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It’s the time every parent dreads I think.  But look at that statement in its basic form, why do we dread spending time with our own kids?  We really should take advantage of them while they’re home.  Use them in a fun way as extra help to get the housework done, and then when that’s done, you really can have some fun with them, act like a kid yourself, tire them out, and get to let off some of your own stress and steam in the process.

Much easier said than done I know, but here are a few suggestions you could try.  It’s never easy, but kids like a routine, and you never know, some of these suggestions might just work for you and make the summer holidays pass with a lot less stress and a little more fun.

1. Breakfast Time
   

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   Keep a routine going.  Get them up for breakfast at the same time every morning.   While they’re busy munching their cereal or toast, you could get yourself dressed and ready to face the day, or maybe put the washing in the machine, or tidy the kitchen, assuming of course you didn’t do it the night before, you naughty, busy little parents you…..

2. Getting Dressed and Brushing Your Teeth

   Make it a game or race each morning.  The winner gets a point, the one with the most points at the end of the week gets a special treat, a chocolate bar or a small new toy car, and kids are easily pleased really aren’t they.

3. Got More Housework to Do?  Employ Your Temporary Workforce!

   If they’re old enough, the promise of TV or computer time is usually enough to get them tidying their rooms or helping you to tidy the house a bit.  If they’re young, put a few cups in a bowl of washing water for them to do while you do the bulk of it or load the dishwasher.  So what if you might have to wipe a few spills up afterwards.  That’s a small price to pay for your kids being involved and enjoying doing grown-up things by copying their parents.

   Continue the TV and computer time bargain with the older ones by getting them to hang the washing on the line or maybe even do some vacuuming.

4. Take a Break Right Up Until Lunchtime
   

   Give the older ones some TV or computer time.  Make a cup of tea, better still, get one of the older ones to make it for you, then go and have a break.  You could either give the young ones some paper and pencils or crayons for a bit while you enjoy your daytime TV, or even pick up a book and read to them while you’re having your tea.  Reading is always good for the children, they love stories, and even more, they love mum or dad reading to them.  It’s good bonding time for everyone.

5. Give Them a Snack Type Lunch

   Kids love little bits and pieces to eat, especially the younger ones.  Pop a boiled egg on for each of them and while you’re waiting, put out their plates and give them a carrot, share an apple between them, maybe some raisins or grapes.  Add a chunk of cheese and a slice of bread and butter or maybe some crackers.  It’s quick, easy, and a lot less hassle than you having to cook for them, don’t forget to give them the egg too.  The older ones can either do their own sandwiches or some quick cook noodles or something like that.  Try and make it a balanced diet if you can, but at the same time don’t worry too much about it.  They’re kids, they’ll burn most of it off if you keep them active, and you can always make teatime the healthy meal for everyone.

   You could either snack with them, or maybe, while they’re busy eating, you might even have time to quickly make the beds or check that the older ones tidied up properly earlier.  Maybe it’s nap time now for the younger ones too.

6. Play Time in the Afternoon
   

   Chances are, if you have older ones, that they’ve made their plans for the day by now and are already out with friends or doing whatever they’re doing.  Make some time for proper play with your younger ones.  It’s great to kick back and do childish things and get away with it.  If the weather’s not too bad, how about a ball game in the garden or just a tumble in the grass with them?  If it’s wet or cold, what about making a pretend aeroplane or train in the living room and going on an adventure with them?  Whatever you do, have some fun with them

7. Late Afternoon Kickback Time
   

   This is the time that can count for you, and it’s their reward time for hopefully having been good for you during the day.  Let them watch their TV for an hour, or go on their computer or video games.  You can then do what you want.  Catch up on remaining housework or paperwork, or even just kick back yourself and leave a few things until after tea.

8. Teatime

   I’m old fashioned, so teatime for us is a family time.  While they’re watching their TV’s or whatever, I make the tea, and then we all sit down around the table to eat.  We try to make it fun by having a quiz or question time during the meal, making sure to remember our manners of course!  Again, when you’re finished, get the kids to do their bit by helping you tidy away or wash up.  Yes it’s a chore, but once they’re in the habit and routine of doing it, they’ll be fine.

9. Bedtime

   There.  Now that’s about it really.  After tea is a time where the adults might want to catch up with each other, or single parents may just want to finish a few things off or kick back a little more.  Make bedtime a routine for the children again.  After their bath, have races for getting into their pyjamas or whatever, only this time the prize will be who gets to pick the bedtime story.

And that’s it.  Easy as that.  Well………you know it won’t ever run quite as smoothly as that, but some routine and actually spending time with your kids can make for a much better time during their holidays, and at weekends and other times for that matter.  Best of luck to you whatever you decide to do.

Happy holidays!!