Busy Weeks, Mum Guilt, Market Stalls… and Now a Kitten

The last few weeks have been busy. And by busy, I mean I no longer know what day it is, boiling the kettle multiple times and not actually making the coffee, and my computer having approximately 47 tabs open at all times.

I’ve been doing a run of spring fairs and markets with Playtime Pioneers, and if I’m being completely honest… they’re not something I ever look forward to. It’s always a mix of stress, packing the car like I’m going on a week-long holiday, and questioning my life choices.

BUT — plot twist — once I’m actually there, I really enjoy them.

Chatting to people, watching children look at the kits, seeing their little imaginations kick in makes the Mum guilt a little worth it.

The Mum Guilt Is Loud. Like, REALLY Loud.

Let’s talk about the real issue here: mum guilt.

Because while I’m standing at a stall talking about roleplay and child development, there’s a voice in my head going:

• “You should be at home.”

• “Are they okay?”

• “Did you leave enough snacks?”

• “Why do you think you can run a business AND be a good mum?”

Calm down, brain.

Trying to build a business while raising three children is… a lot. It often feels like I’m doing everything slightly badly and wondering why I’m exhausted, but then they turn up at the market and you remember why you left them at home for the majority of it. (Don't worry not unattended)

Doctors, Tantrums & Why Roleplay Actually Works

We have actually found the Mini Menders Scene Setter Kit really helpful over the past few weeks, especially as we’ve been in and out of the doctors with my youngest.

And honestly… we’ve needed it.

One visit in particular was going really well. She was happy, calm, letting the doctor do all the checks — I was thinking wow, this is going better than expected.

And then we got to the stethoscope.

Out of nowhere, at full volume. She shouted: “DON’T TOUCH MY BOOBIES!”

I froze.The doctor paused.

And then — thankfully — he just laughed it off.

Which, honestly, was the best possible outcome because I was ready to disappear into the floor.

So yes… that’s a moment I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

At the moment, surviving her tantrums feels like a daily achievement. I genuinely feel like I’m negotiating all day long — snacks are currency, shoes are optional, and logic has completely left the building.

But as chaotic (and slightly mortifying) as these moments are, this is actually how children are learning.

They’re trying to make sense of what’s happening around them — big things like doctor visits, new situations, all the feelings that come with it — and they process it through play.

That’s exactly why roleplay and social stories can be so helpful.

Being able to come home and recreate those moments — checking teddies, swapping roles, talking through what happens — but in a calm, playful way has made such a difference for us.

Although I do hope she keeps this level of confidence and boundary-setting when she’s a teenager… just maybe with slightly better timing.

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A New Addition… Because Life Wasn’t Busy Enough

In a completely logical decision (questionable timing, really), we now have a new addition — an abandoned kitten.

So yes, I am back to doing night feeds. Again.

I’m still not entirely sure if the kitten loves my toddler or absolutely despises her, but either way they are now permanently attached.

And the upside, besides having a cute kitten running around. It is Excellent bribery.

“Get dressed and you can play with the kitten.”Immediate compliance.

A win is a win.

The downside?I now have another small being who is completely dependent on me.

Lovely. Adorable. Slightly chaotic. Very on brand for this season of life.

A Little Business Update

In between all of this, we also did a test sale of our notepads being sold separately — and they went down so well!

So...watch this space — they’ll soon be available to purchase on the website and on TikTok Shop.

Oh yes… we are now on TikTok Shop Did it take me far too long to figure it out? Yes.Did I question everything halfway through? Also yes.But we got there in the end

Now I just need to remember to actually post videos on the account… small detail

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for sticking with the chaos.

This little corner of life right now feels like equal parts overwhelm and joy — messy days, funny moments, sleepless nights, and the kind of memories that only really make sense once you’re looking back on them. I’m learning (slowly, with a lot of coffee I keep forgetting to make) that building something alongside raising children isn’t about balance in the perfect sense — it’s about flexibility, humour, and giving yourself a bit of grace when things inevitably don’t go to plan.

And if nothing else, I suppose we’re collecting some excellent stories along the way.