to be upset at my cousin calling me 'smug and show-offy'?

[SequinsAndSparkles]

I am neither

Basically, I have a ring binder, which I keep things in that I want to do with DD. E.g I print a lot of things off the internet like activity ideas, colouring sheets, craft templates etc and put them in this folder organised by topic So that I know I always have things for us to do, activity wise, and it's useful because DD is 2 and a half and starting to develop interests in things and enjoys doing arty crafty stuff. I also keep in there the pictures that she does, and the completed activities etc, and like a 'journal' of things we do, days outs', our 'projects', pictures of thing's we've baked and how we made them etc. I have fun putting it together, as I enjoy doing things on the computer and DD is my PFB. DD also likes looking through it and decorating the pages with stickers etc.

Anyway I'm rambling.

DH also likes to look at it, to see what she's been doing, because he doesn't get to see her during the week. Grandparents also like to have a look at what new things she's done. But I never get it out, and say 'please look at all of the things I do with DD', never.

So this is the thing, my cousin saw it on the desk, and PICKED IT UP OF HER OWN ACCORD, and looked through it. Smirking and raising eyebrows.

She then went on to ask me what the point was in it, and that I come across as rather smug and 'be careful when DD starts school, the other parents won't like a show off'.

I was quite hurt actually because I would never intentionally show it to people, to show off. It's my project with DD, and it's nice doing topics with her and coming up with different ideas for each one. And I just like keeping a record of it to look through. I am very geeky and enjoy that kind of thing

So please, tell me that she was being mean!

This post is not me being smug or show-offy, so please, nobody say that.

she was being mean

I don't think you are being smug or showing off. I don't think you would be showing off even if you did show it to other people who you knew were creative and interested in this sort of thing. Keep having fun with your DD and to hell with the critics!

(There is a brilliant website called pinterest.com that is really good for finding cool craft projects)

Sorry haven't read the whole thread so apologies if you've already said
but can I take a guess that this is your first child and that your cousin has older/more children?

What a lovely idea. Ignore any negative comments. Remember "Mediocrity will always try and drag you down to it's level".

No, you sound like a lovely and responsible person. Sounds like your cousin has issues (apart from nosiness!) - keep doing what you are doing, it is a fabulous example for your DD and, IMO, a great way to be x

Pm me the list too please? :)

I wish I was half as organised.

When I read your post yesterday I was sooooooo mad for you, but I'm a bit too new to Mumsnet to be posting when I feel cross. I'll get there. Anyway - YANBU. She is mean-orama. You must have felt horrible, and of course if you feel like checking this for reasonability you get to tell the whole story in measured terms, it's not showing off. And what's the deal with thinking you should sitting be around twiddling your thumbs with the PFB since there might not be time to enjoy the same things with the NSB?

Ah thankyou again for the lovely messages, it's really encouraged me that what I'm doing is worthwhile. Yesterday I just felt like a bit of a prat

I enjoy it anyway, and so does DD. I guess that's all that matters

Please could you PM me too? Sounds lovely! Many thanks :)

YANBU - that sounds really lovely.

You watch - go round her house (if she has DCs) and you'll see she's copied your idea.

I think its lovely.

it sounds really nice!