Charli’s prompt this week:
November 30, 2017 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes self-care. Does the character need it? What does the character do? Think about how you can use this action to deepen a character or move a story. Go where the prompt leads.
New Mum SOS
The crying was relentless, but who else was going to do anything?
He was at work all day, he needed his sleep.
She was exhausted.
“It’s okay,” they all said, “just sleep when the baby does. You’ll be fine!”
What world did they live in? Self-care with a newborn…? Impossible.
When was she meant to do the housework, the laundry, the cooking, if not when the little mite was taking his precious naps?
But after thirteen weeks of sleepless nights and little support from anyone, she was ready to muffle the cries with the pillow currently covering her head…
https://carrotranch.com/2017/11/30/november-30-flash-fiction-challenge/
But I Smile Anyway... 
Dec 07, 2017 @ 02:36:40
You express an empathy for the unsupported mother in your flash, and thus the irony of how does one take care of herself when she’s responsible for so much on her own. It captures the burden many young mothers face. And the frustration of being told advice that really isn’t helpful. Great flash!
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Dec 07, 2017 @ 07:06:11
Thank you so much Charli! I appreciate that you get it! I love your challenges!!! ❤
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Dec 07, 2017 @ 00:15:23
I’m glad to read this isn’t how you are feeling either now or in the past. Hard for those that don’t have a support system.
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Dec 07, 2017 @ 07:03:51
I 100% agree Irene. It can be so tough for many mothers and when you haven’t been through it yourself, it isn’t always easy to empathise!
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Dec 08, 2017 @ 22:05:03
I remember going to a lecture that had a huge impact on me. As an example the case of a mother with screaming child loses the plot in a shopping centre. The suggestion was that rather than ring child protection services you should approach the mother and say something like ” it looks like you are having a bad day. Can I buy you a cup of coffee.” I have since done this a couple of times and not only has the Mum appreciated it but it made me feel so much better than the days when I would continue on with my shopping smarting over that dreadful woman.
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Dec 08, 2017 @ 22:49:33
That’s such a great idea Irene!
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Dec 04, 2017 @ 06:40:22
Oh no. It is so difficult being a new mum. Support is essential. It is so sad when a mum feels she just can’t cope any more. I was there with you. You placed the story in reality.
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Dec 04, 2017 @ 06:59:19
Thank you Norah… each of us has our own struggles when being a new mum. Thankfully mine wasn’t this particular issue, but I had enough others! I was lucky to have a supportive family, but i know so many who aren’t as lucky…
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Dec 05, 2017 @ 06:53:58
It wasn’t my experience either, but I’ve seen parents come awfully close when they struggle with a difficult baby and lack of empathy from family and friends.
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Dec 05, 2017 @ 06:59:55
Working as a teacher, you get to see all sorts… Families with new babies, parents struggling, even siblings… Babies are wonderful but they can be such hard work too, and we are not all blessed with perfect bundles who eat and sleep just like they’re meant to!
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Dec 05, 2017 @ 09:24:37
I wish someone would tell babies what they’re meant to do! No, I don’t really. We wouldn’t want them to be all the same. I’ve known parents who are so happy that they have a quiet, placid toddler who sits all day without a murmur. I’d worry. I’d rather a toddler be tearing around getting into things and learning about the world. It’s hard work for a parent, but it’s great for the child. 🙂
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Dec 05, 2017 @ 12:42:30
I definitely worry if a child is not tearing around!!!
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Dec 05, 2017 @ 09:25:24
How is your teaching going, Ritu? You missed the parent teacher interviews. Is everything else going okay?
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Dec 05, 2017 @ 12:44:01
It’s all very manic, being split between Nursery and Reception class. Though the children are so similar in age, their needs are very different, so switching from one head to another is not easy!
And I have a formal observation tomorrow… so just want it over and done with to be honest!
Thank you for caring!
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Dec 03, 2017 @ 10:29:52
Wow, Ritu, this is quite hectic.
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Dec 03, 2017 @ 10:37:30
Isn’t it a bit like that for some?
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Dec 03, 2017 @ 12:55:55
Yes, it was like that for me with Gregory.
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Dec 03, 2017 @ 13:59:56
😣 poor you
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Dec 03, 2017 @ 03:17:26
It’s good that you wrote this. People need to know how hard it can be. The days are long…. but the years are short.
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Dec 03, 2017 @ 07:55:41
So true JoAnna! And we do get through this time that feels never-ending! Thank you!
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Dec 02, 2017 @ 18:50:34
Oh, man do I remember those days. It was so hard and no one really understood. A powerful piece, Ritu. Well done! ❤
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Dec 02, 2017 @ 18:54:21
Thank you Colleen💜💜💜
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Dec 02, 2017 @ 10:41:16
There are the moments when you cannot help it but to give in… lol!
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Dec 02, 2017 @ 16:43:18
It can be so hard!
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Dec 02, 2017 @ 22:17:28
I know. I rarely laid down and rather used the time for getting as much done as possible!!
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Dec 02, 2017 @ 22:39:18
I was a bit of both, as when my mum in law was looking after the house, I could sleep, but if she wasn’t around, I had to run around!
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Dec 03, 2017 @ 14:33:55
If she came right because of that reason you felt better to take the chance, for sure!
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Dec 03, 2017 @ 15:12:51
Very true sis!
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Dec 03, 2017 @ 20:22:00
😊
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Dec 02, 2017 @ 06:42:26
Egad! Somebody stop her!
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Dec 02, 2017 @ 07:38:11
Hopefully it was just an urge, then she managed to soothe the crying in a more usual way!
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Dec 02, 2017 @ 03:49:29
A case of post-partum depression. Parental coaching teaches that one may want to throw the little bundle out of the window during the first six months, and it is perfectly normal.
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Dec 02, 2017 @ 07:37:40
Oh it is, and that is the time self-care is really promoted, but a new mum doesn’t get the chance to actually look after herself, unless she has support…
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Dec 02, 2017 @ 03:27:41
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Dec 01, 2017 @ 23:14:05
I know that one well…
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Dec 01, 2017 @ 23:57:00
It’s tough…
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Dec 01, 2017 @ 22:47:26
Gee whiz, I can only hope I was not “this child” for my parents… God Bless you, woman.
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Dec 01, 2017 @ 22:48:51
Some women go through so much Annette! I was lucky… I had help!!!
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Dec 01, 2017 @ 22:23:14
Ha ha…nice one, Ritu. And I was one of those moms who slept when the kids napped. I was lucky that the older toddler took her nap at the same time as the newborn in the afternoon. Somehow, it worked for us.
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Dec 01, 2017 @ 22:35:55
I did too, but to be honest, I was lucky as I was living with my in-laws at the time the children were babes. If Hubby wasn’t there to help, my mum in law was a true angel, and I was given a lot of time to rest and recuperate during the first few months. And when I went to my parents, they were just as supportive!
But I know a lot of new mums who don’t have a support network that actually helps them, driving them to distraction, with exhaustion…
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Dec 01, 2017 @ 21:50:51
Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
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