So, we made it through the first week back at school! Hurrah! Or perhaps… help? Honestly, I’m not even sure where to start this week because there is just SO much going on. From a personal perspective, harmony and balance were finally restored over the holidays with my university kids back home. The house was chaotic, bursting at the seams, and filled with laughter—just as it should be. And now, I’m spiralling at the thought that in a few days, this suddenly too-small home will transform into a far-too-big echoey house. I’ll be rattling disconsolately around, searching for remnants of the joy that’s filled our walls these past few weeks and counting down the interminably long weeks until they return, tossing chaos and dirty laundry back through the door without a care for the time they have been away!
Many of us are questioning our choices, being here with family so far away, the school feeling too big, uncaring, chaotic and any other negative vibes we can throw at it. Still, I think January is just that month, a month when we get back to school and hit the ground running; homework seems to come in faster than it goes back out, term 2 is always the serious term, when we get through the most amount of work, it is just that January is probably not the month for it, while I don’t miss the 485 days that January seems to have and the relentless cold and damp of the UK, I do miss family more than ever. I miss the bright colours of the Christmas decorations now stored away for another year. I love Christmas, and I drop into depression when it’s over. So, putting the seemingly monotonous regime of school on top of this growing feeling of unease is not a good mix, but it will pass, and you are not alone – at least the weather is sunny and amazing!
For those of you with kids in exam years—brace yourselves. The countdown to summer is officially on, and though it feels like there’s plenty of time, trust me, it will disappear in the blink of an eye. Without wanting to increase anyone’s stress levels, here’s my best advice: take the pressure off your children. Seriously, nothing good ever comes from being a revision tyrant. Instead, stock the fridge with snacks (essential!), ask gentle questions like “How’s it going?” and resist the urge to shout, “You need to revise more!” They’ve got this—even when they think they don’t.
Oh, and just when you feel like everything’s in control, that’s when it will spiral… because that’s parenting, right? Truthfully, it mostly works out; it’s all about balance—help them make revision schedules, sprinkle in treat days, and tolerate the inevitable mood swings. If they ask for help, get it. If they don’t, just be there. A listening ear, a cup of tea, and a “You’re doing great” can go a long way. Did I mention Corbett’s maths? This has been my lifesaver for years whenever we had a math meltdown.
Now, let’s talk about managing school communications, which, let’s be honest, is a full-time job in itself. I’ve been THAT mum—the one who remembers the bake sale at 10pm the night before or forgets dress-up day until midnight. I’ve stitched bedsheets taken straight off beds into costumes (evidence below) and given a quick “favourite book character” summary in the car. Dorothy and Tin Tin (Picture below) made several repeat appearances in our house—sorry, kids! But I’ve also been super-prepared, spending weeks sewing costumes and perfecting makeup. You know what I learned? The result is exactly the same whether you go all out or wing it at the last minute. So, save yourself the stress—no judgment here!
This term is also all about sports. With the fantastic weather finally nice enough for outdoor events, we’re diving into sports days, netball, rugby, and football tournaments. I’ll admit, I’m a bit old-school in my approach. Winning does count. But… sportsmanship counts more. It’s important for kids to learn that losing is part of life. It builds empathy and understanding—and, let’s face it, not everyone can win. For the triumphant teams, staying humble and recognising victory comes from healthy competition is equally important.
Teaching our children to be good sportsmen is one of the greatest lessons we can give them. In life, it’s not always about being the winner—it’s about showing up, trying your best, and learning from the experience. So, mums, let’s embrace whatever challenges this term throws at us. We’re all in it together, after all!
If, like me, you often forget key dates (hello, non-uniform day), come along to the British Mums Education Event on 21st January at Hill House Brasserie. I’ll be there with our fabulous free educational wall planners. Stick one on your fridge, and suddenly, you’ll look like a mum who has it all together. Even if you don’t.
Final thoughts (because we’ve got this Mums), January is tough. It’s a drag. But hang in there. There are brighter days ahead—exams will pass, summer will come, and we’ll all make it through the chaos together. Sending lots of love to all the mums out there counting down to the next holidays.
You’ve got this. We’ve all got this. ? See you on the 27th for a chat, a cuppa, and some planning sanity! ?