I'm a lazy mum and here's my genius and free Book Week costume hack

"Take a deep breath, parents, because I come bearing the holy grail of dress-up ideas – a costume that's not just a game changer; it's a sanity saver."

If you're like me, and you shudder at the thought of another school event that makes parents break out in a cold sweat (yes, I'm glaring at you, Easter Hat Parade), then brace yourself for the pinnacle of them all: Book Week.

I'm not going to sugar-coat it – choosing between Book Week and the Easter Hat Parade for the coveted title of "Most Dreaded School Event" is like having to decide between a root canal and a road trip with a toddler – honestly, I don’t want to do either.

The worst part? Book Week isn’t satisfied with just tormenting you until your child crosses a certain grade threshold – oh no, it’s in for the long haul, haunting your parental existence all the way through to Year 6.  

Meanwhile, the Easter Hat Parade, bless its cotton socks, often confines its glitter and glue explosions to the realm of infant grades. Thank God. 

As someone who’s navigated the treacherous waters of school events with my now-teenagers, only to find myself embarking on the journey all over again with my ‘bonus’ baby, I’m going to let you in on a Book Week secret. 

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Yes, this hack fits the Book Week theme (did you know there was one?)

As the calendar mercilessly thrusts us into the throes of Book Week 2023, your email inbox is likely on the brink of a digital implosion. 

You’re no doubt inundated with messages from daycare and school, each proclaiming they're "super excited" to celebrate these literary festivities with your precious offspring (cue the internal eye roll).

But my fellow weary parents, fear not. Take a deep breath, because I come bearing the holy grail of Book Week Dress Up ideas – a costume that's not just a game changer; it's a sanity saver.

Hold onto your wallets, folks, because here's the revelation: It's FREE. 

Picture this: an ensemble that requires minimal effort and won't put a dent in your pocket – Thank the literary Gods, it’s a Book Week miracle. 

Now, the best part – it aligns seamlessly with this year's arbitrary theme. Brace yourself for that shocker – did you even know Book Week has a theme each year? Yeah, me either. 

The Book Week 2023 theme is "Read, Grow, Inspire." 

Sure, stores might be teeming with career-oriented costumes, and a whole lotta Barbie paraphernalia, but hold my metaphorical latte, because my costume idea is the mic-drop moment you've been waiting for.

It's simple, it's audacious, and it's entirely in line with the theme. 

Drum roll, please. It’s called: 

Pyjamas. 

That's right, the ultimate Book Week Dress Up involves your child strolling into school in their coziest, snuggliest pyjamas – the very ones they wore to bed the night before. If you really want to put in effort, by all means, put them in a clean pair, but honestly, it’s not necessary. 

Image: Supplied

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Pyjamas. Bedtime book. DONE.

I can hear the haters now. 

“Umm Lisa, it’s BOOK week. Where’s the book?”

Hold up, I’m getting to that part. 

Go to your bookcase. And pick a bedtime book. ANY bedtime-themed book. 

“The Very Sleepy Bear.”

“Time for Bed.” 

“Goodnight Moon.”

“Spot loves bedtime.” 

I can almost bet money on the fact you have A bedtime-themed book in your home. 

That’s it. 

Pyjamas. Bedtime book. DONE. 

*Insert mic-drop here*

Past Book Week costumes were far too much effort. Image: Supplied

But before you dismiss it as a mere easy way out, let's break down why this costume reigns supreme. 

1) It’s free – parenting is a game of financial acrobatics and forking out for the extravagant attire that could fund your next family holiday is the last thing most of us want to do. 

It’s quick. We’ve all spent WAY too long making Book Week costumes. Like that year I painstakingly made a Grug costume from crepe paper! (Tell me a child is a firstborn without telling me.) 

2) It fits the theme. 

"Read, Grow, Inspire," could easily be the slogan for your beloved bedtime ritual. When they read, kids don't merely consume words; they embark on a journey of growth and self-discovery. As they flip through the pages, they're cultivating not just literacy skills, but a lifelong affinity for learning. (I added that part for all the teachers reading). 

As Book Week looms on the horizon like a literary storm, remember that, sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest ones. 

Grab some PJs, pick a bedtime book, and BOOM. You’re done. 

You’re welcome. 

Originally published as I'm a lazy mum and here's my genius and free Book Week costume hack