Life Is Still Chaos… But Apparently We’re Collecting Cats Now!

Life is still just as chaotic as ever over here… but honestly, I don’t think we’d have it any other way.

Although if you’d asked me that while I was dismantling a Dyson covered in kitten poo, I may have answered differently.

Yes. That really happened.

We now have two kittens running riot around the house, and for anyone who watches from the outside thinking I have my life together — watching me accidentally hoover up kitten poo would absolutely confirm that I am, in fact, just treading water most days.

Let me explain.

You know when you quickly grab the cordless vacuum to do your “speed clean” before the house descends into total madness again?

Well. I did that.

And then it hit me.

The smell.

Followed by the gagging.Then the panic. Then the realisation.

I had hoovered up kitten poo.

Now anyone with a Dyson cordless will know these things have approximately 4,000 parts, tiny hidden compartments, mysterious flaps, and enough nooks and crannies to make cleaning it feel like a full forensic investigation.

So there I am, trying to figure out how to clean this biohazard situation without somehow blasting water directly into the motor and bankrupting myself.

Meanwhile my husband — who claims he “doesn’t even like cats” — is absolutely crying laughing while simultaneously gagging alongside me.

And honestly? Looking back now, it was hilarious.

Traumatic. But hilarious.

Honestly, This Could Just Become “The Cat Diaries”

Because unfortunately… that’s not even the worst thing the kittens have inflicted upon me recently.

One morning, my daughter went outside to feed her rabbits and left the back door open.

Cue one of the kittens making a dramatic escape into the garden.

Naturally, I launched myself outside after it with absolutely no thought process whatsoever.

It was only once I’d successfully caught the kitten that I realised…

I was completely butt naked.

Not a sock on. Nothing.

My poor neighbours.

And the worst part? This isn’t even the first time I’ve nearly exposed myself to the street.

There was also the occasion I nearly took the kids to school before realising I hadn’t actually put trousers on. Luckily it was slightly breezy, which alerted me before the school run became significantly more memorable for everyone involved.

Again… my poor neighbours.

Raising Hardworking Kids (While Slightly Winging It)

One thing that is really important to us is teaching our children the value of hard work.

Real hard work.

The kind where things are messy, tiring, frustrating, and don’t magically happen overnight.

We’re currently in the middle of a property renovation, and we’ve always tried to involve the children where we can. We drag them along, let them help, teach them bits, and encourage them to get stuck in.

Over the last few weeks:

• the 9-year-old has learned how to remove grout and regrout a bathroom,

• take tiles off a kitchen wall,

• and the 6-year-old has been learning how to paint.

  
  

Ironically, the 6-year-old was a cleaner painter than both my husband and the toddler.

The toddler painting experiment did not go quite as planned and ended rather abruptly before the entire room became “rustic magnolia chaos.”

But I’m determined for our children to understand what hard work really looks like. I want them to know they can do anything if they work hard, adapt, and keep going when things get difficult.

Do I also need to teach them balance? Probably.

Am I still personally trying to work that one out myself? Absolutely.

Hopefully they’ll grow up slightly better at that bit than I am.

Finding Time for Play (Even in the Chaos)

We haven’t had much free time recently, but one thing we have managed to do is get the Petite Pantry and Post Office Scene Setter Kit out.

And honestly, it reminded me exactly why roleplay is so important.

This time, we added a little challenge into the play setup: The post office had “lost” a parcel.

Which turned into a full house-wide search mission.

The kids had to:

• retrace steps,

• look for clues,

• remember where parcels had been “delivered,”

• problem solve together,

• and communicate to work out where the missing parcel had gone.

What started as simple role play quickly became such a brilliant developmental activity.

Without even realising it, they were building:

• memory and recall skills,

• problem-solving abilities,

• teamwork and communication,

• attention and concentration,

• and confidence in expressing ideas.

And because it was wrapped up in imaginative play, it felt exciting rather than “learning.”

The parcel was eventually found (in the wardrobe), everyone celebrated like they’d solved a major crime investigation, and peace was restored to the post office.

Until the toddler started licking the sellotape.

Half Term Is Coming…Help Us

With half term fast approaching, we know lots of us parents will soon be entering the “how many activities can I possibly think of before 9am?” stage of life.

So to help make things a little easier, we’re launching FREE POSTAGE next week so you can (hopefully) get your role play essentials in time for half term adventures.

Honestly, one thing I will be packing for our half term picnic is one of the Pioneer Packs because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that snacks alone are not enough to survive a family outing.

Children need entertainment. Parents need five consecutive minutes sitting down.

The Pioneer Packs are perfect for taking out and about — easy to pack, and ideal for sparking imaginative play wherever you are.

Come Play With Us!

We’re also really excited to be collaborating with The Open Space on 28th May from 9:30–11:00am for a special imaginative play session.

Children will be able to explore three themed roleplay kits designed to spark imagination and bring play to life.

Ages 3–8 (siblings welcome) Just 12 spaces for a calm, relaxed session

While the children play, parents can enjoy a coffee and the lovely atmosphere at The Open Space

Playtime Pioneers sets will also be available to purchase with an exclusive 10% discount on the day.

Spaces are limited, so if you fancy joining us you can book here:Book Your Space Here