My Debut on Radio 

I have made my radio debut! I was asked by BBC Radio Wales to go on a talk show to discuss the growing trend of buying teachers Christmas presents and how it is getting out of control, and parents being very competitive over it. According to a survey by mumsnet, 1 out of 10 parents are spending £25 on a present for teachers, which in my opinion, by anybody’s standards is absurd!

Being on the radio for the first time I have to admit was nerve wracking. I’m generally not a person that enjoys being in the spotlight. I have always tended to lurk around in the background hoping that nobody notices me.

On this occasion though I decided to bite the bullet and get myself heard on an issue that I passionately disagree with. I have to admit my nerves disappeared quite quickly and once the words started to flow there was no stopping me, haha!

The show was the Caryl Parry Jones show, who I will add was brilliant and put me at ease straight away and although I was only on the air for 10 minutes my confidence levels grew by the minute.

The subject matter of the interview is quite controversial, but it’s also out of control. With my 21 year old daughter the most she would have done at Christmas for a teacher was give a card, nowadays that has progressed to collections from a class of thirty children which potentially raises about £150 which is the equivalent to £5 a child. By anybody’s standards that’s a lot of money.

I personally don’t blame teachers, as it’s parents becoming competitive and buying bigger and bigger to impress. Why I will never know. They are teachers doing their job and that job is to educate our children which they get paid for and also the way shops etc market the whole thing.

This could so easily be stopped by the school just making an announcement and saying no more presents etc, but if you want to give something at Christmas then we nominate a charity or possibly the school fund which in turn would help the children.

Now back to my Radio Debut I loved it, it was an awesome buzz and I would jump at the chance to do it again if I am lucky enough to be asked. Through my blog I have had some wonderful opportunities, but this without question is one of the best.

It has also helped my confidence and ability to speak. Allowing me to step out of the shadows to give my opinion on subjects that I have a passion for.

If you would like to have a listen click on the YouTube video below.