It’s half-term. Which means I’m currently parenting three wildly different age groups under one roof, running on equal parts coffee and chaos. Somewhere between nap schedules, sibling squabbles, and snack negotiations, I’m trying to hold it all together with a sprinkle of Disney magic — and maybe a tiara if I can find one that isn’t already claimed.
The cast of this week’s feature film (a working title: Mum’s Breaking Point — But Make It Sparkly) includes:
- A curious, determined 1-year-old girl who’s decided walking is for amateurs and climbing is the real thrill
- A sparkly 7-year-old who just got her ears pierced and now fully believes she is a Disney princess
- And a too-cool 10-year-old boy who loves his sisters but will absolutely pretend they don’t exist if friends are nearby
It’s like running a theme park — if the park was open 24/7, ran out of snacks hourly, and had a soundtrack made up of Frozen, Moana, and the distant cries of “MUUUMMMM!”
The 7-year-old’s new earrings have become the centre piece of half-term. We’ve had daily outfit parades, multiple “Royal Balls” in the lounge, and a level of sass that would make Tinker Bell look shy. Meanwhile, the toddler is determined to put everything in her mouth, and the 10-year-old has fully stepped into his Scar era — dramatic eye-rolls and all.
There are moments I try to be Elsa — calm, in control, emotionally distant (just kidding, sort of). But most of the time, I’m bouncing between Belle trying to read through background chaos, and Mulan in battle mode trying to keep the peace between “she looked at me weird!” and “she took my crown!”
Still, somewhere between the tantrums and the snack trails, there are these tiny moments that make me stop. The toddler reaching up for her big sister’s sparkly ears with wide-eyed awe (closely followed, in true Stitch style, by “she’s touching me!”). My son helping her gently down from the sofa like a true big brother. The older two snuggled under a blanket for movie night, arguing over popcorn but somehow still singing the same lyrics.
It’s messy. Loud. Emotionally unpredictable. But honestly? It’s kind of magical.
Because half-term in this house isn’t about Pinterest-worthy plans or perfect routines. It’s about showing up, rolling with it, and finding those golden, fleeting moments of joy in the middle of the madness, all the time trying not to lose our cool at every Banksy art on the wall or the lack of personal space from all three of them.
And when in doubt — we Disney. We sing. We dance. We cry a little (sometimes all of us at once). Then we do it all again tomorrow.
Glass of wine in hand. Tiara slightly crooked. And a reminder that, pierced ears or not, this is one royal family I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Xx
NikkiEverAfter1923 
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