Back to School!

We’ve made it, mums (and yes, maybe the odd dad lurking here, but let’s be honest… probably not many). The kids are finally back at school, which means the snack cupboard can breathe again and I can drink a coffee without someone asking me to wipe their bum.

You should be so proud of yourself. You’ve survived the sibling arguments, the “I’m bored” chorus, and the bracelet making set explosions.

Back to school means we can exhale slightly but it also brings its own brand of chaos. Small talk at the gates (why is it harder than a job interview?), the mad dash to get everyone dressed and fed, the mystery contents of the school bag, and the ever-looming shit shit shit I forgot the PE kit… again. Oh, and the WhatsApp groups, are we meant to keep up with them???

But here’s the thing as I go into another September, I feel this little pang in my chest. Not just because of the school run chaos, but because going “back to school” still rubs some salt in open wounds.

School was… not my glory days. Teachers didn’t seem to like me much (apparently I couldn’t stop talking, shock), I was constantly wondering if my friends actually liked me or if I was just tagging along, and moving from one classroom to the next felt like running a marathon in slow motion. And then there was my dyslexia which, back then I don’t think anyone really understand what that meant really. My biggest dread wasn’t exams or homework (even though I hated them), it was the absolute panic of being picked to read out loud in class. Heart pounding, huge lump in my throat, praying for the ground to swallow me whole.

I mean I’d get extra time for my SATs and GCSEs, which sounds helpful… except that meant I actually had to know the answers yeah, I didn’t. All it really did was give me longer to sit there feeling confused while everyone else left.

Now, watching my own children head into school, I can’t stop my fear they’ll ever feel like I did, out of place, behind, or just… not enough. The thought of them navigating those moments alone absolutely breaks me in half. She’s only five, but already, these are the things that keep me awake at night (you know I’m an anxiety queen). Because we’re mums, we don’t just pack the lunchbox, we pack our own childhood baggage too and we’d do anything to make sure theirs is lighter.

If you ever have even the tiniest suspicion your child might be dyslexic or is really struggling to read, one little thing you can try at home is Dyslexic Colour Overlays for their reading books. They’re just coloured sheets you place over the page, and they can make a world of difference, they help stop the letters and lines from dancing about, reduce glare, and make it easier for the brain to focus on the words. Personally, I loved a yellow one that blocked out all the other lines so I could only see the one I was reading. It took away so much of that overwhelming blur and made reading feel just a little bit less like torture.

For now, I’ll take the small victories — like actually remembering it’s PE day before we get to the school gates, sending my child in with the right uniform on, and only once this week having to bribe them out of the house to stop the arguing with a chocolate bicky. And as much as I know I’ll be there to stand up for my daughter if she ever needs me, for now I’ll just be lurking in the playground like an undercover bodyguard in Birkenstocks watching when I can, but always here when she needs me… preferably before 9 pm, because that’s when I’m in bed scrolling TikTok with a glass of wine or a cider. 

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Now that the kids are safely at school (or finally in bed), it’s time to reclaim a tiny slice of sanity. Because let’s be honest, life isn’t always about them sometimes it’s about you, a sticky toffee pudding with custard with a side of wine, and some much-needed screen time.

This months show to watch WITH the husband

Love is Blind UK - Netflix
We love this show so much. It always strikes up some good debates.

Hostage - Netflix
It’s only just come out and we are 1 episode in. We love a good thriller.

And what to watch solo, very much WITHOUT the husband

Bad sisters - Apple TV
I hadn’t got round with watching season 2 until now. Great show! Great cast!

Some YouTube girlies I love to watch
@TabithaAmy
@NatalieZacek
@SophiaAndCinzia
@CamillaRhuda
@StuartAndFrancis
@MorganKunzie

I hope I can make the return back to school a little easier with these recommendations for a last-minute kit refresh:

1. Stick on Name Tags are perfect for everything from uniform to PE kits to water bottles.

2. Let’s be real, the nits are coming. This Comb and Shampoo are the perfect combo to get you through it!

3. A little emergency kit is great for your older kids locker - from First Aid to all the Girly Essentials.

4. Along with the name tags, we also have Personalised Named Lunchboxes and Water Bottles which are great to prevent lost snacks!


And here are my small talk survival tips for the school gates…

1. Weather is your friend.

“Cold today, isn’t it?” = safe, very British.  Anything beyond that risks a dissertation on clouds.

2. Compliments are easy wins.

Shoes, jackets, hair. Keep it quick. “Love your jacket!” not “I’ve been watching you for weeks and I love your jacket.”….weird

Missy would like a word…

Her absolute favourite time of the day? Mealtime - when her bowl is filled with fresh, wholesome Butternut Box goodness. It’s made with real ingredients you’d recognise from your own kitchen, and the best part? It costs less than a coffee a day to keep her tail wagging with her beloved meals.

With 11 delicious recipes to choose from, we get a handy mixed box delivered straight to our door every other week. One less thing to remember, one very happy Missy!

*AD

Monday
Spaghetti Bolognese

Tuesday
Salmon Teriyaki, Jasmine Rice, Lots of Veggies on the table
eg. Soy Beans, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Avocados

Wednesday
Jacket Potatoes
Can use some left over Bolognese if you have. If not…tuna and cheese is my fav!

Thursday
Roast Chicken, Mash and Peas (or a salad, but we are The Pea Family!)
Throw a whole chicken in your air fryer with some butter and Italian seasoning for about 45-60 mins.

Friday
Breakfast for Dinner
Fishy Fridays are normally covered by school, so get out the Eggs and Bacon for an easy Friday night…followed by some Ice Cream!

Saturday
A Cheeky Take Away

Sunday
Toad in the Hole, Mash, Peas and Gravy

My favourite kitchen gadgets to make meal time that smidgen easier (and prettier!)

The perfect Pasta Scoop for your Bolognese

My most loved and asked about Salt and Pepper Grinder

If you hate chopping vegetables as much as me (onions anyone?!) you NEED this Vegetable Chopper

I have had these Pots for years and they are super durable and stand the test of time - and family life!

This Cast Iron Dish not only serves great dishes, but it serves looks too - the green looks beautiful in our kitchen.