When Annie Ridout’s son became very ill, very quickly, she dropped everything to spend five days with him in hospital. Here, she discusses the moment she realised that nothing mattered, except his recovery…
children
Family
Amongst feminist parents, there’s talk about whether or not we should tell our daughters they’re beautiful; does this make them base too much of their self-worth on their looks? Annie Ridout has decided it’s ok, here’s why…
Family
When editor Annie Ridout realised her son was choking on a breadstick, she followed all the advice she’d been given but it didn’t work. She ran to the door, shouting for help, before remembering something she’d seen in TV drama series The Affair…
Work Life
Motherhood may impact a woman’s career but it doesn’t have to destroy it. In fact, The Early Hour’s editor, Annie Ridout, found hers blossomed after giving birth. Here, she argues against the idea that babies are a barrier to your career…
Family
Being Asian and Christian meant there weren’t any matches for Ranji and her husband when they first tried to adopt. But they persevered and were given a son and daughter. She talks us through the gruelling process, difficult early days and their more recent relocation to Paris…
Family
Elliot was born with plagiocephaly – or flat head syndrome, as it’s more commonly known. His parents had to decide whether to risk leaving it, as the NHS recommend, or to put him in an orthotic helmet for 22 hours a day. They chose the latter. Here’s what happened…
Family
Rainy autumn weather can make leaving the house hard when you have young kids. So here are seven inspiring and creative rainy day activities from early years teacher Laura Moore that don’t involve screens…
Family
When six-year-old Joe became severely ill with heart failure, he was rushed to Great Ormond Street hospital. Six months later, a heart transplant saved his life. His mum, Louise Hannon, talks us through her family’s ordeal, and explains why organ donation is so important…
Sleep
At six months old, Ivy started having seizures. Tests revealed she had epilepsy and lissencephaly; a life-limiting neurological condition. Her mother, Emma Pelstead, tells us about the insensitively delivered diagnosis, and how life (particularly nights) are impacted…
Family
Until you have a baby in your arms, it is hard to know how you will take to motherhood. But one thing is for sure: you will need support – and lots of it. Here, Annie Ridout discusses the fact that it really does take a village to raise a child…