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Inequality at breakfast

The mum vs. dad balance of early morning duties are a little lop-sided in our house, but I suspect this is nothing unusual. I also suspect that although the mum could be accused of being the creator and perpetuator of this imbalance, she would choose not to alter it. Why? Because the dad wouldn't cope. Brutal, but true.

Take today for example: I got up this morning, reluctantly, after snatching a few extra minutes since the 'getting up' was not for the first time, because Four-legged-friend wanted to go out at ten to five. Woke Littlest - the hot little body tucked into mine, squeezing along the edge of our bed. Came downstairs, after gathering her schooliform and waking Middle Daughter. Put the kettle on. Fed Four-legged-friend and put him out twenty seconds later when food gone. Emptied dishwasher and loaded it with last night's dinner plates. Put a load of washing in machine and switched it on. Made hot chocolates x2. Found Littlest's homework and piano bag. Made Littlest breakfast. Took tea to husband (thought about throwing it at him when he helpfully reminded me of the things I forgot to do yesterday. Didn't, because didn't have time to clear up the mess.) Found hairbrush and hair ties for Littlest. Sent her to brush her teeth. Made husband his lunch. Took Four-legged-friend to run and filled his bowl with fresh water. Ransacked Littlest's room and found scarf and gloves. Had shower, washed hair, got dressed ...dried hair???Don't be silly! Got Littlest into school coat. Rubbish collection day, so put out the bins. Left home for school - remembered to put children in the car first. Forgot to have breakfast myself ...

Husband lay in bed for 10 minutes, ran bath, lay in bath for 20 minutes, drank his tea, dressed and ate his breakfast (crumbs, plate, knife and jam abandoned for the clearing fairy to deal with later) and went to work.

Hmmm ... redress the balance? Probably not.

Deserved the coffee and croissant after 'kiss and drop' outside school? Definitely!

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