My Child's favourite mummy bloggers - Talking Tots

Mummy bloggers: Lisa and Tracey are the mums behind the Talking Tots blog - Totsy's Place. Together they raise awareness of issues surrounding children's communication and language. They take some time out of their busy schedules to chat to My Child.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Driven, determined and fair.

Other than being a full-time mummy, what other work do you do?

We run a national pre-school activity franchise, called Talking Tots, which helps children develop great communication and social skills. The business was inspired by our previous careers, working as paediatric speech and language therapists.

How did you first get into blogging?

We were horribly late adopters. For a long time, we were completely unaware of blogs, but our press officer is a prolific blogger and she nagged us into setting something up. From being sceptics in the early days, we¹ve become total converts. We¹ve been amazed by how much information and support is available to parents on so many issues.

Having our own blog has been a great way to raise awareness of the issues we feel passionate about, particularly early development and children¹s communication.

What’s the best comment you’ve ever had on your blog?

When we published the Tots100 Index of the top 100 UK parenting blogs we had an amazing response, and were delighted by how many people said they found the index
useful. It was particularly exciting when people told us they had found new blogs they really enjoyed through reading the index.

Do you have a favourite blog?

It seems unfair to pick a favourite, but we enjoy Single Parent Dad because Ian's always
so honest and positive about his experiences. Also, 3 Kids No Job is really
very funny.

It's important to remember that, even when you think about all the hard work and challenges, raising kids is probably the best fun you can have, and not to take it too seriously.

What’s your proudest parenting moment?

There are far too many to choose from, but doubtless, none of them were down to our parenting skills!

Do you have a favourite parenting mantra?

"Be nice to your sister!"

Can you think of a time when your kids really embarrassed you?

Thousands of times. It seems to be a universal truth that children think anything involving poo, bottoms, farts or any combination of the three is hysterically funny. Especially if Mum is trying to have a conversation with another adult at the
time.

What’s your biggest parenting concern at the moment?

At this precise moment, it¹s what vital thing the children need for school tomorrow that
they won¹t remember to tell me about until approximately 8.45am. More generally, we¹re concerned that so many young children starting school have such poor social and communication skills.

If you could have do a five minute interview with anyone on the planet who would it be?

Maybe someone like Michelle Obama. I¹d love to know how she prepared her children for such an extraordinary change in their lives and what it¹s like being the First
Family. Do her children really squabble over the remote control and refuse
to tidy their bedrooms like our kids?

Catch up with all the latest news and views from Talking Tots by visiting totsy.typepad.com