Most of the time I am a pretty cool mama – I’m good for a laugh, I read endless stories, I play with dolls and pretend shops/libraries/beauty salons/restaurants, I paint, I colour, I cook, I create amazing feats out of play-dough, I make up songs and jokes, I dance around like a lunatic, I sneak in treats, I bounce on the trampoline, I go to the theatre, I put on my own shows, I buy the best presents when I shouldn’t, I am a willing victim to make-up and hair experiments and I’m good for endless snuggles, hugs and kisses.
But then’s there’s the alter-ego. The “other mama” – who really just gets pushed to the limit and gets fed up. This anti-mama is rarely seen, but when she does, I take solace that others also are going through exactly the same bullshit that I am. And the proof is here: I have been hooting with glee over these ‘Picture Books For Parents’ that sum up exactly how I feel at times.
Firstly there’s the current No 1 Amazon Best Seller by Adam Mansbach “Go the F To Sleep“. This little ditty began life as a Facebook post in June and has solidified the viral e-publishing phenomena, with the book shooting to the No 1 spot a month before it has even been released and has already signed a film option with Fox 2000. It’s a story of a dad’s particularly trying bedtime routine with his 2 year old daughter. Can not wait to get my hands on a copy of this!
And my other favourite is the cautionary tale “Monsters Eat Whiny Children” by Bruce Eric Kaplan (who happens to also be a cartoonist for the New Yorker) – which is an absolute hoot – about 2 adorable kids who are going through a “terrible phase” and, although their father warns them that “monsters eat whiny children” they persist until the inevitable happens.
Now I realise this all seems far from nice and is certainly not PC – but can anyone show me a parent out there that hasn’t felt these things? No, I didn’t think so.
If you know of any other parent therapy picture books in the same vein, share them. It’s all in the name of mental wellbeing and group therapy.
May your weekend be one of smooth sailing and good-tempered fun.
Meg x
A Little Bit of This & That 