Mother's column – playing the energy game

Last weekend, winter returned to Central Europe. It snowed for two days, and temperatures dropped below the freezing point. We had to turn on the heater again because temperatures were already spring-like the days before.

Bedtime for Reinout. Before going upstairs, I give him a clean diaper. That may sound like a routine job, but it can be quite challenging to change a nappy. While holding Reinout in a vice grip, I shout: "Jan! I need the nappy wipes. And can you bring the pot of Sudocrem as well? And Reinout, please stay down for a while!"

Her name is Melissa, and she has a head full of silver-grey coloured curls with pink highlights. She asks me how I want my hair to be done. "I want to donate it", I say, "but I still want to be able to wear my hair in a ponytail after cutting." There is no specification for when hair is classified as long, but a tail is a bare minimum for me.