Em - I usually wait for about 5 minutes give or take. I have read bits about the controlled crying technique and that's what they say but if she becomes too histerical I go in earlier. I too let her cry at times like if I need to put the dishwasher on or doing something quite quickly. I don't think you are a terrible mum - you just got to do what you got to do!!

I just got a call from the car yard - my car will be ready on Friday!! YAY!!!