So true mac, seems like parents are now being considered too selfish and kids are suffering because mums work and put them in nurseries instead of looking after them. If house prices weren't so expensive and there was council accommodation for them maybe they wouldn't have to work to make ends meet.

S'right Joe,  Those were the day's of Normality:

My mum had to work when we were kids, 6 of us to bring up on her own, my dad died of TB and I was very lucky I worked in a school in the kitchens it was hard work but the hours suited and I must admit I loved it.With my 2 youngest I worked a twilight shift, 6 to 10 so I managed to work most of my hours around the kids, then I became a stay at home mum and loved it so I had the best of both worlds most of the time, although I never had to work full time so again it was good.I don't agree with your identity being tied up with employment, what work do you do, seemed to be the first question people asked and I felt really guilty saying I don't, although I can't remember sitting down all day.

I have four children and like you mac I worked around my husband at whatever job I could find. We did this to make ends meet. We never had a holiday for many years.

My first holiday abroad was in Italy we went by coach (it was cheaper)it took 36 hours to get there. I was fourty four. I then worked in a residential home for the elderly (not well paid) by the time I left I was retirement age so thought I had better put my name down for later save my kids the bother.

Know what you mean Joe a numb bum wasn't in it. We have never done it again. At the time it was all we could afford.

yes  mac i  got the OBE  LOL     

Oh! the memories that the back edition  of `books`
bring back...2/3 years ago, were the hightlight of these sites...suggest people re- read them...again !