WHEN KIDS MAKE THE RULES

Writer Natalie Brown, 42, lets her children take charge for a week during half-term

- NATALIE BROWN

Some parents run a tight ship, but just like the tongue-in-cheek meme, it's fair to say I run a pirate ship: there's swearing and drinking (me) and occasional mutiny from the tiny crew I created (them). As mum to Bluebell, 11, Max, seven, Marigold, five, and Violet, two, I constantly feel like I'm being pulled in four different directions. Every single day is about little people and keeping them alive.

Me and my husband Rob, 44, often say it feels like the kids rule the roost, so when I decided to let them take over and give me 'orders' every day for a week, what did I have to lose?

MONDAY 

The start of half-term usually involves heavy groans as I tell the kids about the days out I've organised for them and ideas I've got to pass the time. So, when I reveal that they are allowed to take over for a week and choose what to do, they jump up and down in glee. Lots of whispering and giggling goes on before they arrive at their first 'order', which unsurprisingly is junk-food related: chocolate doughnuts. It could have been worse (and expensive), plus they were nice to each other for a full hour while they hatched the plan. I think I'm going to enjoy this week.

TUESDAY