You’re standing in the kitchen. The kettle’s on. There’s cereal on the walls. And in your hair? A soundtrack.
Sometimes it’s a power ballad. Sometimes it’s a full brass band crashing through your calm. Either way, your mental playlist is working overtime, adjusting to mood swings, meltdowns, last-minute form deadlines and missing socks. Again.
Because every parent ends up with a few theme songs to match the chaos. Here’s a handful you might recognise, and if not, you’ve definitely got your own.
This one plays on repeat when you’re in full-on advocate mode. You’ve colour-coded the paperwork, printed extra copies for everyone in the meeting, and corrected someone (politely) about inclusive language. This is your professional fight song. You are focused. You are organised. You have snacks for everyone, including the SENCo.
You’ve sent the wrong snack. You forgot it was a non-uniform day. You packed the wrong kit. Again! This one’s for when your brain is full, but your intentions were there. Britney gets it.
Mismatched shoes? Fine. Want to take a torch to the supermarket? Sure. Not every hill is worth climbing, and you’ve finally realised no one actually checks if a child is wearing their school jumper inside out. This is the soundtrack for peace and pyjamas.
Reserved exclusively for awkward drop-offs. Like birthday parties. Do you leave them for ten minutes and risk being called back mid-cake? Or hover awkwardly, pretending to check your phone while trying to appear invisible to the entertainers? This track is pure indecision.
You’ve forgotten to get milk on your way home, your phone is on one per cent, the dog’s eaten the care plan, and someone has just said, “Well, if that was my child…” This one’s for the moments when you need backup, a miracle, or just a very strong cup of tea.
You’re exhausted. The waiting lists are endless. The latest referral has been mysteriously “misplaced”. But you’re still holding on to hope because you’ve seen progress before, even if it was tiny and quietly brilliant. This one hums in the background when no one else sees the effort.
They got out the door. You made it on time. The handover went well. Someone actually ate the lunch you packed. This one’s for the little wins that can lift the whole day. And yes, you’re allowed to celebrate them.
When the house is quiet and your thoughts catch up with you, this is the one. You’re replaying the day, wondering if you did the right thing, said the right thing, handled it the right way. Parenting is messy, and sometimes just naming that feels oddly comforting. Spoiler: You probably did more right than you think.
Maybe it’s something from the 80s. Maybe it’s “Shake It Off” or a Disney classic. It’s the track that reminds you that you’ve got this. The one that lifts your shoulders, clears your mind, or makes you laugh at the absolute madness of it all.
Share your favourite tracks with us over on Instagram @sendedventures. Tag us in your stories, your reels, your laundry-folding dance parties. No musical talent required. Just a half-decent Wi-Fi connection and maybe a biscuit.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general interest and should not be considered medical, therapeutic or educational advice. Families are encouraged to seek support from qualified professionals regarding individual needs or concerns.