Audi TT , Teletubbies and Toilet Training

I am Laura Nelson, founder of Family and Friends Play Centre. 7 years ago, I drove my Audi TT from the showroom; 3 weeks later the dream car I’d saved and saved for was back at  the showroom…I’d found 2 blue lines!!!!!

I had the family friendly car, I did all the usual first pregnancy  things, read the books, attended the classes, met a lovely bunch of "mum to be" friends. Then our lives changed forever with the arrival of Lydia,  shortly followed 2 years later by Sophia.

I kept in touch with my new mum friends, we all had children of similar ages; we socialised together, and our children played  together. We sought out the best mum friendly places for coffee and play; like a little pack, where one went, we all went; I discovered that's what mum  friends do.

We juggled life as busy working parents, lucky to have grandparents   who would kindly lend a hand; my hours weren’t family friendly.  I wanted to be with my family when it   mattered, to be a part of my girls growing up, not watching videos of missed school plays or slipping in while they were sleeping. I was determined Lydia  and Sophia would have the security I had growing up, knowing Mummy will be there when she says she will, at breakfast time, at the school gate, for bedtime stories, or in the kitchen as they watch TV. Quality of life was my priority, and after 14 years I put my career on hold.