Being Sane this Summer
A red bloom
Today is the start of the school holidays for the kids. They are on a month long vacation and really happy that school is out.
The kids will be with me 24/7 as they are not going to any summer camp or special classes during this holiday. Here is a list of 10 things which will help you remain sane while you tackle both your kids and the hot summer sun.
- Have a back up plan.
Have a list of activities which you are able to carry out with the kids on a daily basis irregardless of the weather conditions. I have two books which I refer to for activities for the kids. One is based on simple crafts while the other is on fun music games. - Stay Hydrated.
It is really easy to get dehydrated in the heat. Always remember to load up on water and other fluids all throughout the day. - Take time out to rest.
Kids move around non-stop and have boundless energy. Take time out throughout the day to recharge yourself. Even though the kids do have high energy levels they too need downtime when transitioning from one activity to another to make sure that there is no hassle in the switch. - Do not pack too many activities into a week.
It can be very exhausting going out everyday with the kids. To prevent a burnout or collapsing from exhaustion I schedule the maximum of 2 play dates a week so we do have a mixture of activities inside and outside the house. - Eat healthily.
It is very easy to load up on junk and/or fried food during Summer. Eat a balanced meal with lots of fruits and vegetable to help ensure that you stay in the pink of health. - Get the kids to help out.
It can be overwhelming having to do everything by yourself from the preparation to the execution of the different activities that you have planned. Every little helping hand does help a lot especially if one is very busy. Working together also makes time past faster. - Don’t be too hard on yourself.
It is okay if you didn’t get all that you intended to do with the kids done. Even though only 1 out of 6 activities were completed it is the effort that counts. I’m sure that the kids had a great time and will not blame you for not carrying out the other 5 activities.
- Stock up on medications.
It may be more difficult for you to head to the stores with all the kids in tow. If you are travelling do remember to pack along medications as you never know when the kids may fall sick and need aid.
- Stay connected.
Even though you may be more busy during the Summer vacation but it does pay to keep in contact with your friends and relatives. You never know when a good opportunity/idea may be presented to you via your various social channels that you subscribe to.
- Have fun
Summer is a time to let your hair down. There is no mugging for the school and you and the kids have the leisure to do activities at your own pace.
May 29, 2014 @ 9:04 pm
How true for us to remember! Hydrate, relax, plan, and have fun! These moments with our kids will be gone in a flash…better enjoy as much as we can! Happy summer 🙂
~stopping by from Mama Kat’s
May 29, 2014 @ 9:21 pm
Beautiful photo and great post for B ~ remember those days well ~ Happy Weekend to you ~ xoxo
artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
May 29, 2014 @ 10:28 pm
Love this, especially #7 – it’s kind of my mantra for this summer.
May 29, 2014 @ 11:44 pm
My kids have long since flown the coop, but this is good advice for anyone!
=)
May 30, 2014 @ 12:28 am
Very nice list of ways to stay balanced while keeping the kids busy!
May 30, 2014 @ 2:34 am
#10 is my favorite one. just simply have fun on whatever the plans this summer. Hopefully we could go out for like 1 week getaway.:)
May 30, 2014 @ 10:49 am
You are a great mom! I love number 10! After a study filled time at school a little fun is always in order. Enjoy this time with the kids and have a terrific weekend.
May 30, 2014 @ 11:57 am
Good advice. Even when my kids were in mid to late elementary school we did the rest in the afternoon thing. At the height of the heat outdoors, we would be inside with blinds pulled in one of their rooms reading together. One of my favorite parts of summer!
May 30, 2014 @ 12:18 pm
Great tips! I am always at wit’s end when my kids don’t go to summer classes 🙂
May 30, 2014 @ 7:19 pm
Great tips you have here! I always make sure that everyone stays hydrated. I always bring water when we leave home. It is important to put sunscreen lotions too to protect us from the heat.
May 30, 2014 @ 7:24 pm
Where were you when my kids had their six week holidays?
Have a great time xx
May 31, 2014 @ 2:33 am
Very interesting tips! Bet these would really be helpful for any parent so they would enjoy summer together with their kids!
May 31, 2014 @ 6:09 am
I’d be hunting around for parent-child activities and kids’ events (preferably free). Thanks for reminder to keep things simple. Trying to do everything kills all the fun doesn’t it?
May 31, 2014 @ 9:36 am
Great tips! Having a backup plan can really be a savior!
May 31, 2014 @ 4:41 pm
What a good post for the letter B! And those are some great summer tips!
June 4, 2014 @ 5:46 am
I’m not sure if I can be sane.
It’s already 110 degrees here!
ACCCCKKKK!!!!!
ACCCCKKKKKK!!!!
I love your ideas, though!
Thank you for linking.
A+