what do you want from a 'Mum' character?

[NotThereYet]

Hi all.

I'm writing a children's book for 9-12 year olds and am having trouble with my 'Mum' character. The book is a silly comedy about a 10-year old girl and her family.

I thought I'd see if anyone here has any views on what they like / what annoys them about the 'Mum' characters in the books their children read.

Maybe you're sick of Mum characters who are always telling the kids off? Or who are boring? Or who are always doing the cooking/cleaning? Or maybe politically-correct career-woman 'Mum' characters get on your nerves?

I really don't know, I just thought it could open up the brain capillaries to come and ask other people's opinion! And where better to ask that here.

I think the mum you need depends on the story. Lots of childrens books have basically absent parents as they would get in the way of the adventures the children have. They are often very shadowy figures in the background rather characters with their own voices.

I like to see slightly quirky mums, but she may not fit into your story.

Maybe you need to sit down for a cup of tea with this mum and ask her questions... or write a scene which involves her a lot even if it isn't needed for the story. there are lots of character building articles online that may help you develop her.

Agree with Sleepy; don't start thinking about her character but what she does in the story: is she the main trigger of action/centre of focus or a figure who lets the children get on with adventures?