Well, here we are, already a few weeks into the school holidays. How’s it going so far for you? Are you relishing the extra time with your family? Or tearing your hair out wondering just how you’re going to limp through to the end, at a loss for what to do to entertain the all-to-energetic rabble?
If you’re in the latter camp, we hear you! And the weather isn’t helping much, right? It’s either scorching hot and too warm to wander outdoors or drizzling miserably and keeping the kids cooped up inside when they could be out playing.
Throw in work commitments and life admin, and you’re probably in a tailspin trying to make it all work.
The good news is, a few simple tweaks here and there can really do wonders.
Make time for your interests
It’s so easy to fill your diary with things your kids want to do (while juggling work and everything else!). But it’s really important that you keep in touch with your own interests. Even if it’s carving out a little time and space in your day for something that nourishes you and lifts you up. Half an hour will suffice. Something, is most definitely better than nothing. There’s a time for shared interests with the children, but you also need some YOU time. Schedule it in and stick to it.
Plan meetups
It goes without saying that you’ve probably arranged a few playdates during the summer hols. But playdates can work both ways. In fact, they must! Focus on meetups with children and parents you genuinely enjoy spending time with. Who says the kids get to dictate the terms of the get-together? Having a coffee and a chat with a friendly face can make all the difference and – particularly after COVID – meeting people face to face gives us energy and helps relieve any of the burdens and stresses of having to cope with the kids during summer.
Give yourself a break
It’s easy to say but a lot harder to do. And that’s not feeling guilty if every day of your child’s summer isn’t filled with wholesome, uplifting, educational activities they love all the time. In an ideal world, we could throw off the shackles of our usual routine and spend it with the kids, doing arts and crafts or spending hours at the beach or in the countryside. But if you can’t do that, don’t beat yourself up about it. You’re only human. No matter what other parents’ bustling social media accounts say, they’re probably grinding it out as much as you most days.
Make time for your physical wellbeing and self-care
Pressing pause on your physical health and wellbeing while the children are at home is a bad idea. Sure, you’re busy, but a healthy, happy parent is the best thing your child can have… so it’s ok to put your physical and emotional needs first from time to time. Take a moment to enjoy some physical exercise, whether it’s a walk with the kids or exercising at home. Get your blood pumping (although kids have a way of doing that without exercise!).
Stay on top of your supplements
This is not the right time of year to allow your supplement supplies to deplete! You’re going to need all the help you can get! Keep your energy and brain function levels where they should be by enriching your diet with whole grains, leafy greens and seeds, upping your vitamin B intake and making supplemental oxygen a daily part of your routine.
