Hello, lovely readers! It’s me again, your trusty guide through the whirlwind of parenting, bargain-hunting, and trying not to lose the plot. Ah, half-term— that magical period when the school gates close, the routine goes out the window, and chaos takes over like a squirrel on a sugar high.
So, does the lack of routine mess with me or the kids more? Well, honestly... it’s a bit of both!
Let’s start with the kids. For them, half-term is like Christmas morning—except it’s every day, and there’s no toy bag at the end of the rainbow, just mom saying, “No, you can’t have chocolate for breakfast again.” The usual school schedule, which is basically their internal GPS, goes on strike. They’re bouncing from one activity to another, arguing over who gets to sit closest to me, and generally living their best “free-range kid” lives. It’s adorable… until they forget what time dinner is because their internal clocks are as scrambled as my sauce when I forget to stir it.
And me? Oh, I’m somewhere between a juggler and a whirlwind of chaos trying to keep everything in control.
Without the structured boundaries of school, I find myself questioning everything—"Did I say snack or lunch? Did I even pack a snack today?" My mornings turn into a game of "Guess What’s in the Fridge Today," which usually results in a plate of half-eaten leftovers, a suspicious-looking carrot, and a chocolate biscuit I swiped for “emotional support.” My evenings resemble a hostage negotiation with tiny humans who are refusing to sleep because… wait for it… they’re not tired. (Yeah, right.)
And then there are the memorable moments.
Last week, I committed to sticking to a simple routine: “Let’s straighten up before dinner!” I was optimistic at first, but within minutes, the house was back to chaos—clothing strewn across the floor, colouring shit on the counter, and a trail of crumbs leading to the sofa. I paused, took a moment to breathe, and realised that maintaining a perfect routine isn’t always realistic. Sometimes, getting through the day and keeping everyone happy is a bigger achievement than a spotless home. Sometimes, survival over cleanliness is the real WIN!
And speaking of wins—here’s one for you. Yesterday, I finally managed to get the house cleaned, the children fed, bathed, and in bed by 8pm. Victory, I tell you! That moment, I felt like I’d conquered Mount Everest. Even the cat looked proud of me. We all deserve a little celebration when we manage to accomplish such a feat during half-term, right?
So, who’s more affected—me or the kids?
Honestly, it’s close. The kids are bouncing, arguing, and testing every boundary, while I’m trying to keep my sanity, manage meltdowns, and remember what day it is. There are moments I hide inside the snack cupboard just to breathe, thinking, “I need a weekend just to recover from this weekend.”
Humour helps, of course.
Like the time I decided to give meditation a shot. I cleared a cozy corner, lit a candle, and sat down with my eyes closed, aiming for serenity. Five minutes later, I was distracted by the humming of the refrigerator, the buzzing of the lights, and my own thoughts about what to cook my ferals for dinner. I opened one eye, chuckled, and thought maybe peace comes in small doses—like a good laugh after a busy day.
So, what’s the secret?
Honestly, half-term is all about adjusting expectations—and maybe lowering them a little. Sometimes, the best routine is no routine—just a lot of snack breaks, dance parties in the living room, and the odd “leave-the-house-for-five-minutes” for some peace. And if you find yourself singing the same silly song on repeat the entire week? That’s just part of the adventure.
And let’s be real—if I can survive this hot mess with five kids and a smile, I bet you can handle your own chaos, whatever it looks like.
In conclusion:
Half-term might be a wild ride for all of us, but it’s also a chance to create memories, test our patience, and maybe—just maybe— find joy in the improvised routines. So, grab your snack, put on your funniest face, and remember: at the end of this, there’s always a glass of wine and a well-deserved “Well, we survived another one!”
Until next time, keep laughing, keep ticking, and keep pretending you know what you’re doing—because, honestly, that’s the secret to surviving any holiday!
FiveKidsOneMom ✌🏼
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