🎤 From “Not a Swiftie” (Apparently) to “Okay… Maybe Just a Little Bit”
I’ve always liked Taylor Swift’s music — who hasn’t? But I never considered myself a Swiftie. The first (and only) album I ever bought was 1989, and even then it was more curiosity than devotion. My musical heart has always leaned in to country: Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, Luke Combs Jordan Davis, Lee Brice, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs (again) My playlist is basically a country loop with a lot of Luke. 😅
But then came the Eras Tour.
We didn’t go, but that didn’t stop Taylor Swift from taking over our home. During that time, R discovered Taylor’s music and became utterly, completely obsessed. And when you’re raising a child with ASD, you learn all about “intense interests.” R’s current obsession? Taylor. It’s not just a phase — it’s her whole world right now. She literally eats, sleeps, and breathes Taylor.
🎶 The “Taylorfied” Home Ed Life
As a home-educating mum, I’ve learned that the key to engagement is making everything interesting and relevant. And nothing is more relevant in our house right now than Taylor Swift.
Here’s what “Taylorfied learning” looks like for us:
Maths: “Work out the total revenue from ticket sales from the Wembley leg of the Eras Tour, and calculate the average ticket price.” Suddenly multiplication and division feel exciting.
English: “Listen to The Fate of Ophelia — what story is Taylor telling in the lyrics? Can you write a short scene inspired by it?” We’ve had some incredible creative writing sessions sparked by a single verse.
Geography: “Research the countries Taylor visited on the Eras Tour — write 10 interesting facts about each one.” It’s international learning disguised as pop culture fun.
History & Culture: Discussing the different cities’ cultural landmarks and traditions has led to mini history lessons I never even planned.
Art & Design: Creating posters, friendship bracelets, and album-inspired decorations for our “Taylor listening parties.”
And let’s not forget F. She’s younger, but curiosity is contagious. Soon enough, she was joining in, and now both girls are Taylor devotees. The car ride rules are strict: Taylor only. If I dare put on Luke Combs, there’s instant protest. At first, I grumbled… but now, I actually enjoy it.
💃 Family Moments, Taylor Style
Some of the best moments have nothing to do with schoolwork. They happen while we’re just being a family.
Jumping around the kitchen to Taylor’s latest tracks while we prep snacks for movie night.
Sitting in the car, singing at full volume, making up dance moves only we understand.
R and F helping to make their own glittery “concert jumpers” using my Cricut, iron-on vinyl, and a LOT of glitter. It’s chaos, it’s sticky, and it’s utterly magical.
It’s moments like these that make me realise the real power of music — how it brings people together, sparks creativity, and even teaches lessons in patience (and glitter removal).
✨ The Life of a Showgirl: Mum Edition
And then The Life of a Showgirl came along.
I’ll admit it: this album has quickly become one of my favourites of all time. Bold, cinematic, clever, and full of heart — it’s unlike anything else I’ve listened to recently. I catch myself humming along in the shower, making secret mental playlists, and thinking about lyric breakdowns late at night.
I still wouldn’t call myself a die-hard Swiftie… not yet. But it’s creeping up on me. Slowly, subtly, and in the most fun way possible.
💖 Lessons from a Swiftie (Sort Of) Mum
What I love most about this experience is how it’s reshaped our home-ed life. I’ve learned that:
Engagement is everything — and sometimes it comes in the form of pop songs and glittery crafts.
Music can bridge the gap between parent and child in unexpected ways.
Intense interests aren’t just obsessions; they can be a powerful tool for learning.
Sometimes, the thing you resist the most ends up surprising you.
So here I am — a mum who thought she wasn’t a Swiftie — slowly discovering just how clever, lyrical, and downright magical Taylor’s music really is. And honestly? I’m kind of enjoying the ride.