Oooooh, I get another gem in my "bad mother" crown today.

Liebling loves running around the football pitch. He gets on the "train tracks" (the white lines) and runs around the pitch. I stand and watch. Yes, there is a car park. Yes, there is a road. But if he goes off the white lines, I will get to him before he gets there. I am fast (and there is a bit of distance and I'm standing nearer the cars than Lieb gets). But many dog-walkers on the field just label me as a "bad mother" for letting my son be on the other side of a football pitch from me, perfectly safe, whilst I talk to his Nursery carer.

Does that mean I don't love Liebling? Of course I do! He's up four times in the night, I like that he only wants to sleep snuggled up with me in my bed. I like that I am his security and his comfort. I love the way he talks, the way he thinks, the way he is so polite. Even having a tantrum, he screams "no thank you" over and over. He's a great little person. If a bit obsessed with playing that everything is a train track.

And I'm a "dad" in that I don't give in to emotional appeals. Maybe it's because my emotional needs weren't always met growing up (although they were as a young child). Maybe it's because I dislike tantrums sone whinging so I don't reward it. I'm cold-hearted enough to say "no". But I like the way it is helping Liebling to develop; he knows to ask nicely if he wants something.

And despite a lot of things, DH loves Liebs just as much as I ever could. He's a great dad - and very hands-on. We both enjoy watching Liebs grow and develop, and knowing that we're helping to mould the adult that he will be. Even without giving birth, you still love. I've yet to find a "mama bear" or any of that sort of thing, but I'm actually pretty pleased I've never needed one yet!