As I write this, my kids and I have been together for 3 weeks (without my husband), so we’re pretty much over each other. Of course, not really, but you know what I mean.
I actually LOVE the school holidays, because I think it’s really important for kids to have a break and I love spending time with my kids.
However, sometimes it can be stressful: kids get sick, kids fight, the weather is crap, blah blah blah. The school holidays can sometimes feel like you’re trapped, but I want you to know you’re not.
Even if you don’t have a lot of money, these are all things you can do to help you (the parent) keep sane during the school holidays. Because lets be honest, kids don’t need much to keep them interested and we all know that it’s ok for kids to be bored …
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Firstly let me say that I think it’s REALLY important for kids to have down-time from the hustle and bustle of school. Learning can be very tiring, so don’t feel stressed if you don’t have every single day planned out. Of course, you know your own child and sometimes the child LOVES it – so just remember not to feel pressure to do anything…
1. HAVE MANDATORY BREAK TIMES
10am – break time. 1pm – break time. During these break times, the kids can play quietly together, or go to their bedrooms. WHATEVER – just take a break from each other. This will give you an opportunity to hopefully have a coffee, or check your Facebook (LOL).
2. GO FOR A RIDE / WALK
Get on your bikes and go for a ride, or go for a walk. You don’t need to drive anywhere to do this, just walk out of your driveway and down the street. You don’t even have to go far – just walk to the end of the road. The fresh air will do everyone well.
3. BAKE
I know baking can be messy, but just remember that whatever you bake, your kids probably won’t eat. So make sure you bake something delicious so that you can scoff the lot later.
4. CLOSE THE DOOR
Don’t forget that if you need to escape for a quick moment, please utilise the toilet. Or the laundry., Or anywhere you can shut the door and get a quick couple of minutes peace.
5. NETFLIX IS YOUR FRIEND
Or the TV. Or even a DVD. Utilise what you have at your disposal. Remember that your kids have been at school for a long time and that it’s ok if they sit down and watch a movie.
6. LOCAL PLAYGROUNDS
These are a godsend. Walk to your local playground, or take a drive. You can set your kids free and then check your Facebook / Snapchat (whilst keeping an eye on your kids though, you’re not a monster!).
7. BEING BORED IS OK
As I mentioned above, research has shown that being bored is good for kids – because it means they use their imagination. So don’t stress about entertaining the kids 24/7. They will survive! You can always check out my Activities for Kids page and set up an activity too ..
8. OPEN THE OTHER DOOR
Open the doors to the house and set your kids free. If it’s raining, just pop a rain coat on your kid … getting wet isn’t the end of the world. This will also give you an opportunity to have a quick coffee (if you can) and check Facebook / Snapchat (LOL).
9. PLAN OUTTINGS
You don’t have to stay at home the whole time. Of course doing things around your local town / city is a great idea. Go to your local playground, or perhaps a bike park. If you feel brave enough go to the movies together. You can even plan a trip to Kmart to “look around”. It really is a great way to get the energy out of your kids.
10. FAMILY / FRIENDS
Utilise your family, if you have them around. Book a day where the kids go to their Grandparents house. Or perhaps make a playdate with friends. Coming together with other parents is sometimes very therapeutic.
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Like I said above – you guys know your kids best. Some kids LOVE going out and having loads to do, whilst others like being at home. Mine personally like a mix of things. We love being at home and going out every now-and-then.
Just remember there is no right or wrong. You do what you can to survive, and if it means DVDs 24/7 who cares haha
How do you survive the school holidays?
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