Sandy Gillman
Bio
I’m a mum to a toddler, just trying to get through the day. I like to write about the ups and downs of parenting. I’m not afraid to tell it like it is. I hope you’ll find something here to laugh, relate to, and maybe even learn from.
Stories (113)
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What I’d Tell My Younger Self
This is my entry into Rick Henry Christopher’s Unofficial Challenge: The Self-Appreciation Challenge. Back in 1996, an awkward teenage Sandy was hanging out with her so-called friends at school. One friend was talking about the house party they were throwing over the weekend. This was the first Sandy had heard about it, but the friend said everyone present was invited. How exciting, her first house party invite!
By Sandy Gillman9 months ago in Humans
Tips for Travelling with a Toddler: What Actually Helped on Our Family Trip to Busselton
After weeks of sickness and feeling run-down, my husband asked what he could do to cheer everyone up. My response? “I just want to go away for a short trip so I don’t have to cook or do laundry for a few days.” Little did I know, you can’t escape the never-ending laundry pile!
By Sandy Gillman9 months ago in Families
Real-Life Toddler Survival Tips for Tired Parents
My toddler is currently in the stage where he needs someone to watch him play at all times, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to leave him alone for too long anyway. If I try to take a moment to put on a load of washing or prepare food, he wants to be a part of the action. And I don’t even think about trying to go to the toilet alone.
By Sandy Gillman9 months ago in Families
Why Getting Out of the House with a Toddler Matters . Top Story - April 2025.
This morning, I woke up more exhausted than usual. My poor son, who has been sick (yep, still sick) for weeks now, decided to wake up every 45 minutes during the night. I’d gone to bed early because I wanted to try and catch up on some sleep, then ended up getting less than usual. I was angry at the situation, then I felt guilty. It wasn’t my son’s fault.
By Sandy Gillman9 months ago in Journal
Side Hustles for Mums: Trying to Make Money Like Everyone Else Online
I used to work for an escape room company which was so much fun. After having my son, I realised every day of my life is now its own escape room. I dodge toys and discarded toddler breakfasts to get across the room, jump over baby gates like an obstacle course, and try to do my business while a toddler wraps his arms around my neck asking to be picked up.
By Sandy Gillman10 months ago in Journal
The Movie-Length Gin
So, you might have already guessed by now — I love a good gin. I’ve also been talking about self-care a lot lately, so I thought I would share my favourite self-care routine with you. Let’s set the scene: it’s Friday night, you’ve just put your toddler to bed after a long afternoon of finger painting the walls and repeatedly pulling the cat’s tail. All you want to do is retreat to a dark room and say nothing for hours.
By Sandy Gillman10 months ago in Feast
Mum Guilt: Why Does It Creep in?
I’ve been thinking a lot about mum guilt lately… who am I kidding, I’m always thinking about mum guilt! Mum guilt: that persistent voice in your head telling you you’re not doing enough—even when, at times, you couldn’t possibly do any more.
By Sandy Gillman10 months ago in Families
Am I a Mother, or a Character in a Scream Movie?. Top Story - April 2025.
Ghostface: “What’s your favourite scary movie?” Me: “Scream (1996), of course!” That's right, Mr Ghostface, not only is the original Scream my favourite scary movie, it's my favourite movie and movie franchise of all time.
By Sandy Gillman10 months ago in Geeks
Mental Roadblocks
When I first wrote my Breast Pump article, I felt unstoppable, full of hope and excitement. Now, I feel empty and deflated. We’ve had a rough few weeks at my house and I feel like I’m hitting roadblocks, mental and external, at every turn. Does this mean it’s time to quit?
By Sandy Gillman10 months ago in Families
Can I Sell My Breast Pump to Fund My Vocal+ Membership?
“Every day on my writing journey, I hit those moments where I lose hope and start questioning if it’s all worth it. But somehow, every time, I manage to find that spark again. As long as I keep getting it back, I know I’ll be okay."
By Sandy Gillman10 months ago in Families
Weekly Rhyme Time and Library Visits
When you’re reading a book, do you ever just stop, put your nose to the page, and take a deep sniff, hoping nobody saw you? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, I’m a book sniffer too! I’m a member of a monthly book club, and I’m always on Goodreads updating my progress and adding books to my reading lists. I love books! I have a friend who laughs at how excited I get about going to the library. You enter with no idea what stories or epic tales you’re going to go home with. You find a section and start exploring the shelves, reading blurbs, and maybe smelling a few. Then you leave with anything you want (excluding reference books, of course) free of charge! At my library, I can borrow up to 20 items! Every time I walk in, I have up to 20 different possibilities I can go home with!
By Sandy Gillman10 months ago in Families
