I am the alpha and the omega. But probably not the beta.

A seemingly 'hot' topic at the moment is the existence and relative merits of so-called alpha and beta mothering.

Alpha mothers are apparently the kind who try to hot-house their children.

"Alpha mums are so determined to make a project out of everything, they are not considering or loving the child, who becomes an object of status or self-glorification for the mother," says Brenda Shoshanna, an author of books on family stress."

Whereas beta mums are "not immune to anxieties and hopes about {their children's] education. But [their] concern is that they find it a thrilling, inspiring experience. [They] certainly don't worry about their future career prospects. Their childhood is too precious."

Well I am immune to anxieties and hopes about my children's education. If Alpha mum puts qualifications before happiness and beta mum puts happiness before qualifications, what kind of mother am I, who puts paper qualifications so far at the bottom of the list, they're not even on it?

I think there needs to be a new category: the omega mother. *Googles this to check nobody got there first.*

Ok, someone got there first. See, if I was alpha, this would bother me.

Oh but I do like to invent new concepts. Must try harder.

Nope, not alpha at all. ;-)