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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Emma Joyce

My petty gripe: my toddler’s a night owl. Where are all the 5pm kids’ activities?

The illustration shows a child in an owl mask and wings jumping on a bed.
‘I agree with you, smart and sensible reader – this isn’t the ideal place for a shrieking, giggling, excitable and curious toddler who isn’t going to bed anytime soon.’ Illustration: Victoria Hart/Guardian Design

It’s Sunday evening and we’re playing chase. My two-year-old is skimming past the kitchen island with the speed and precision of a Formula One driver. A miniature Oscar Piastri, he knows when to hit the throttle to avoid a narrow collision, even if my nervous system reacts as though he’s heading straight into the safety barrier.

Mini Piastri isn’t circling the kitchen island at home. No, we’re inside a pretend kitchen at Ikea. It’s where we come when every other kid-friendly place has closed and our night owl is still bounding with energy.

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