Mogul Mum: Angela Griffin

 

She’s been a regular on our TV screens for years. She’s strutted her stuff as a sassy hairdresser, provided the voice for Alex the cat in Postman Pat and most recently taken charge of a whole school of unruly teenagers in BBC series: Waterloo Road.

Angela Griffin is not only starting a new term at the Comprehensive, but she’s also busy campaigning for the ‘Learn with your children’ cause AND getting ready to launch her brand new talk show.

It doesn’t stop there. Yep you guessed it, like most working women, Miss Griffin is also a mum!

 

 

 

This Mogul Mummy not only enjoys the challenge, but she’s willing to share her secrets with the rest of us.

So here are Angela’s ‘Little Tips for Little Ones’ they may be small, but believe me they’re definitely effective. So what are you waiting for? Read below and soon you can be as awesome as Angela.

 

Angela’s Little Tips for Little Ones

Loosen up a bit...

Let’s be honest, as working mum’s being tense is part of the job description. Especially when it comes to our kids! You probably find yourself in a complete frenzy and rushing to the rescue every time your child climbs a tree, goes off to cycle or wants to explore something new. As protective as Angela is, she reckons that we all need to loosen up a bit! “I’m very much of the mind that, if Tallulah climbs up a tree and falls off (as long as it’s not a 50-foot tree!), then next time she climbs up she will adjust her foot and try not to fall. You have to let them play to develop, otherwise when do they learn?”

 

We know it`s HARD and we’re not suggesting you sit back whilst your child tries to re-wire a plug socket. But maybe take a leaf out of Angela’s book and where there’s no grave danger just chill out. After all, we want our kids to learn things for themselves... its part of growing up!

 

 

Make time for Fun

Sometimes we have long tiring days and by the time we get home we’re exhausted! We barely have the energy to sit through an episode of Dora the Explorer or read their favourite book for the third night in a row. But one thing that Angela ensures is a MUST is making time for fun. “Children really love playing and it also helps them develop socially. It builds their self-confidence and allows your bond to deepen. If you can only manage an hour after your day that’s fine, but play time really is important!” However tired Angela feels she ALWAYS makes sure she finds time to play with her two daughters. If you’d usually sit down and watch cartoons together, use that time. Play a board game; be inventive whatever it is always make sure you have time for fun. Not only is it important, but you may just enjoy it too.

She works hard, plays hard and juggles even harder to make sure she’s doing the best balancing act possible.

 

Set Tasks

 

There are times when we all need a little space. Even Angela needs to keep her kids occupied from time to time to learn lines, put the dinner on, or simply gather her thoughts. However one way Angela keeps them occupied is setting them fun tasks. “Collect up all your old cereal boxes and toilet rolls, and have a robot-making competition. Unless they ask for help, leave them to it. Seeing their end product with no help from an adult is massive.” Not only will this teach your kids to be independent but it’s cost effective, keeps them busy and allows you a little extra time to catch up on your work. So get out there and start collecting your robot parts! 

 

Show them

“I put the TV on and show my daughter what I do. She thinks I sell sofas but hey she knows I work! When they play they also pretend to be working mums just like me.” Like the rest of us Angela wants nothing more than to set a good example for her kids. She does this by not only showing them what she does but also showing them in their play. “When Tallulah is playing house and she puts her baby down I say; ‘would you like me to mind her whilst you go to work?’ and she enjoys it!” If you show your kids from a young age what you do and that they too can do it, then you’re not only allowing them to understand you better but your also making way for the next generation of Mogul Mummies. What’s more once your kids see you as a working mum that’s something they’ll aspire to be too be just like you.

So there we have it. Loosen up a bit, make time for fun, set tasks when you need to keep them occupied and show them... that it can be done!

Angela says; “I love spending all day with my girls, but you have to do something for yourself as well, which is why I work. I used to think that sounded dead selfish but it's not. It's what keeps you sane.”

 

By Danielle Jawando