What Does "Having it All" Really Mean, Anyway?

Simultaneous phone and laptop use? Check!
But my nails are not that nice.

I was having a conversation with another mom on the way home from school pick-up today. I mentioned something that we're doing next week, and that the tickets were offered to me because I'm hosting a giveaway on my hobby blog. Yes, this one. Yes, you should stay tuned for more details in the next week or so.

Anyway, I joked that I haven't been able to keep up with my "hobby" writing because I'm too busy with my paid writing. That's definitely something no entrepreneur is allowed to complain about. Especially not in their first few years in business!

But really, between getting the kids up and out the door to school and preschool, running home to do some work, picking up the kids, ferrying them to activities, getting them fed and into bed and then doing some more work, the notion of having a "hobby" has become somewhat laughable.

I know I'm incredibly fortunate, and that there is a sizeable chunk of the world that would love to have such a privileged problem as a lack of time to indulge in leisurely pursuits. I know it, I really do. And yet, here I am, updating the blog that chronicled my pregnancies and my early, fumbling days of parenting, for the first time in more than half a year.

I'm positive that it wouldn't have been any better if I had gone back to work full-time. All of the "stuff" that I can accomplish with multitasking, like throwing in a load of laundry while cooking lunch, or folding that laundry while helping M practice for her spelling test, would still be waiting for me when I got home from a traditional workplace.

Somehow, though, I think I'd feel less guilty about all the ways I'm not a Pinterest mom if I wasn't self-employed. I'd have a better excuse for ordering take-out when The Husband is out at a work function. I'd be less apologetic about the state of shambles my house is in, perpetually. Perhaps the best idea is to look back at my idealistic younger self and let her know that there's no point trying to be something you're not. Maybe "having it all" doesn't mean what I thought it did. Maybe it's about adjusting the definition to fit the new circumstances.

What do YOU think?

Ahoy! There is Still Time to Get Swept Away by @PirateLifeTO

Everybody knows that Toronto is a huge city population-wise, but a lot of us forget just how big it is geographically too. For example, I forget all about the Toronto Islands all the time. That's unfortunate, because, for the sake of a few minutes and a cheap ferry ride, you can find yourself in another world.

There's tons of stuff to do on the Islands, and during our summer staycation we were lucky enough to be able to try a few of them. One of our favourites was the Pirate Life Adventure. Geared to kids of all ages, Pirate Life lets the whole family get in on the adventure. 

It starts with everybody getting into costume. We knew M would be all over that, but we weren't quite sure how Little Cat Z would take it. He's a better sport than we give him credit for, and by the end of his session he was asking for extra touches to his make-up to round out his gnarly pirate look.

Once on board, the young mateys swear the Pirate Oath before hitting the open sea. Errr, lake... With swashbuckling adventures and a chance to fire the cannons, a great time was had by all.

Even the littlest pirate got in on the action:

Pirate Life is still operating on the weekends for as long as the weather cooperates. They're currently running a contest for free tickets to one of the few remaining shows this year. If you're looking for a local adventure, it's a sure way to have a good time!

Disclaimer: We received tickets for the purposes of writing this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Understanding Learning Differences: Terrific Teddy by @JimForgan #BookReview

Little kids are awesome! Their views on the world around them are fascinating, and their unbridled honesty is truly a treasure. Except, of course, when it's the source of profound embarrassment for their parents! But let's face it, I think we all know a few adults who could use a little help in the tact department...

M is in school now, which means she meets kids from all walks of life. Sometimes she meets kids who have special needs and learning differences, and it can be hard to come up with ways to explain those differences in an honest, age-appropriate way. It's important to remember that just about everything will be repeated, without a care in the world about who is within earshot.

So how do we explain, tactfully, that some classmates experience learning differences that may mean changes to the way their teachers address their specific needs?

Thankfully, Dr. Jim Forgan, a licensed school psychologist, has given us the Terrific Teddy series to use as a guide when talking to children about learning differences. I received copies of Terrific Teddy bd Mix-Up and Terrific Teddy's Excessive Energy for review.

Terrific Teddy and the b-d Mix-Up (Understanding Learning Differences) (Volume 1)

Terrific Teddy's Excessive Energy (Understanding Learning Differences) (Volume 2)

I read them with M and *I* thought the books were helpful and sweet. But let's face it, I'm not the intended audience! M also really enjoyed the Terrific Teddy books. She read them to her little brother. She asked to read them again and again. Several weeks later she asked a question about a classmate with a speech impediment, and we were able to relate it to what we learned in the Terrific Teddy books.

Parenting is fraught with difficult questions and potential landmines at every turn. The Terrific Teddy series helps parents answer at least some of those questions with grace. 

* Disclosure: I received complimentary copies of the above noted Terrific Teddy books to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated, and all opinions expressed are my own. I participate in the Amazon Associates program, and if you purchase the Terrific Teddy books using the links above, I will receive a small commission. This in no way influences my opinion of the Terrific Teddy books.