School holidays plus working from home can be challenging.
So, I’ve got seven tips to keep you and your kids sane this summer.
This isn’t about having lots of things planned, this is about setting realistic expectations and taking the pressure off you.
Sounds good right?
The build up
If you’re like me, the school holidays will be marked on your calendar or phone.
And when I see those blue lines taking up half of July and ALL of August, I have to admit, initial panic sets in of ‘what shall we do.’
In truth, there isn’t much we can do, not when I’ve got work.
My kids are now 15 and 13, so they understand I’ve got to work.
To them this means sleeping in until mid-day, opening the fridge door 20 times in the afternoon claiming ‘there’s nothing to eat’ then popping off to see their mates.
When they were younger it was much harder.
They would spend so much time on their X-Box / Play station and I used to feel bad for letting them.
But, they were interacting with their friends, and were happy, so why would I take it away from them?
stop the guilt
My aim was to have lunch with them or spend an hour during the day together, either watching TV or just chilling.
Sometimes we’d go for a walk together; fresh air is good for the soul and breaks the day up. Even though they moaned about going.
One thing I refused to do was feel guilty.
It’s a waste of energy.
I’d spent enough mum years feeling guilty, especially when they were in nursery full time back when I was office-based and employed.
Instead I decided to focus on my happiness and wellbeing.
This may seem counterintuitive, but believe me, little pockets of time to yourself during the day will be the best thing you can do for YOU and your kids.
My little pockets of time included;
-Reiki practise
-Journaling
-Reading
-Shutting my door and laying on the floor (such a simple thing but totally works)
-Speaking to other Mums to moan, I mean share
-Getting out for a walk on my own when the hubby gets home.
I took control, because I knew I was and I am the creator of my time & space.
And when I look after myself and tend to my needs, I have more energy, I’m balanced & happier, which means there is less shouting, less stress & less guilt.
A happy Mum = happier kids.
Seven Tips to keep you sane, I mean happy
I’ve been through quite a few more summer holidays since then with the kids and I’ve come to terms with a few things that do make it easier.
So I thought I’d share these with you.
These are based on my personal experiences and will hopefully help you get through the Summer Holidays unscathed and on good-ish terms with your kids.
1. Lower your expectations.
There’s no point going into the six weeks with a full, normal weekly to-do list.
It’ll just add extra pressure for you.
Speak to your boss, tell them the situation and see if they can relax the rules a bit.
2. Strip back that to-do list.
Does everything really need to be on there?
Like, really?
Only focus on the necessary.
This isn’t a time to be planning your next big career move or finalising an important work project.
3. Accept messiness.
Your home will get messy and the fridge will be opened 15 times a day.
Nobody is judging your housekeeping skills.
Where you can, stock up the fridge, and cupboards.
Put a lock on them if needs be!
4. Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier.
Depending on what time your kids get up, wake up 30 mins or even an hour before they do.
Enjoy some quiet time.
Relax, watch your fave TV series.
Practise Reiki or meditate.
Move, read, do some weights.
Journal and get down all your thoughts and frustration on paper.
Whatever helps.
5. Prepare.
Preparation is key when it comes to kids.
So you’ve already got your cupboard and fridge stocked, now its time to make the lunches the night before.
If you’re really organised you could prepare something for them to do the next day.
But lets face it, kids will do what they want to do, not what we suggest to them.
6. Factor in some family time.
Even if it’s just thirty minutes or an hour of going for a walk together.
Hit the local coffee shop or shops – it’s a break from the norm and gets you all out of the house.
Maybe pop to your local Home & Bargain or B&M, it always feels like something different.
And, if the kids have been good buy them a cheap toy, sweets, chocolate, gift, something that’ll entertain them for a few hours in the afternoon.
7. Ask for help.
It’s probably one of the hardest things to do, but it will make you feel better.
Whether it’s someone to talk to, to keep you sane or to watch the kids.
I know you’re not going to leave the cleaning – even I struggle on this one.
But please remember;
Ask
For
Help.
And if all else fails, go outside, close your eyes, count to ten and take some very deep breaths!
You’ve got this.
Learning Reiki will help you to find calm in chaos, so you can be present and enjoy time your kids. Not just in the holidays, but all the time.
If this sounds like something you need, then join the Reiki revolution and learn Original Japanese Reiki. The course takes place online over two days on LIVE Zoom calls. Then you’ll be fully supported for a further three weeks as you begin a 21 Day Journey so you can explore the practises on a deeper level and receive a further empowerment. Click here to find out more.
Or, if you’re ready to learn then book a discovery call and let’s get started!
Subscribe to receive the latest blogs.
