8 Top Tips to make sure you enjoy the summer holidays

Some Mums feel quite anxious about the summer holidays. They wonder how on earth they are going to get everything done that they juggle in term time.

So here's some tips to help you manage them so you can make the most of them and really enjoy them.

1. It's a long holiday so mix it up and keep things interesting.

Work out how many family days you have together? How many days do you need to get cover for with holiday clubs? How many days will you spend with your wider family and friends? And don't forget the kids will need some down days just like you will. Don't feel the pressure to cram in tons of stuff as often less is more. We all need a chill out as so we can fully enjoy those big fun days out.

2. Focus on the time you do have together as a family and spend some time thinking about how you want to spend it.

It's great to ask the children for ideas of what is top of their list. Then they are totally bought into the plans and are less likely to ask for extras during the holidays. And if they do you can explain that you've included their wishes already.

My daughter loves a day out but equally loves days where we just pop to the park or play in the garden with local friends. If I ask her what she wants to do she’s as likely to choose something close to home or a play date with a friend as she is a big day out.

She’s also mad into craft and cooking and baking so that always covers me for rainy days or days I need to be at home for a delivery or something.

3. Think about how you get the balance and budget right for your family.

You really don’t need to try to do it all. It's often too much for everyone.

How many big days or half days out can you afford in money but also manage bearing in mind your energy levels too?

How many at home days do you need to let you and the kids chill and for you to get your to do list done such as laundry and admin.

4. Agree a routine and set expectations

Let the kids know if they'll be times when you'll be busy working

What snacks they can have?

How much TV or tablet time is OK?

What reading or other work do you expect them to do?

Make it easy for them to free play by getting a different tray of toys, crafts, games and/or books out each day. Maybe you can work from a play centre or the library?

Make a list of all the jobs and chores that need to be done and get them to choose which ones to help with. It’s great for them to muck in and realise that tidying and sorting things like the laundry isn’t just Mum’s job or adult jobs. Use the holidays as a time to help them get some extra independence. They could earn pocket money or a trip out or a special treat from the supermarket.

5. Make sure you get some work/ to do time/ some chill time of your own too

Don't feel guilty if you have to work or run errands. That's part of real life.

As long as you have some time together each day to fully connect with your child/ren they'll know they're loved.

Planning time in the week to do all you need to do and having some kind of routines helps as when you are with your children you're more present and more energetic. You can relax and enjoy them more when you know time has been allocated for everything else that really needs to get done.

I love to have time for me scheduled in too. A peaceful cup of tea and yoga time in the morning while my husband is around works wonders for me. Having that time and headspace sets me up for a great day. I also find I need some time to myself after dinner too. I enjoy some quiet relaxation time before the bedtime routine starts.

6. Remember the great memories and fun traditions you have from your own childhood and think about how you can relive them with your children

For me simple things like fish and chips at the beach or an ice cream make me really happy and are memories I really treasure. I love passing these kinds of memories on to my daughter.

7. Don't compare yourself to others

Be true to your family and do what's right for you all. I know it's so easy to see what everyone else is doing and wonder if you're doing enough or doing it right. Please don't feel pressured by what others are doing or what you're seeing on social media. That is not a full reflection of their 24-7 real life.

What's important is if you're doing what matters most to you and your family!

8. If you are finding things hard think about why that might be.

What can you learn from it? What is causing it?

What changes can you make? What else can you try?

Think about if you're getting enough sleep, food and drink and time for you.

I have a new free guide called Manage the Juggle and there's a summer version too

It includes a fab coaching exercise to help you prioritise all there is to do over the holidays. And it includes a summer planner and a daily and weekly planning sheet too.

You can access the "Manage The Juggle" guide here

My inbox & DM's on Instagram are always open

If you want to talk about what you're struggling with this summer and get help on what you can do to feel more fun and enjoyment, in confidence with someone impartial, I offer a completely free of charge no obligation 45 minute free breakthrough call. You can book one here.

I hope this blog has helped you to enjoy the summer holidays!

Have fun!

Rebecca