We adore our children. Really we do. They are the light of our lives and we cannot imagine life without them, but man are they hard work.
We adore our children. Really we do. They are the light of our lives and we cannot imagine life without them, but man are they hard work.
If you are suddenly consumed with anxiety regarding the kids being off for the summer, fear not – we feel you and there is definitely safety in numbers.
We like a routine around these parts. We like to know what is happening and when. It gives us a framework to work with and it makes parenting a little bit, dare I say, easier.
There is no shame in admitting that you may not want to spend every waking hour with all of your children. Summer time can feel like just that.
We’ve put our thinking caps on and actually we kind of just think that the below eight tips are exactly what you need to get through eight weeks of intense summer parenting.
You are welcome.
- Iced Coffee. Get on it. You NEED the caffeine fix now more than ever but the weather may be putting you off hot drinks. Grab yourself a cheap glass and straw from the pound shop and make a habit of sticking some ice in the freezer every night before you go to bed. Iced coffee in the comfort of your home is the perfect level of smug. It’s a bit of a treat and it’ll keep your eye lids open that little bit longer.
- Don’t do a to-do list every day. Do a to-do “thing”. Just one. If you can pick one thing and make it a given that it will be completed you will feel the workload lessen and the pressure fade away.
- Remember that you still need a lunch break and a tea “break”. OK so it’s a little more manic with your drew in tow, but it really is important to carve out a designated time to eat, drink and recharge the batteries before we go again. Make it a priority.
- If your kid’s clothes will get a second wear then pop them back in the wardrobe. There will be a lot of laundry this summer and every little helps.
- If you are going to be spending a lot of time at home try to make that space a nice place to be. Why not spend the first week of the summer de cluttering, deep-cleaning and making things a little friendlier for more family living. It could be as simple as rotating the toys and reassessing your storage solutions. More playing = more coffee breaks for you.
- Remember that we only show what want to show online. If Jennifer down the road is doing BBQ’s and Teddy Bear Picnics then good for her. But she is not you. Do it your way!
- Be mindful. Easier said than done but is this one of those experiences you dreamt about when the kids were small? Don’t be afraid to enjoy yourself and the beautiful company of those kids that adore you beyond words.
- There is a thin line between boredom and over-planning. Try to find a balance. Getting out of the house makes you appreciate being home more but over-booking yourself can make you feel overwhelmed and, well, broke. Sometimes a board game and some painting in the garden is all the kids need.
Written by Tracey Quinn staff writer at Family Friendly HQ. Tracey also blogs at www.loveofliving.ie
