Friday, September 14, 2012

Supermodels drink champagne, role models on the other hand...

One thing that never ceases to amaze me (and leave me out of breath) is how different Saturdays are for families with kids. By the time I normally wake up, still wearing the make-up from the night before and getting ready to place the order with my pizza delivery people my sister's family have got up, watched childrens's programs, had the first fight about what to wear, packed everybody in the car, been to the library, purchased the musical instruments needed for the school, replaced a missing pair of Gore Tex- trousers, had another fight about why buying a dog is not a good idea and done the weekly shop. 

And now I have my niece coming over for her first sleep-over. I'm... excited looking forward to it petrified.

She can be a bit of a handful. But she will be the one to inherit all my handbags one day, so I'd better make sure they end in a good home. 

I've taken to spending more time with my sister's family of late and that's got me thinking. Many things. Like... what kind of a person I am. My vertically challenged nature means I was never going to be a supermodel. As meant the sheer size of my cheeks (it was supposed to be puppy fat! I'm a full-grown bitch now and the cheeks are still there!) But am I cut out to be a role model either?

Seeing how my niece and nephew are closest I'll ever get to children of my own, I'd like us to get along. No, I'd loooove for them to adore me. But there's a chance I'm the one who has to do some growing up first.

If I want to be someone they can look up to, I need to sort out my life. I must find a job, cut back on drinking and stop smoking. They deserve better. I want to be there for them, should they ever feel the need to rely on me and be able to offer advice that goes beyond "only wear one animal print item at a time" or "don't forget to floss".

What am I even going to with her? I have no toys (that are suitable for under 18-year-olds), I don't know any games (that are suitable for under 18-year-olds) and I have no fancy TV channels (that are suitable for under 18-year-olds). 

Can a child really be trusted in my care for even 48 hours without emerging severely traumatized?




1 comment:

  1. Yes, children can survive being in your care for at least 48 hours without becoming damaged. To save your sanity, can I recommend using Angry Birds (on whatever platform works best for you), and the Disney and Pixar films which can be found at your local film rental place?

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