It’s true – especially primary school children. They love knowing where they stand, and they especially love being able to tell you off when they catch you breaking the rules yourself!

My 4-year-old has always been a stickler for doing things just right. We’ve always been told off for saying ‘shoes’ when we mean ‘trainers’, and putting the vests in the sock drawer, so now that she is half a term into her first year at big school, you can imagine how many ‘new’ rules have been introduced to our house!

We are now all about hanging up coats, good table manners and tidying up one activity before getting out another… I don’t know why I didn’t think of any of these things before…

So naturally, when school holidays come around, I’m very keen not to let this winning streak go to pot.

I have revived the responsibility chart and gold stars, and am trying to mirror the traditions of the school day that provide opportunities to practice all these new skills: meals at the table, low hooks for coats, accessible toy and book storage that gives her ownership and responsibility for her own space and possessions.

Of course, it’s not all plain sailing: the rules go out the window when the favourite cousins come to play, and I am left piled high with coats and shoes and dirty plates and my little helper is nowhere to be seen!

But in general, the building blocks are there and I feel it can only be a good thing to keep on adding to them while the school gates are closed.

I’m not sure how long this beginner’s enthusiasm will last (mine or hers!), but I’m enjoying it while it does.

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