Fake It ‘till You Make It

There’s a lot of pressure to look like you’ve got it handled as a parent, especially in supermarkets. And so now for a bit of fun…

Here’s how to fake parenthood when you need some breathing space.

1. Catch an episode of Play School and copy one of their art projects (even download their website templates) then marvel at your early childhood education skills. Your toddler will bask in your greatness.

2. Keep wicker baskets in every room to toss toys into at the end of the day and call your decorating style ‘country eclectic’.

3. Hide the laundry pile at the back of a cupboard when friends or family come over and enjoy your 'tidy' home for a few hours.

4. Better still, ‘home-bake’ some mini apple pies for mother’s group / school courtesy of the local bakery. Sprinkle a dusting of icing sugar over the pies after taking to them with a rolling pin (to squash them up a bit to make them look ‘truly’ home-made).

In other words, cut yourself some slack. Laugh at the chaos of your life (you may as well), and give yourself the space to be ok as you are. Cut the smaller corners that will help you get through the day. Often your own expectations of yourself far exceed those of your kids or other people.