Tips and Tricks for getting through the holiday season- The Ultimate Parent Guide

Tips and tricks for getting through the holiday season- the ultimate parent guide

Getting started

Kids are off and summer has officially started but the summer break can be stressful and expensive. Parents are expected to keep their children happy, busy and out of trouble for the next 6 weeks. We can’t promise an entirely smooth Summer, however, we can help you get through it and even help the parents have some fun too. Within this blog, we will go through some of the best tips and tricks for getting through this summer as well as giving you lots of ideas to keep busy with the kids.

Here is your guide to a carefree summer.

Plan and prepare! 

There is a common misconception that spontaneity is the real secret of having a great summer. Every year summer sneaks up on us and it is very easy to feel unprepared and anxious about the summer ahead. We believe that creating a plan will prepare you for the summer and also help you prepare for the fun.

Amazon Kids journals*- Turn planning into a fun activity with the kids with these Amazon Kids journals. They allow you to plan what activities you will do each day, whilst also letting you know what the kids are wanting to do. This allows you to create surprises for them but you are still able to be prepared. You can even turn this into a scrapbook or a bucket list for the summer and then keep it to remember all the fun you had over the summer to look back on. 

The Best Summer Ever: Adventure journal and sketch book*

A planner* is also helpful as you can hang this up for everyone to see what is coming up. We have found this causes fewer tantrums as there are no unexpected activities the kids do not want to do. A planner can also help parents who need to keep track of childcare throughout the summer. If you are having to juggle work and looking after the kids a planner can help you stay organised and give you peace of mind.

Always have backup activities

As we all know British summers are notorious for the rainy days. Sometimes it does not matter how much you prepare and plan when the weather suddenly starts to pour with rain. When it rains you don’t want to be stuck with no ideas and risk the dreaded ‘I’m bored’ complaint from the kids. That is why we recommend also having some backup rainy day activities. These can be cheap but also lots of fun. 

Colouring books*- colouring books can be fun for hours and don’t require that much costs, on Amazon colouring books costs start lower than £1. You can even make your own, by drawing outlines of different objects for your children to colour in!

Treasure hunts*- If the little ones are feeling adventurous but the weather isn’t complying then indoor treasure hunts are perfect. Again, this can be completely costless if you hide items you have around your home. However, Amazon has treasure hunt kits which are mostly under £10. You can even buy fake gold coins to make it more fun!

Science experiments*- There are loads of experiments you can do in the comfort of your own home. Small disclaimer: be prepared for a little mess. Be an at-home scientist with your little ones and dive into the wondrous world of science. Just because schools are over for the summer doesn’t mean the learning has to stop! 

Decorate plant pots- A more creative way to pass the time could be painting plant pots. This is a super easy activity and even has the perks of brightening up your garden, and turn your old plain plant pots into fabulous works of art. If you don’t feel like using your own plant pots Amazon sell plain white plastic plant pots* for only £8.99, this is another great activity for the summer as when the sun does decide to shine you can then spend the time planting your own plants in your brand new decorated pots!

Have fun!

Lastly, we want to remind all parents that it is your summer as well and to have fun! Take some time to do something that you have looked forward to, even if that is just relaxing! Summer will fly by and it is important to make the most of it (even if the weather isn’t obeying).

Editorial Disclaimer: This article was updated 02.08.2023

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