I was born in Swansea, South Wales on 18th February 1983 to my parents Lisa and David. My childhood may be described as ‘unsettled’ by ‘the experts’ but as a child you know no different and it all seemed like one big adventure to me.
My mother and father experienced marital difficulties from what seemed like the outset, the pressure of married life and children was too much for their young relationship, they divorced soon after my brother was born, my mother becoming the sole carer for us both. My father moved to Spain and contact was extremely sporadic until I was eighteen.
I loved being a ‘big sister’ and was very protective towards my brother, acting almost like his mother. I wanted to feed him, change him, play with him and would rarely let anyone get a look in, including his real mother, so I’m told. I enjoyed reading and quiet pursuits like drawing and practising spelling. I was a fan of school and liked playing teachers in my spare time. I think this love of learning and teaching is very much still with me today!
In my earlier years living in Wales I danced, tap, ballet, jazz and modern starring in a few shows including the Wizard of Oz at the Grand Theatre in Swansea.
At around six or seven we moved to Cardiff, and for a short while I lived in a bungalow with my own room with a sink (this was a big deal) and a secret garden. I remember having a hamburger and hot dog karaoke birthday party and my mother running her own childcare business. Of course, I was on hand to help out with childcare with all the extra children around.
At around aged 9/10 we moved to Glasgow in Scotland. We moved several times within the same 20 mile radius, eventually settling in a village called Bridge of Weir. This village was a kids paradise, places to explore, a huge park, a fantastic sweet shop and it felt so safe. My brother and I would play out all day. I have fond memories of hot summer days, bike riding, fishing with those £1 nets, and in winter, sledging.
During my first few high school years I lived with my grandparents, my mum and stepfather were moving around a lot and it was decided that it would be more settled for me to live with my nan and grandad for a while. I loved my time there. I joined an acrobatic troupe and spent nearly all my spare time practising.
My teenage years back home weren’t easy. It was strange moving back home (Edinburgh) and events during that period didn’t really help much. I did a lot of babysitting at this time, probably a few nights a week on average. I also spent time volunteering at after school clubs with my mum (she ran several) and for my Duke of Edinburgh Award.
At fourteen I joined the army cadet force and met my now husband Alex… At that time I had dreams of being an Army Officer in the Education Branch. I felt that combining my love of teaching with my aspirations of passing out at Sandhurst the ultimate career. Of course all that changed when it dawned on me that I’d met my soul mate, and the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with… to be continued
8 Responses to “Who is Littlemummy? - My Childhood”
Thanks for sharing Erica. I find other people’s stories really fascinating. Wales eh? Does that make you a fellow “Welshie”? I’m from the valleys, near Merthyr Tydfil and spent much of my life enjoying the treats of Cardiff, with more sporadic visits to Swansea.
I certainly am 21st Century Mummy, It’s a small world, my brother’s fiancee is from Merthyr.
Sinks were a big deal to have in a bedroom! I’d forgotten that until reading your posting. I remember my mother telling me what a strain having children was on a relationship, and being quite upset, blaming myself, then getting all indignant that they hadn’t welcomed me with open arms. It’s only now I’m a parent myself I can understand what she meant. I often wish I had an infinite pot of love, time and attention to spread across my family - but sometimes I run short of having enough for everyone. Thanks for this posting. Look forwards to the next installment!
It’s funny, I don’t really mind that my parents divorced, it’s pretty easy to see that they are very different people.
I enjoy having my seperate relationships with each. My mum is the one I get my love of children and teaching from, my dad provides the entrepreneurial bit.
As a parent, I too, can see that only the strongest marriages and partnerships can stand up to the onslaught that parenthood brings. I think my father (by his own admission) was too young to deal with the pressure, my mother had to cope with parenting singlehandedly - I don’t envy her
Peoples lifes always facinate me. Thats a fair bit of moving around!
My life has simular bits…. parents divorcing (but in my case how did they ever get together in the first place and stay togther 18years!) I came very late into their marrage. I’d rather my parents werent together they seperated when i was 10yrs old and in my opinion the best thing the could have done. But didnt help me, i turned in to the child/teenager from hell. I look back now and i am amazed that they even speak to me nevermind love me! I am very stabble now and happy but how i ever got here, i dont know!
I think tho, my parents been like they are makes me a over protective parent and always wanting to do everything perfect!
Yes Em, my mother leans toward the ‘2 years in one place is long enough’ ethos, in fact, I’m pretty sure one day she’ll own a gypsy caravan
Well Prynhawn da Mammy Bach
Not sure if that’s good Welsh…apart from the odd word, the Welsh language has completely passed me by.
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