The Working Mum #2 – The Boss is a Bitch

My boss can be a bitch.

Yes, I work for myself but bloody hell can I be a tough cookie sometimes! I’m a firm believer in strict deadlines, organised diaries, lists and a proper work area. Sometimes I want to take the la[top over to the sofa but I know my boss-self won’t approve. The sofa is very comfy and encourages me to think of soft things, like clothes so I tend to browse a bit more.

My bitch-of-a-boss-self has put a social media restriction on me lately (I can grudgingly agree with her on this one) as it turns out I am more productive when not fluttering between tasks. I’m missing the twitter chat though so will have to schedule in some time to indulge myself.

One of the Bitch-Boss’ biggest bugbears at the moment is my pen chewing habit. I developed this after giving up smoking before I got pregnant with my eldest. I’ve tried chewing gum, boiled sweets, all sorts. I just can’t not chew pens. As a consequence I have no pens in the house. The Boss is considering docking replacement pens from my wages. I have to say though, I’m sure I hear her chuckle when I end up popping to Tesco or doing to school run with an ink stained mouth.

I’m probably being slightly unfair to the the Boss. Working from home is no easier than working in an office. I still have the same amount of work, can avoid commutes but have other distractions such as an adorable 14m old who can completely floor the Boss with one giggle. Thankfully most of the time the Boss keeps me in touch and motivated which is important when there is no-one else to give me the occasional swift kick.

Credit where credit is due, I wouldn’t get far without my Boss-self. I might treat her to some fancy leak-proof pens.

 

 

Toddlers: An Instruction Manual for Surviving Years One to Four by Joanne Mallon

Toddlers, an instruction manual When I was pregnant with my eldest, Kieran, I bought every baby and toddler book going. The baby ones were glanced at then put on the lovely nursery shelf so that I could read for the 30,00th time the “How you know you are in labour”, “What will happen in hospital” and “What you will need” leaflets from the midwife service.

After Kieran was born and started toddling around I dusted off my “Know your Toddler” books, certain that they would hold the secret to ensuring thet oddler years were as pleasant as possible for all concerned. It became evident pretty quickly that these books were a load of tripe! Page after page of condescending nonsence that served one purpose only and that was to convince me that I was the worse Mum in the world, ever!

So why am I now blogging about a toddler guidebook? This one is different! Toddlers: An Instruction Guide to Surviving the Years One to Four is written by Joanne Mallon, a journalist for 15 years, a parent for 12 years and a life coach for 10years. It does not contain one ounce of condescending bullshit. This books features extracts from the real toddler experts, Mums and Dads (including me!).

Joanne works her way through all the aspects that we know and love about owning our own piece of toddler-dom from sleeping, eating and potty training to discipline, interacting with siblings and new babies as well as looking after yourself. Curled up reading this book I found myself swinging from snorts of laughter (she has a great way with words!) and I-remember-that-well nods. I’ve done toddler years and survived with most of my sanity and furnishings intact. Now I find myself facing those brilliant discovery years again for the second time and am so glad, having read the book, that I have it here if I want it or to remind me that it is ok to want to scream into a pillow, even if the sofa has new swirly permanent marker patterns.

Toddlers: An Instructions Manual for Surviving Years One to Four is available in paperback and in Kindle format and is NOT to be missed!