Calm Play January, Chaos, and Why I’m Not Ready for School to Start

I’m writing this as a parent first… and the founder of Playtime Pioneers second. Mostly because right now, I feel far more like the former.

We had a truly wonderful, chaotic Christmas. The kind you’ll remember forever. Not always for the right reasons, but memorable all the same.

Just to give you a little glimpse into why it wasn’t exactly magical — I spent a good portion of Christmas convinced the kids had worms. Which meant I was promptly and enthusiastically checking children’s poo for signs of said worms. Festive, I know.

Chief Worm Suspect of 2025.

Thankfully, we were all in the clear. The children? Fine. Me? Fine. Even the dog… probably fine. To be on the safe side, everyone got a worming anyway. Peace on earth was briefly restored. And we managed to survive with just the nasty cold instead of worms. Relief, yes. Fun? Not so much.

Then came New Year’s Day. Ah, the 1st of January — a day that promises calm, fresh starts, and good intentions… but usually delivers cold tea and children asking for snacks before 7am.

Our boiler, however, had other plans. It gave us a very firm “F you, Happy New Year” before promptly deciding it would no longer work. So here we are: sleep-deprived, with children rotating through our bed like it’s a 24-hour sleepover, everyone trying to keep warm, and me functioning largely on caffeine and sheer determination.

Despite all that… I don’t want my kids to go back to school. Unpopular opinion, I know. I don’t thrive on strict routines. I think, as a family, we survive better with a bit of spontaneity. Slower mornings. Longer days. Less clock-watching. That said — I am very over the arguing. And some serious vegetables desperately need to be consumed.

Goals, But Make Them Realistic

As we head into the new year, we’re doing it with ambition and determination — the realistic kind.

The children have set goals for their clubs. My husband and I have personal and work goals. One of my personal goals this year is beautifully vague, which means it’s impossible to fail: Work out more than last year.

I didn’t work out last year. So honestly? Crushing it already.

I’m also trying to be extremely organised. Meal planning (Blank template included if you want to join me): ✅. Online shopping for this week and next: ✅. Planning ahead for Playtime Pioneers: ✅. Who even am I?

Meal Planner.pdf

Download PDF • 3.74MB

Do I think “New Year, New You” is overrated? Absolutely.Do I still like the feeling of a fresh page? Also yes.

Instead of reinventing myself, I’m taking it month by month. And at the top of my priority list: being more present for my two-year-old. Less rushing. Less multitasking. More sitting on the floor — even when my brain screams “be productive!”

That’s one of the big reasons Calm Play January exists.

Calm Play (Because I Can’t Do 31 Days of Intense Parenting)

If you’re anything like me, the 1st and 2nd of January started strong. Activities set up. Engaged, interactive, Pinterest-parent energy.

And then reality kicked in.

This year, I’m joining my own campaign. We’re starting Calm Play January with the Calm Play Routine Builder (download attached) and moving into the 7-Day Calm Play Challenge starting on the 5th.

No pressure. No perfection. Just calmer rhythms that actually work in real homes — with real mess, real noise, and very tired parents.

If you want to join me, I’d genuinely love that.

Calm Play Builder.pdf

Download PDF • 232KB

PTA Energy or Pending Breakdown?

On top of all this ambition, I’ve decided this is the year I become more present in the school PTA.

I can’t tell if this is giving Super Mum energy… or pending complete breakdown. Time will tell. I’ll keep you posted.

Maybe I’ll suggest we all work out during PTA meetings and kill two birds with one stone. Stranger things have happened.

So What’s the Point of This Blog?

I suppose the point is this: let’s smash 2026 how we want to.

Maybe your goal is to drink more water. Or drink more wine. Socialise more. Go on date nights. Have less mum guilt (wouldn’t that be nice?).

These goals are rarely what social media tells us they should be — and that’s okay. No judgement here. A goal is a goal.

I’m starting with Calm Play January. We’ll see where it takes us.

And if I have a breakdown along the way? I’ll blog about it so you can at least have a laugh. Or you can follow along to see what other unexpected problems the house throws our way this year — boilers, walls, appliances… place your bets now.

Here’s to less pressure, more presence, and doing things our way. 💛