7 tips for surviving summertime struggles

Summer holiday survival

You’ve managed to sort out the childcare headache for the summer holidays, congratulations this in itself is no mean feat.  Here’s to enjoying six weeks of carefree days, sun, sea and… screaming kids.

I remember it well the anticipation of sharing precious time with my 2 girls and yet there were some days when I couldn’t wait for school to be back.  Does this make me a bad mum? No, it makes me human!

I was fortunate enough to raise the girls before social media took over our lives; before everyone posted what a fantastic time they were having together, pictures of what they were eating, where they were staying - what we need to remember that it is just a snapshot, one moment in a 24 hour period that might not actually be anything like the photo posted on instagram would have you believe.

Often as parents, and as individuals, we feel that we are not good enough, that we are bad parents/people and that everyone else has got is sussed.  Truth is, you’re not and they haven’t! There is no real rule book on how to be a good parent, we’re all just winging it.  Some days are better than others, but we are all just trying to be the best parent we can be today.

If you’re struggling how to entertain the kids for the remaining few weeks why not give some of these a go, they don’t have to cost a lot of money, so what’s not to like?

1. Turn off from social media

Challenge the family (this includes the adults) to have a morning/afternoon/day free from social media/internet.  We as parents need to set an example, all too often we miss what is going on around us and not live in the moment because we’re so wrapped up in seeing what everyone else is up to.  We miss seeing, exploring and experiencing life as it happens.  We don’t need to take 20 photos or videos and post them to prove we’re having a good time, we can just live it!
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2. Board... games

The sun has gone into hiding, now what? Why not search through all the board games, packs of cards, lego, puzzles, colouring books and pens.  Each one of you choose a game and spend the day getting lost in the competition, closeness, rules of turn taking, laughing together as a family.  I often used this opportunity to realise which games the girls had grown out of, or maybe giving them an opportunity to simply play again, as all to often they want to be racing ahead onto the next stage. (No console/phone in sight)

​3. Making dens

Using a bed sheet/duvet cover, blankets and pillows, not forgetting a bucket full of pegs, why not make a den together?  We’d peg the sheets to a couple of chairs, or use the sofa cushions to hold the sheet in place and make a tent.  This often ended up sparking their imaginations; we became pirates and used cushion on the floor as stepping stones to get from one side of the room to the other without being eaten by crocodiles!  As a reward we’d have a picnic in our den - usually some fruit chopped up and a glass of squash.

4. Movie memories

Movie/duvet days are also great fun.  Snuggle up under the duvet together and watch a movie.  The kids will love the fact that you’re there with them, these are the precious memories that will be remembered.  The chores can wait, and it’s far cheaper than going to the cinema.

5. Fresh air
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Take the kids out, even if it’s raining! This doesn’t mean paying a fortune. Walk around the area where you live, go to the beach/woods/park. Kick a ball around together, jump in puddles. Get them to pick up twigs, leaves, feathers and then when you get home use these treasures to make a picture of your outing.  You don’t need glitter and paint, nature has provided you with all you need, that and some encouragement and imagination.

6. Unleash the artist

When the sun does come back out, there’s always chalk drawings on pavements (the rain will soon wash them away again) or using an old paintbrush and some water, ‘paint’ a picture onto the path before the sun dries it up.

7. And... bake!
Bake with the kids.  It doesn’t have to feature on the Great British Bake-off or Masterchef, but the skills, time and concentration needed to weigh, measure, mix, stir, laugh, get covered in flour - obviously optional - along with the fun, laughs and connection with each other will be remembered for a long time. 

It’s ok for your children to be bored, you’re not there to entertain them all day, every day.  When children become bored, and with a little bit of direction they begin to use their imaginations, to create, explore and discover - all of which are precious life skills.


I’m not Mary Poppins, nor do I profess to be the best mum around, or know all the answers.  However, I do remember some of the cheap, easy and fun things we did together.  It’s about quality time together and reminding yourself you’re doing an ok job and that you are good enough.

If you have any other tips, why not share them below in the comments.

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