That time is nearly upon us again and for some is already here. Cries of “where did that year go?” heard from many passing parents and lots of smiles and fist punches from the school children soon to be given their freedom for six weeks.
There has been a lot of talk about school holidays changing and I have no doubt that the summer holidays will eventually be cut short. Six weeks is a long time, I accept that, but I love it. I love the summer holidays. I love the freedom of lazy mornings, not having to drag my children into uniform and battling with their hair. For a few weeks, there will be no more morning grumpiness or shouting over breakfast.
Instead there will be calm, sitting around in pyjamas, breakfast on the patio (if it doesn’t rain), day trip and picnics. It doesn’t matter if it rains but sunshine would be lovely. I’m sure that there will be arguments; my boys can only be nice to each other for so long and my little diva always gets squawky when she’s not the centre of attention or tired, but it doesn’t matter. Everything seems easier for us without the constraints of the school day.
I know that I am lucky. Being a work at home mum, I don’t have the headache of finding childcare for the holiday and I know how expensive it is too. I also have my husband at home most of the time which can be a godsend at times.
I hear so many parents moaning about the summer holidays; the length, the cost, having to find things to do and sometimes just having to spend time with their children, but why not embrace the time. Children grow up so quickly that they probably won’t want to spend the holidays with you when they are teenagers. The holidays don’t have to be stressful; the internet is full of budget ideas to keep the children amused. Try having a boredom box filled with things to do. Rotate different games and toys for them to play with. A good sized paddling pool is worth hours of fun and they have really come down in price this year.
Summer holidays are time for some quality family time. Money is always tight this time of year, so budgeting is essential and we try to do things that cost no or little money. Planning is key and we always have a plan of the things that we want to do and a rough idea when we want to do them.
The most important thing is that we always look back on our summer holidays fondly for months and years afterwards. Happy days.
Bring it on, I can’t wait. See you at the beach.
What a great post. I love the summer but sometimes I dread the holidays. Last year we spent the summer in Florida so this year is going to be a little different. We’re at home and although I have lots of things for them to do I’m not sure it will be quite as exciting as meeting Buzz Lightyear! I am looking forward to lazy time though, not getting up and having to force them into uniforms is definitely a bonus.
If the sun sticks around I think the beach will have to be on the cards! 🙂
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Thank you. Yes the beach is lovely and we go when we can. Florida sounds amazing, I would love to take mine there
Being also a wham I love the Summer holidays, it is a very special time that I love sharing with my two boys. Come the end of it and I am very grateful for the extra time I am regaining, but until then I try and make the most of every day. You are right they grow up quickly enough so let’s try and enjoy all the time we have with them.
It is definitely one of the positives of working from home although I don’t get much work done when they are here
I’m totally with you, I love the summer holidays! The slower pace of life is so welcome and I love that we get a whole six weeks to unwind. It wouldn’t have the same benefits if it was cut down to three or four weeks, although I’m sure it would be better for their education. We’re not very good at planning stuff and boredom busting ideas and we don’t have a paddling pool, but we muddle through just fine 🙂
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You don’t have to plan though, it is nice to be spontaneous too. My husband likes to plan a daily schedule but that hasn’t happened this year as it is too prescriptive for me.We have a list but will work it out as we go along