Elsie Button

Elsie Button writes for various parenting publications, both online and print. She moved from London to the countryside in 2003 with her husband, and they now have two young daughters. She also writes a parenting blog: http://elsiebutton.blogspot.com

The Primary Days: Playground politics

By Elsie Button, May 24, 2012

Even at the age of 37 years old, the school playground reduces me to a paranoid wreck - in true schoolgirl-esque style I have thoughts such as "why won't that mum talk to me" and "I wish I had shoes like hers".

The Primary Days: What do you do all day?

By Elsie Button, May 8, 2012

I am still coming to terms with the fact that I no longer have control over when I see my child. This time last year I was allowed to see Betty during every waking hour if I wanted to.

The Primary Days: Flashing farce (Our brand new column)

By Elsie Button, Apr 20, 2012

A couple of days into my daughter’s third term at primary school, I was taken aside by her teacher during drop-off. "Can I have a quick word with you please?" she said gently.

Is it OK to boast about your child?

By Elsie Button, Apr 4, 2012

I have just witnessed my two-year-old complete a jigsaw puzzle aimed at 4-7 year olds. This is the same child who was talking in full sentences when she was 18 months old, potty trained herself, and can count to 32.

Get a babysitter!

By Elsie Button, Mar 14, 2012

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I invited some of our parent friends round for dinner. These are people that we really like, but often we only manage a brief exchange at the school gates before the kids drag us away, moaning that they are hungry.