Do you worry about spending the whole summer with my kids – and feel guilty about it?
We are supposed to look forward to this time, lots of lots of time with our kids and family. But often that can make us feel that we suddenly have to cook, clean and entertain ALL the time without a single break to us self – and constantly feeling exhausted and can’t wait for them to go back to school.
But it dosen’t have to be like that, you can all have a relaxed holiday – and it is ok to be a bit selfish, a happy parent is a better parent.
So, let’s look at how you can take a break, from your kids- guilt free:
• Don’t do it along: Share the kids with other parents who feel the same: the kids will love a play date or even better, a sleep over. If you have grandparents near by they too might love to spend some quality time with their grandkids. If you have a partner, talk about how you can both get some me time.
• Fun clubs: my kids used to go to fun clubs where they would meet friends and do something they like i.e. sailing, surf clubs, swimming clubs etc
• Being bored is ok; don’t fall into the entertainment trap and feel you have to keep them busy all the time. It is ok to stand still and do nothing. Actually, when they do nothing (are bored) that is when they really build surplus, relax and spark their creativity.
• Leave the sink: yes it is nice with a clean house, but sometimes you just need to put yourself first. When you have a moment don’t rush to do the choirs that are pilling up, spend it with yourself: read a book, take a bath, watch some tele or just go for a chilled little snooze. Maybe you can sit with your family and talk about delegating chores so you don’t have to do them all and use this holiday to raise independent children by introducing new chores
Last but not least, remember that this is YOUR holiday too – so enjoy
Best summer wishes
Mette Theilmann, founder of Predictable Parenting & creator of the Parenting Community app