ok will i die of embarssment/shame/look like the dirtiest mother around

[Fio2]

have social worer coming tommorrow and plumbers have started work on the house today. i have been waiting for both to come for ages, so was reluctant to cancel either. i phoned social worker to ley her know it would be a mess, but I feel like I have done the wrong thing now and should have cancelled

eek

and should I leave all toys out and just have a quick hoover?

[Fio2]

will they think i am a slob mother and bad

[Davros]

Don't worry Fio and don't cancel! Just play it by ear. Good luck (you dirty mother...!)

[fairyfly]

I dont think she will care about your house honey, we all have off times, mine is a midden. My parenting is still fabulous though dahrling. It is not important in the big scope if things. Course you can leave toys out! I remember when mine were first born i spent the majority of the time making their rooms look like window displays, What a waste of time that was. I think the best thing you can show her is a big smile.

[Davros]

Give her a cup of tea and she'll be happy, if the plumbers have left any.

[Fio2]

must remember to fill the kettle, my kitchen is downstairs, she would have to sit with the plumbers whilst i made the tea oh hell, I hope she will find it entertaining

[cod]

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[Fio2]

will they take my kids off me?

[JanH]

What is she coming for, fio? Is it some sort of assessment of DD's needs?

Anyway she will know all about builders and plumbers and other men who do messy things in your house. It will be fine.

[cod]

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[Fio2]

shes coming about my crack habit janh

no, shes from the disability team, not quite sure what she will do. i just wanted a playscheme place for dd and you have to go through social services

[Fio2]

I am being serious

[cod]

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[Fio2]

think i am going to have a glass of wine to calm my nerves

[fairyfly]

I used to put all the play toys in little scenes, make sure all the cars were parked, make the bed and leave a book of choice on one corner. I was completely anal about plumping up cushions and having three perfectly placed throws folded up on a chair. The hangers had to follow a pattern........I knew it was time to get a grip when i told my kids off for playing with their pirate ship as it had taken me ages to balance the cannon in the right direction of the pirate

[fairyfly]

I think fio, that is more reason for a social worker to be concerned

[Fio2]

LOL

[sacha3taylor]

LOL Fairyfly.

[madmumof4]

Sorry I know this will not help but have to tell you anyway, it is quite funny in retrospect. Social worker coming around (I have 4 children, 14, 12, 11 & 4, doing a nursing degree and working part time)she asks if she can look upstairs. I thinks why not she propbably just wants to look at size of bedrooms (3 bed house 4 children??). She comes downstairs after looking around upstairs, I show her the kitchen and utility room. She comes back into the living room and says "the house is a bit of a mess isnt it". To which I reply that I do not see housework as a priority as I have kids, a job and am in full time education. The social worker put in her report that the house was a mess and this would mean that I was chaotic. I replied, if I am so chaotic how come I can get 4 children to 3 different schools on time and in correct uniform and get myself to uni. She did not have an answer to that one. What I am trying to say is that so what if your house is a mess, your kids are loved and well cared for at the end of the day that it all that matters and should be all that social services are interested in.

[Fio2]

oh my god, mad mum of 4, why did you write that?

[fairyfly]

Right emergency tactics needed. Pull back each bed and fill them all with the crap off the floor, then cover up. Sweep everything else under settess, beds, find a large cupboard and fill, place chair infront of cupboard so it doesn't burst open. Pour bleach down every single plug hole in the house and the toilet. Spray lots of cleaning stuff around. Voila.

[madmumof4]

sorry thought it showed how daft social workers were in their thinking. Sorry didnt mean to upset anyone or make matter worse for you. Sorry again

[happymerryberries]

One of my mates is a social worker and her house is often is a mess, with the kids toys everywhere. She thinks, and I agree, that it is the sign of a happy house.

[TheRealMrsF]

madmum...i can see what you are trying to say......just think you conmfirmed our worst fears...that THEY do pay attention and critsise us!!!

[Enid]

pmsl ff

[TheRealMrsF]

FIO-reading the original post...in my humble opinion (mrs chaos herself!) i would take the 'i'm glad the plumbers are here....she will think i'm in a muddle because of that.....' Me...i will use any excuse to blame my muddles on someone else!!!!