Tuesday 25 February 2014

' Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild"

No, neither of my daughters are called Harriet. But they do occasionally, drive me a little wild. "Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild" is the title of my favourite children's book at the moment. And it's by the lovely Mem Fox.

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As a reader of children's books, it is entirely appropriate as a parent to have your own favourite book (in my opinion). The one you hope they might pick. Or that you might suggest to read at bedtime. And this is it for me. Not because I'm driven wild every day, but because I just love the sentiment of this story.


Everbody has one of those days. Where your cajoling voice starts with a patient tone in the morning, and ends with an almighty bang. Say around 4.30-5 in the afternoon. Those days, where you've repeated yourself one too many times. Where somebody broke something special in the house. You've stepped on toys and had to pack away toys more often than you care to remember. Or you've served up food to a toddler who declares without even having tried a mouthful, that she would "never ever, EVER eat this," (yes she's a Charlie and Lola devotee). And promptly refuses to take a bite. Of anything.



And on days like that, where I really wish I hadn't gone and yelled, I turn to this book. It makes me feel good about myself again. Because nobody ever means to, or wants to yell. And of course, nobody, Harriet included, can be perfect, and on their best behaviour all of the time. It happens to all of us. Even the most patient, and the most well behaved. This book, is like a big warm hug to myself, as well as my daughter. A reminder, that I'm doing my best. That I'm a good Mum. And my best is more than good enough. Even with the occasional stormy moment.

Have you found a children's book that really resonates with you?

7 comments:

  1. I raise my voice too much, often when we're in a rush to get out the door and they are just ignoring me...oh, mummy is shouting again. But I find if I apologise to them that can be quite powerful, sometimes it helps to explain why I lost it, ie I'm tired or cross about something. I'm sure you're doing a fabulous job.

    Your post about the body questions made me laugh! My two went through a phase of being fascinated by my husband doing a "standing up wee" and would follow him to the bathroom and openly stare at him. Luckily he found it hilarious. x

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    1. Your poor husband. Mine tries to "sneak" away now!!!
      I hate the rushes out the door also, particularly when you need to be somewhere at a certain time. Always the mornings when they seem to want to dawdle and be distracted.
      I definitely agree yelling doesn't necessarily mean they listen to me. It's more of an emotional response isn't it!

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  2. Come 4:30pm, it starts to be the bewitching hour here and that is when I tend to start yelling. More so at the dogs and cats though, than the little babe. They know that dinner time should be within the next hour and they start running around and freaking out, just when I am trying to get dinner ready and deal with a little babe who probably hasn't had a long enough nap. So some days I yell and yell. Other days I turn on some music and dance while I cook. That makes me feel much better!

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    1. Music is also part of my coping mechanism for that time of the day also. And on a bad day, a glass of wine to go with it x

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  3. I'll have to get myself a copy of this book.. Another prone to late afternoon flip outs!
    Often at dinner my 3yo says "Eeew! Disgusting! Are you trying to poison me?" Thanks to the 'All Monkeys Love Bananas' book.. Things spiral downwards pretty quickly after that!

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    1. hilarious! We haven't had the poison word as yet!

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  4. I so love children's books! I used them a lot while teaching elementary art, and of course reading to my son! This looks like a good one that all mothers can relate to. Lovely illustration, too

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