Surviving The Kids Summer Holidays
Surviving and Thriving During Your Kids’ Summer Holidays: A Parent’s Guide
Summer holidays can be both a blessing and a challenge for parents. The excitement of having your kids around more often is paired with the reality of keeping them entertained, engaged, and out of trouble for weeks on end. It’s a time to make memories, but it can also be exhausting. Here’s how to cope—and even thrive—during your kids’ summer break.
1. Create a Flexible Routine
Kids thrive on routine, and sticking to some kind of daily plan can make summer holidays more manageable. For instance, starting the day with a family breakfast, if possible, helps get kids up at a regular time and gives them a sense of stability while allowing them to make the most of each day.
Pro tip: Use a weekly planner to map out activities. It helps everyone know what to expect, and it’s easier to coordinate playdates, outings, and quiet days at home.
2. Embrace Outdoor Activities
Summer is the perfect time to get your kids outside. Parks, beaches, hiking trails, and playgrounds offer endless opportunities for fun. Not only does outdoor play tire them out (hello, easy bedtime!), but it’s also a great way to explore nature, stay active, and soak up some sunshine.
Pro tip: Create a “summer adventure list” with your kids, featuring different parks, nature reserves, or local attractions to visit each week. It builds excitement and anticipation while keeping them engaged.
3. Get Creative with Indoor Activities
Rainy days or extreme heat can keep you indoors, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Set up arts and crafts stations, bake together, or have a family movie marathon. You could also introduce them to new hobbies like cooking, gardening, or even simple DIY projects.
Pro tip: Keep a box of craft supplies, board games, and puzzles ready for when boredom strikes. Rotating toys and activities can also make old things feel new again.
4. Involve Them in Planning
Kids love to feel included, and giving them a say in what activities to do can boost their enthusiasm. Whether it’s deciding what to eat for a picnic or choosing the next book to read together, letting them make decisions helps develop their planning skills and makes them more invested in the day’s activities.
Pro tip: Create a “choose-your-own-adventure” day where they pick from a list of activities. It can be as simple as deciding between a day at the pool or a trip to the zoo.
5. Balance Downtime and Activity
It’s easy to feel like you need to fill every minute with activities, but downtime is crucial too. Kids need time to relax, recharge, and even get bored. Boredom can spark creativity and independence, so don’t be afraid to let them have some unstructured time.
Pro tip: Designate specific times for quiet activities like reading, drawing, or playing independently. This helps balance high-energy moments with calm, restorative periods.
6. Enlist Help and Share the Load
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s arranging playdates with other parents, signing the kids up for a day camp, or leaning on grandparents, sharing the load can give you some much-needed breathing space. It also provides your kids with the opportunity to interact with others and experience new environments.
Pro tip: Form a parent network where you can rotate playdate hosting duties. It’s a win-win situation—your kids stay entertained, and you get some time to yourself.
7. Keep Learning Fun and Light
The summer slide is real, but learning doesn’t have to stop just because school’s out. Keep their minds active with fun educational activities like museum visits, science experiments at home, or even simple math games during grocery shopping. It’s all about sneaking in learning without them realizing it.
Pro tip: Use apps or online resources that offer fun, educational games. They can learn while having fun, and you can get a moment of peace.
8. Prioritise Self-Care
Caring for your kids during summer break can be draining, so it’s crucial to take care of yourself too. Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s reading, exercising, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. When you’re well-rested and happy, it’s easier to handle the demands of parenting.
Pro tip: Wake up a little earlier or stay up a bit later to carve out some personal time. Even just 15 minutes a day can make a big difference in your mood and energy levels.
9. Be Realistic and Let Go of Perfection
It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to create the perfect summer for your kids. However, not every day needs to be an Instagram-worthy adventure. Some days, it’s okay to relax at home and let the kids watch TV or play on their own. Embrace the messy, imperfect moments—they often turn into the most cherished memories.
Pro tip: Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment, rather than striving for perfection. Enjoy the small victories and laugh off the mishaps.
Final Thoughts
Summer holidays with your kids can be both exhilarating and exhausting, but with a bit of planning and a lot of flexibility, you can make it through with your sanity intact. The key is to balance activity with downtime, involve your kids in the planning, and remember to take care of yourself too. And don't forget, everyone loves a picnic in the summer, especially kids, so make sure you include several in your planning.
Happy summer!