This week is a big one. Three dance concerts, two drama performances and a school carols night. Throw in a teething baby, a partner away for work and a string of editorial deadline and, well, I’m taking it an hour at a time.

When Poet started ballet at the beginning of the year I naively went in thinking it would all be very low-key. Alas, the dance world is a serious one and I was not prepared – not in the slightest. When I turned up to her dress rehearsal a few weeks ago I got chatting to one mum who is a seasoned pro (her daughter is performing in seven dances this week). She wasn’t at all phased by the fanfare – she’s been doing it for years and no amount of dance related drama comes as a surprise. A quick glance around the hall and it was blatantly obvious that the round, plastic tubs from Kmart (you know the ones come in a multitude of colours?) are the best thing for carrying around concert essentials – hairspray (of the glitter variety), bobbypins, tights, lipstick, snacks. And if you’re the mum? Grab a takeaway coffee on the way there and settle in for the day…the wait is a long one.

The thought of three concerts and just as many ballet buns (I’ve been watching youtube tutorials) is enough to send me into a tulle tizz this week. But it’s all worth it when I see my little black cat (complete with sequined ears and a tail) on stage. I watched her perform during the dress rehearsal and she was elated to be there. She spent most of the time one step behind but she was literally giggling with glee and beaming with joy.

I imagine that most parents feel the same – the practical, year-long work that goes into our children’s extra-curricular activities is rewarded when you see them so happy. In all honesty though, I’ll be quite relieved by 8pm on Friday night and no doubt I’ll drive home with a very sleepy black cat in the back seat.

And yes, Poet will wear those filthy, just-a-tad-too-small slippers for three more performances because buying a new pair at this time of the year is ridiculous.