The Silence After the School Run

Well, here we are. The school run is back, the small humans are skipping (or sulking) their way back to class, and suddenly I’m standing in a house so quiet it’s practically echoing.

Now, I know what you’re thinking “but wasn’t this the dream? Time! Uninterrupted time to get things done!”
And yes, it is… sort of. But here’s the thing: as soon as the chaos stops, I can’t seem to function without it.

It turns out, I’m powered by background noise. The bickering over socks, the cries of “Mam, mam, mam, mam, mam….”, the soundtrack of cereal crunching and the thud-thud-thud of little people bouncing toys down the stairs, that’s my fuel. Without it? The silence is deafening, and suddenly even the smallest of things feel overwhelming.

Do I sort the washing first? Do I answer emails? Do I sit down with a cuppa while it’s still hot? My brain short-circuits, and before I know it, I’m standing in the kitchen staring at a spoon like it holds the secrets of the universe.

So, if you’re feeling the same, a bit wobbly, a bit lost in the sudden hush, here are some gentle, bite-sized tips to help you find your rhythm again:

1. Fill the silence with kindness

Pop on some music, a podcast, or even the comforting chatter of the radio. It doesn’t matter what, it’s about softening that too-quiet space so your brain feels like it has something to hum along to.

2. Make a small list

Big lists can be scary. Tiny lists feel achievable. Pick three things only that you’d like to get done today. If you manage just one, that’s still a win (and yes, making yourself a proper brew counts as a win).

3. Give yourself a soft start

Instead of leaping into productivity, try easing in. A short walk, a stretch, even a few deep breathes. Little rituals tell your body, “Right, it’s time to begin.”

4. Schedule your chaos

If you thrive on noise and movement, create little bursts of it for yourself. Tidy with a timer on, dance about while you hoover, or call a friend for a chat. A bit of noisy scurrying can really reset the day.

5. Remember, it’s okay to miss the madness

Missing the kiddos whilst also craving space may seem like a contradiction. But in reality, it’s just part of the bittersweet balancing act of parenting. The quiet won’t always feel so heavy. You’ll find your flow again.

So, my lovely fellow squirrels, if you’re sitting in a too-quiet kitchen today feeling like the world has gone a bit lopsided, know that you’re not alone. The silence is strange, but it won’t swallow us. We’ll fill it with little rituals, kind noise, and achievable wins until our own rhythm hums again.

And hey, give it a few weeks and we will be doing it all again for half term break 😉

Love,

Mammy Squirrel