No one is going to deny how adorable Book Week is. It’s ADORABLE – yes all caps. And every year I’ve been the parent of a primary school aged child, I’ve been impressed by how much effort some parents go to for their children’s costumes.
I’ve seen papier mache crafted in ways I didn’t know was possible, I’ve seen impressive sewing feats, I’ve seen what has clearly been weeks’ worth of labour on display just for the costume to be tatters by the end of the day because kids will be kids. And I know why so many parents go to such effort – because we love our children and we will do anything for them.
And yes, while I would do anything for my kids and love them dearly, one thing I’ve somewhat failed at are the elaborate costumes my children end up wearing on the day. Yes, I am that parent who is feverishly googling ‘easy Book Week costumes’ the night before, and hoping the examples that turn up vaguely tie in with my children’s interests.
Until my children started at primary school I didn’t even know Book Week was a thing – there may have been some sort of Book Week day at their preschool but I don’t think I paid much attention to that (sorry! I was a bit overwhelmed raising three tiny children).
What if your child wanted to dress up as a dragon or a goblin, (or indeed a dragon goblin)?
So when my kids started primary school and I discovered they had to come to school dressed in costumes and there would be a whole parade to which parents and grandparents were invited – I was a little horrified. What if you had zero interest and skills in craft? What if your child wanted to dress up as a dragon or a goblin, (or indeed a dragon goblin) because that was their favourite character and they would go dressed as nothing if I didn’t find them a suitable costume? Maybe that was just something that happened in our household.
In the end I was pretty grateful that my children having long recognised their mother’s lack of crafting skills put up with whatever outfit I threw on them last minute. Though there were those few years when my daughter was into Harry Potter and boy did we make use of the glasses and cloak she got for Christmas one year.
I am however, aware that Book Week does put a certain mental load on parents that we perhaps don’t need
I am however aware that Book Week does put a certain mental load on parents that we perhaps don’t need. And when I say parents, I mean mothers because it’s almost always mothers who end up sourcing, crafting, and creating these costumes. Mothers who also have a lot else on in their lives and can we not just make Book Week a mufti day where kids stand up in class and talk about their favourite books? No? OK perhaps that sounds a little boring.
I adore looking at the cute kids in their costumes but I am aware of how these costumes are just one extra thing in the many line of things that mothers are responsible for. I’m also aware that Book Week has firmly planted itself into the school year and it’s not going away anytime soon. And to be honest, despite my hesitations about the time and effort that goes into making the costumes (and the resulting mental load), I’m glad that Book Week is here to stay. Anything that persuades children to read and makes it fun and exciting for them gets a big thumbs up from me.
Meanwhile, I’m yet to source a couple of costumes for my primary school kids and their parade is, you guessed it, tomorrow.
I’m trying to persuade my sons to wear the superhero outfits they wore at Halloween last year
I’m trying to persuade my sons to wear the superhero outfits they wore at Halloween last year which may or may not be a size too small. There’s also the Wimpy Kid mask I drew with a black texta on a white piece of paper (staple some string around the back and voila, there’s your costume – who said I’m not crafty). Except my son insist he’s not into the series.
Regardless they’ll wear something and hopefully have a fun day at school and we will forget about Book Week until next year, when inevitably I’ll be in the same position again.
Meanwhile the clock is ticking and I guess I have some urgent googling to do.
Saman Shad is a freelance writer.
