How to keep sane this Summer
This is going to be a testing Summer for us all this year. The kids have already been at home for 14 weeks. Those lovely holidays that we had planned for are now a distant dream (As I write this blog we should have been enjoying nearly a months holiday touring America!) Rules on what we can do, where we can go and who we can meet appear to be changing on a daily basis so it's important to stay positive.
Here are some tips for dealing with this very unusual Summer
1 Stay Active = Regular exercise and fresh air is so good for us all not just physically but mentally. Whether you want to kick a football around the garden, go on a family walk, swim in the sea (go on, I dare you!) It doesn't have to be anything planned or fancy. Anything is better than nothing!
2 Variety is the spice of life = Normally I love structure but it's important to differentiate what we did during home schooling to what we do in the "holidays" to make everyone feel like they have had a change. It will also help to alleviate boredom. If you fancy sitting in your PJs until lunch time, learning something new, having a treasure hunt in the house - go for it!
3 Do things you are normally too busy for = with weeks and weeks of school holidays you have time to do the things you normally are too busy for or can't do if you are away on holiday. If you have always wanted to re-do your bedroom, sort out the play room, try out some recipes in those books that are gathering dust or even build a tent out of sheets and blankets, camp in the back garden etc now is the time.
4 Take time for yourself = if you are trying to juggle working from home and entertaining the kids, you are doing a wonderful job. Don't put yourself under too much pressure. It's great to spend family time together but it is OK to want a bit of time to yourself. You might want to relax in a bath, watch a box set etc I took up the couch to 5K to give me something to do on my own and I have to say I have become addicted to it. Not only has my fitness level increased but I actually feel so much better getting out on my own!
5 Lower your expectations = we have been spending so much time in our homes and those once tidied, organised rooms have become messy again. Don't worry, it's fine. Likewise, I always think in the school holidays I should have every day planned with outings to various places but I've had to admit to myself that this is not as easy this Summer - museums, swimming pools, tourist attractions are still shut and the annual Edinburgh Festival that we normally love to go and watch various shows in has been cancelled. I was stressing the other day that we were going to be stuck in the house all day as it was pouring and then realised my kids were quite happy just watching TV, playing board games and playing with their friends on the XBox. Their childhood will not be effected by a few non-planned days!
Remember, this is hopefully only going to be one Summer that is different from the usual so enjoy it as best you can. The kids will be back to school before we know it (hopefully!)
CalEli Gifts has a range of colouring books and kids activity packs to help keep everyone entertained over the holidays.