Half-Term Havoc

Since the chaos of half-term has finally settled (well, at least a little), I’ve decided it’s high time to get proactive. Yep, I’ve donned my DIY apron—more like a paint-splattered uniform—and I’m here to tell you: I am making it work. Move over, Pinterest, because this week, I went full-on decorating mode—with five children at home, because of course I did.

So, what’s the latest adventure? I finally decided it was time to give my living room and kitchen a much-needed makeover. To be honest, they only needed a bit of a “fix-up and a lick of paint”—or so I thought. Easy, right? WRONG.  

First stroke of the roller, and I realised something. The “white” I’d been living with all these years? It was no longer white. Nope. It had transformed into a rather grime shade of... smoky grey. Without the smoke. Just the ghost of white past. Honestly, I was staring at what looked like the aftermath of a fog machine explosion—or some secret wall experiment gone very wrong. I swear, the original white had gone into hiding for years and decided to come back as this mysterious, moody colour.

Next, I moved the sofa. Simple, yes? Just a little shuffle, maybe toss a cushion or two. Nope. Behind that sofa was something I was not prepared for. Things growing on the walls—things I’d rather not mention—probably from neglect, dust, and who knows what else. I was disgusted. It was like discovering a secret lab of wall bacteria. Honestly, I should have called in Environmental health professionals, and stayed well clear! 

But you know what? I didn’t give up. I took a deep breath, put on my big girl pants, and spent the entire day in the living room. That’s right. I scrubbed, I painted, I cajoled children into helping (mostly to keep them entertained while I worked), and I managed to transform my chaos into a fresh, clean haven—well, as fresh and clean as a space can be when five small humans are involved.

And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. Because in true “I’m doing this during the school holiday” style, I had five little helpers at my heels, each one seemingly having forgotten how to do anything for themselves. “Mom, I can’t find my shoes,” “Mom, the spoons are in the fridge,” “Mom, I’m bored,” and the never-ending, “Can I have a snack?” (That one never stops).

To make things even more fun, I was battling my own impatience, a paintbrush that kept dripping, and a stubborn wall that refused to surrender to the primer. The kids, of course, turned into tiny colour consultants, offering unsolicited opinions about the shade of white I should use—“No, Mom, that’s too bright,”—which I politely ignored because I’d already made up my mind. After all, I haven’t got time for petty debates when I’ve got walls to paint and a living room that could double as a science experiment.

But when all was said and done? BOOM! The living room is now a fortress of cleanliness—well, semi-clean, given five children, but a huge upgrade. Bright, fresh, and (dare I say) even a little inspiring. And the kitchen? Same story. It no longer looks like a post-apocalyptic food wasteland. Hallelujah!

 A Few Tips for Tackling Your Own Chaos 

Be prepared: Have plenty of cleaning cloths, dusters, and paint rags ready before you start. Kids are naturally curious—they’ll want to “help” with everything, including the clean-up!

Break it down: Divide tasks into smaller, manageable bits. A bit of sanding, a coat of paint, a quick wipe—do what you can, and don’t aim for perfection.

Get the kids involved: Turn it into a fun game or challenge. (“Who wants to find the most mouldy spots?” Or “Let’s see who can help me clean the fastest!”)

Celebrate your wins: Finished a room? Reward yourself with a good cuppa or a cheeky biscuit. You’ve earned it.

REMEMBER; Sometimes, you just have to roll up your sleeves, embrace the chaos, and turn the disgusting into something amazing. Being proactive during the madness of school holidays might mean a paint-splattered apron and questionable decisions, but it’s also the best way to reclaim a little sense of normality. Plus, it gives the kids something fabulous to talk about—“Remember when Mom moved the sofa and found the bacteria of doom?”