a Jack of All Trades? or master of none?
Plain Pasta: thoughts on overstimulation, comfort eating and creativity
Working Hard (or hardly working)
The Green Eyed Monster - on utilising jealousy
What is Rest Anyway? Time management for mortals and mums
Is Blaming My Children a form of Self-Sabotage?
On High Scores & Leaderboards (and Substack orange ticks)
Personal Stories
A Tribute to my late Nan, Valerie through the stories of her fridge magnets
I’m Still in Love with the City (that I never meant to leave)
Am I Entitled to think I am Owed Granny Daycare?
How do I share the Magic of Christmas when I struggle to find it myself?
Identity & Matrescence
Freelance Imposter
An Uncomfortable Reunion bumping into past teachers
Have I Had a Personality Transplant?
The Sexy Blue Bra
Bodies
Good Births Aren’t Just for Positive People
I’m a Bad Mother (when I’m due my period)
Community
In Search of Community
Ribbons on Bags - honest conversations in motherhood
The Modern Village
Did We Bring This on Ourselves? self-inflicted isolation and other parenting hypocrisies
Gender Equality
On Raising Boys like Girls
Does Our Biology Betray Us When it Comes to Gender Equality?
On Taking up Space as a parent (and a woman)
Fiction
New Shoes, a short story inspired by childhood.
Beautiful Eyes, another short story inspired by childhood.
Written in Ink, a short story of love and betrayal.
When I Fell, a first chapter featuring two sisters on their way to meet their estranged grandmother.
Happy Reading!
If you enjoy reading Distracted please do share this post with a friend.
Loved this hero post! Great pics, although the one from your note made me laugh and click on it! I’m writing mine now and you’re continuing to inspire me. What other hero posts have you seen that you like?
🤗 welcome. Mine are 3 and 0. 😂 If you want Tia collab with others you can add your pub to my list of pubs. It's posted to my publication. I'm from Germany and I live on an island. Where do you live? Distracted is the PERFECT name. Why not get distracted by your pub? Will add a recommendation and blurb