Argh, it’s that time of year again where the little munchkins have to make an Easter bonnet, and then take part in the school Easter bonnet parade.
Now this is all very well and good, but when you’re all finger and thumbs when it comes to making crafty things like I am, you start to sweat and get a case of ‘Can’t be arsed’ about it and leave it to the last minute.
It wouldn’t be so bad if it was a case of letting your little darlings loose to make their own like I do.
We’re going to be spending Saturday spreading pieces of silver and gold card out to make a nice crown shape, and the 4 year old will have a great time gluing shredded, coloured paper to the bottom to make a little nest and adding Easter egg shapes to it.
Now isn’t that what it’s all about? Getting the kids to do their own? Surely that’s half the fun and enjoyment of it. They love it, and I’m just left to supervise. Hurrah.
It’s when you get to school and see little Tommy wearing what can only be described as an Easter masterpiece on his head.
He’s only 4 year’s old and he’s managed to craft an entire basket onto his head, make papier mache Easter eggs and have a little basket of eggy delights worthy of a page spread in a magazine perched on his bonce.
Or his friend who’s managed to create a whole hen house complete with little chickies sat on it, surrounded by eggs and nests.
Yeah right, pull the other one.
The alpha mummies have reigned supreme and are all out for recognition and in competition with each other.
“I can make the better hat. Look at me, aren’t I clever?!”
When little Johnny is sat there twiddling his glue stick and thinking: “
” Mummy. Whose competition is this?! Will you put the hat down and let me do it my bloody self!”
Then it gets even more ridiculous when they get up to Juniors. Not content with making hats, it’s a competition to see who can be the most creative by making a whole Easter scene.
Masterpieces created out of cardboard, and eggs decorated and dressed up as Spiderman, Batman, Superman, Shrek and his donkey, or footballers.
Yeah, you really did them all by yourself.
Mummies have been up all night, bleary eyed and hair askew, feverishly gluing, sticking, and pen brandishing to get it all perfect. All the while thinking “Mine’s best, I’ll show them who’s best at this art thing.”
It turns into a competition to see who is the best creative and clever mummy.
You know what? I’ll come out and say it – I don’t give a stuff if our creations don’t look like it’s been done by a professional artist.
The kids will have loads of fun sticking on stickers, painting hats and it’s going to be their own handiwork.
Which is surely what it should all be about in the first place?! 
Argh, maybe I shouldn’t send my kids to school. I hate crafting. Mine will definitely do their own. I haven’t a shot at alpha-mum-ing. I think you’re right though. It should definitely be an experience for the children. What does it really say about the mothers who feel they need to prove their worth through papier mache?
Not sending them to school, now that’s a definite option!
(Although thinking about it no good for me as I’d definitely lose my one remaining marble if they were here all day, every day lol!)
Don’t worry, for all the alpha mummies with their craft kits there’s at least one like me who wants to go stick their head in the sand until it’s all over!
I don’t think the parents should be allowed to help at all… In fact, I think they should be made to sign something legal to say they haven’t helped… It’s ridiculous how competitive some parents can be isn’t it? Plus the bonnets always look much sweeter when the children have made them themselves!
Well said that blogger! Poor kids were probably shooed out the way lest they ruin alpha mummy’s creation too, poor things
My biggest little lad has been asked to make an Easter bonnet just for pre-school! It starts so early! I have taken the executive decision to invite his Nanan to have some fun with him cutting and sticking out shapes for his lovely headpiece!
Its all about the delegation!
Great post
Aimee x
Good plan, think a spot of delegating might be in order next year!