We’ve all been there, that feeling of impending doom when we realise that the children’s summer holidays have again crept up on us unannounced, followed by a sense of panic as you wonder just what you’re going to do with your children over the six weeks’ holiday.

When we have children, it’s easy to build up a routine, so when the summer holidays do raise their head, it can seem like there’s so much to consider. I have a theory about this and make a consicous decision that the summer holidays don’t have to be associated with stress and panic.

Children Don’t Worry About Money, So Neither Should You

During the holidays, it’s not unusual to have a series of requests fired off at you, all more expensive than the last. Instead of buckling under the pressure and turning the summer holidays are a financial commitment, think of some free alternatives that can be allow children to spread their wings.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a day out at the zoo or amusement park, but children only need two things to prosper outside, and that’s space and freedom. So if you have a local park, make full use of its facilities. A big park nearby, then why not schedule a picnic?

The summer holidays are not about how much money you’re able to spend on your children, but how much quality time you can instil into the school holidays. As such, children are very rarely going to hold you to account as to how much their day out cost.

Just Go with The Flow

When the children are off school, it’s very easy to try and come up with some sort of schedule to ensure the children are fully entertained at all times. However, while having a number of activities prepared can only be a good thing, try not to instil a heavy schedule onto the children themselves.

Of course, ensure you still employ your own rules around the home as you normally would, but remember children are having a break, so the last thing they need is more schedules to contend with.

Instead, why not have a few days where you watch some family films, or have them lounge in a paddling pool in the garden?

Remember, just because you may not be doing what other parents are doing from a financial point of view, it doesn’t mean that your children are enjoying themselves any less. Children are programmed to have fun, it’s a default setting and a child can make fun of almost any situation as long as they are given the tools.

Enjoy!

The summer holidays are not only for your children to enjoy some relaxing time, but also for parents to spend some real quality time with their children, that’s just not possible when they’re attending school. As such, you should ensure that you enjoy the time as much as your children do. This state of mind not only allows for greater clarity, but it also ensures that you are not left exhausted and stressed by the thought of it all. 

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