Summer can be great, but it can also be loaded with stress, particularly if you are balancing work with childcare as well as the usual house admin tasks. Add to that the pressure of entertaining children and potential summer heat, and you've got a real pressure cooker on the boil. Here are our top tips for coping with the summer holidays, including how to find some valuable me-time, and even how to help your kids learn while not in school.
Let your children explore their creativity
It's important to encourage your children to be creative during the summer holidays. This can help them avoid boredom while staying active. There are plenty of ways to do this, such as setting up arts and crafts stations, providing materials for outdoor play, or taking them on trips to places like museums or parks. And remember, you don't need to entertain children 24/7; it is healthy for them to spend some time entertaining themselves.
Activities on a budget
The summer holidays can be an expensive time, but there are plenty of free activities out there. Take advantage of good weather to explore local parks and green spaces, and make the most of local museums on rainy days; they are often free or offer a subsidised entrance fee.
Take time to unplug
We need time to relax and recharge our batteries, or we'll never make it through the summer unscathed. Speak to friends about swapping childcare responsibilities so you each get to spend some valuable time alone. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child.
Try different meal options
One of the best things about the summer holidays is that there's no school lunch to worry about! But that doesn't mean mealtimes have to be a bore. Why not try some different meal options to keep things interesting? You could have a picnic in the park, or make some simple but tasty BBQ dishes. And don't forget to involve the kids in the cooking process - it'll be fun for them and take some of the pressure off you.
Learn while you play
There are plenty of fun and educational places to visit locally, such as museums and galleries. Bug hunting, treasure trails, and visiting the library are all great, free, ways to keep your kids' minds active during the summer break.
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