Surviving The Summer Holidays During a Pandemic

The pandemic has made prioritising certain things a challenge. Most of us had to work from home, attend appointments on our own, experience the joys of home schooling as well as doing household chores, running errands or constantly doing the laundry. Those months became really overwhelming and would often leave me feeling completely exhausted. It was tough. Thankfully the lockdown is easing up just as we say goodbye to the school year and welcome the summer holidays - and we couldn't be happier.



Understandably most of us are not quite sure what to expect and feel pretty anxious about the thought of keeping our little ones busy and entertained over the next six weeks. Even if some places are opening back up, we will likely still be socially distancing and wearing mask. So how do we survive the summer holidays during a pandemic?

Book a Staycation, You Deserve It!

With many of us resigned to the fact that we won't be able to head abroad this summer due to the pandemic causing travel havoc, most of us are booking staycations. And if you made it through home schooling, you deserved a little break. We enjoyed our staycation to North Yorkshire

Sometimes we overlook some of the beautiful, historic and fascinating places that surround us waiting to be discovered. Honestly, we should all be booking more staycations. Spend time together making special plans for activities each day of your staycation, not forgetting that most attractions will need to be booked in advanced

Maintain a Routine. 

If home schooling your children has taught you anything, you will know the importance of maintaining a routine. By keeping some kind of structure to your days with regular mealtimes and bedtimes will help keep children happy and healthy. For the summer, involve your children in the process of creating their schedule for the day. It will make them feel as if they are in control and are likely to stick to their schedule. Every day after breakfast my daughter will write a list of five activities she wants to do during the day - it is such a great way to keep her focused and engaged

Embrace the Boredom.

Embrace boredom? Yep, absolutely. As many of us had to home school our children the cries of “I’m bored” are like a recurring parental nightmare on a constant loop. Boredom in children is common and something that every parent, teacher and sane adult wants to avoid. But allow them to be bored now and again, believe it or not - it's actually good for them. Boredom in children is essential for their mental and emotional development; by allowing them to bored actually encourages their imagination and creativity. Go on, give it a try!


Relax and Unwind.

With everything that is going on in the world, most of us feel out of sorts and way more stressed than usual. When you're feeling overwhelmed, take the time to take a minute, breath, and focus as this can really help you deal with difficult emotions and worries. During this pandemic relaxation techniques have really help my anxiety - breathing techniques, meditation, reading and blogging are the best ways to keep those feeling in check. So relax and unwind - its the summer holidays. 

Stay Connected.

Our day to day life has really changed, but we all have adapted to our new normal. Staying connected with friends and family was so important for us to keep going and now that the restrictions are slowly easing we will continue to stay connected with family and friends. Try schedule a socially distanced 'bring your own' picnic, go walking in the park or make a virtual play date with your own friends, or perhaps your child's school friends. 


Adventure Outdoors.

As long as you follow the social distancing rules and mask wearing, having playdates with families who are on the same page when it comes to the safety rules can be a welcoming break. If you're unsure that things are safe at the moment, then go to open spaces and adventure outdoors. We have found of the best little spots that enable us to explore, but was safe enough for us to feel at ease and comfortable. 

Appreciate the Little Things.

Farms, theme parks, zoos and soft play areas are all wonderful. But there are times that children may just want to spend time with you. Over the past few months we have had the best time relishing in all the moments we have made during this lockdown. The lockdown baking, crafts, spending time in the garden playing games. Simple childhood fun.

How will you survive the summer holidays?

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