If parenting was a driving test, today I would have failed. It’s just been one of those days…

I let Mr Tumble babysit LJ while I had a shower – Minor Fault
Not amazing parenting so it goes on the list, but I do this pretty much everyday – it works really well for me as a post playtime, pre facing the world interlude. He’s in the bedroom and I’m in the ensuite (not Mr Tumble, LJ. If Mr Tumble were in my bedroom that would be weird. And disturbing.).

I forgot to take LJ’s shoes out with us – Major Fault
It’s fair to say I don’t have an amazing track record of packing the right stuff for LJ when going out. I’ve been quite creative in my time with piecing together clothes for him while out and about but I am proud to say I have never forgotten his shoes. Until today.
We went to the seaside. You are forgiven for thinking that this is a great place not to have shoes. It was a pebble beach. And LJ is not a child that likes the feel of things on his feet.  My back and I heard A LOT of ‘Mummy….UP’ today.

He carried a door handle around with him ALL day – Minor Fault
I don’t have a massive problem with this but it was big and heavy, and got hot in the sun. I’m no expert, but even I can see that this is not an entirely age appropriate toy for an under-two.

I have COMPLETELY run out of milk – Major Fault
No blue top, no green top. Nothing. Andrew is at an away game, I can’t just nip out and get milk. My nearest family member lives 40 minutes away. I have the best neighbours but I’m too embarrassed to ask. I considered watering down Greek Yoghurt for LJ tonight but thought it would be too disgusting. I think LJ will be ok but the real tragedy of this situation is that I will have to forego my first-thing cup of tea. This may seriously impact on my morning parenting skills and result in more minor faults for tomorrow’s repeat test.

LJ ate cheese and (dry) Shreddies for dinner – Minor Fault
I’m not 100% sure I’m completely to blame for this one. LJ is really off his food at the moment and cheese and shreddies are fail safe options. I also wanted to make sure he had some calcium since he wouldn’t be having any milk (see above). Dry shreddies mean the bowl is easier to wash up too, so really there are positives all round.

I’ve called this jelly ‘boob jelly’ one too many times – Major Fault
You know when your baby is a baby and you say anything because they are a baby? Well at some point the baby will become a talking, copying toddler and you, as mature grown ups, will have to censor. That was today for me. LJ reads this book with EVERYONE, it is a grandparent favourite in particular. There is nothing wrong with boobs but I’m not relishing the moment when my Father-in-law gets the full force of LJ shouting ‘boob jelly’ at him.

Result:
3 majors and 3 minors
FAIL