Summer Holidays

The summer holidays are upon us and whatever you have planned this can be a highly pressurised time of year. Unless you are lucky enough to work term-time you may have work and childcare to juggle. You are trying to balance rest and organised activities to keep children occupied. You are feeling guilty about the amount of screen time they are having. Financially, you may be feeling under increased pressure to pay for additional activities and meals out etc.

We can feel under immense pressure to have the picture-perfect summer that everyone else seems to be having, when the reality is that it is messy and disorganised and you are navigating managing your own sanity alongside everyone else’s.

You will have one eye on the incoming new academic year. Have you got all the uniform you need? Are children going to be rested enough to face the demands of the long autumn/winter term? Are you going to be ready for the return to routine when it comes around?

Planning is often the key, feeling on top of what is happening from one day to the next. I find it helpful to stick weekly planner sheets on the wall so I can visually see what is coming next.

We can neglect ourselves massively during the summer months. When you’re conscious that the kids need to eat more fruit, make sure you are making that fruit plate for yourself as well. Notice the times you put your needs at the bottom of the pile and be prepared to change that up. If you need something, let the kids know. You are modelling how they can advocate for their needs by doing this.

If you need to be reminded – not every moment has to be filled. If you think back to your own childhood how much of the summer holidays were you occupied with something to do? I bet there were vast swathes of time where you were left to make your own entertainment and often these can be just as joyful as the moments where you were out and about doing something pre-planned. Often, the moments where children have to get creative through boredom are the times when they get to know themselves and the things they truly like to do.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Too often, especially when we are people-pleasers, we are reluctant to ask for help. If there is someone who you can leave the children with while you go for a walk to clear your head or to meet up with a friend, you should do it. You’ll come back a better parent for having had some time for yourself.

You don’t have to earn rest. You are entitled to it. Your body and mind need it. So put the film on that the kids have watched hundreds of times and take your place on the sofa.

For those needing additional counselling support, I am here, as ever. Maybe you need that circuit break through the week to take the time for yourself. Maybe you need time away from your family to chat things through with someone independent. You aren’t alone and support is here.