The Rooke Family Blog: I'm in charge…

Every so often Mummy gets to go away and do things with other Mummys, and I get to be in charge of everyone (I am actually in charge all the time but I like Mummy to think she’s in control). We get to do things my way, and the house is obviously a million times better for it.

Fiction: It’ll be all do what you like, eat what you like, the kids will love me, I’ll be the best Dad in the world because it will be one big ‘YES Day!’, AND I’ll do all the laundry and clean the house.

Reality: I go into survival mode, try not to lose my rag, feed them too much sugar and pay the price, forget to do half the things I’m supposed to, AND end the weekend in a broken heap.

Maybe the truth is somewhere in between but trying to get everyone to have fun, not cannibalise each other, AND hold a semblance of normality together is harder than you think.

Act 1: Friday eve – pick kids up from school, sun is shining, we’re all ‘Woohoo – freedom!’. Phone Dominos pizza in (we never normally do that), crack open a beer and relax. Watch the Greatest Showman, popcorn and chocolate half way through. Kids love it, Ly loves it. I am a hero and everyone goes to bed – slightly later than intended but its fine. They’ll lie in.

Act 2: Saturday – Kids don’t lie in and get up tired. I’m tired too. Never mind breakfast restores things and I let them watch their tablets for a while. Ly heads to Glasgow and I try to get my act together, washing on, dishwasher emptied etc etc. Morning starts to run away from me but I get them out with a picnic, no major incidents or injuries, and the laundry is on the line. We’re off to Callendar House and Park. Arrive and eat picnic within 10 minutes. Niomi focuses on the treats causing sugar high followed by sugar crash. Playpark saves the day, except Emily now is really too old for playparks, so day not saved for her. Play trail instead, much more exciting except Niomi is mid sugar crash. Cajoling and bribery tactics fully engaged and we make it to the end for a zip line. Winner all round. Send Mummy lots of photos of happy children, playing very nicely together. Quick whizz round Callendar House – so much for furthering their education but I tried. And then ice cream revival with a dash round the lake whilst the ice cream effect is in full flow. Niomi has another sugar crash two thirds of the way round but hey we’re nearly there. And then we make it back to the van and beat a retreat. 4 hours spent well but its tough flying solo. Pizza again for dinner (leftovers) and then timely bed for Niomi. She’s done in. Emily watches film. I sit outside drinking beer and chatting to friend Liam by the fire. Great evening but will pay the price tomorrow.

Act 3: Kids wake and drag me up. Note to self – hard to be a great Dad and have a social life. Thankfully though the kids are tired so we chill out. Early lunch then off blackberry picking which is a lovely success – mainly because Ly comes along and helps entertain Niomi. Saved later by neighbour who takes us all round to help feed the foxes which inhabit his yard/allotment. Day passes surprisingly well. Send more pictures to Mummy of happy, smiling kids. Early bed. School tomorrow.

Act 4: Successfully manage the school run. Surprise myself and everyone. We’re early. Think I was so worried about it that I hyper planned. Mummy returns at lunch. Normal business is resumed. I pass the being in charge test and get loads of brownie points.

Its hard though….and when you’re a single parent you really have to work at it. So whilst I like being in charge, I'm glad I can share the responsibility most of the time. Welcome back Mummy.