Eggshell Green

Abby’s handbag

I asked Abby what we could put in her handbag. I started off by putting in her phone and wallet. Abby put in her kitchen knife… yikes!

The essentials, according to a 17-month old

The Witching Hour

The Witching Hour aka the Arsenic Hour sucks arse.

If you’ve had kids then you’ll know what I’m talking about. It’s the “hour”, which is usually at least four hours, in the evening where your placid little newborn turns into a screaming unsettled little nightmare. Just Google it and you will find screeds of information on this phenomenon.

Be warned those prospective parents out there, that this will be one of the biggest mental challenges of having a baby. It will drive you nuts. But it will pass. And it will stop – after a few weeks. Gargh.

Independent Earner Tax Credit

So this is another thing about being a new mum that I had no idea about – the Independent Earner tax credit (IETC).

I only found out about this as I was filling in my tax return this year. I’m not sure why I still get tax returns sent to me, but I suppose it’s probably something to do with my contracting that I did a while ago. Anyway, turns out, as I’ve been on maternity leave for a big part of the last financial year and earnt bugger all, as well as the hubby and I not qualifying for the Working for Families tax credit or any benefits, I can claim the IETC for the last 12 months – that equates to $520! Woop!

So all you New Zealand mums who qualify – maybe it’s worth requesting a Personal Tax Summary (if you don’t normally receive them) and filing an IR3 tax return to claim the IETC at the end of the financial year. I think I will qualify for the next financial year also – yus! (Don’t forget though that if you request a Personal Tax Summary and you owe them tax, then you’ll have to pay it).

Tags: baby, tax