Ah, summer holidays. That magical time of year when the kids will soon be off school, the fridge door will never stop opening, and mums everywhere will start Googling “cheap ways to keep children entertained for six weeks.”
Let’s be honest — summer can feel less like a holiday and more like an Olympic endurance event. Especially if you’re juggling work, house stuff, rising costs, and a burning desire to just sit down with a cup of tea that’s still hot.
So how can you prepare without losing the plot? Here are a few real-world tips.
1. Make a boredom-buster list (with their help)
Before the dreaded “I’m booooored” chorus begins, sit down with the kids and list out activities. Some free (park, library, water balloons), some cheap (cinema deals, local museums), and some that buy you time (hello, Lego challenge).
Pro tip: Put the list on the fridge like a summer survival scroll.
2. Stockpile snacks like it’s an apocalypse
Kids eat constantly when school’s out. Buy in bulk. Healthy-ish stuff. Also — snacks for you. Because some days, your lunch will be half a fish finger and a handful of Gummy Bears.
3. Schedule “me time” — and defend it like a dragon
Whether it’s 20 minutes with a book or a solo walk, carve it in. Put it on the calendar. Call it a “meeting” if you must. Your wellbeing matters just as much as the ice cream run.
4. Have a “go-to” activity drawer or box
Fill it with cheap art supplies, puzzle books, playdough, or random craft bits. When chaos breaks out, hand it over like a peace offering. Works like magic (most of the time).
5. Use screen time wisely — with zero guilt
TV and tablets are not the enemy. They are your co-parent. Save screen time for when you really need to get something done, or when you just can’t face building another bloody fort.
6. Plan for a few big-ticket outings — and lots of little ones
You don’t need to be Disney Mum every day. One or two special trips (zoo, theme park, beach day) are enough. The rest? Backyard picnics, library runs, and letting them be bored (it builds creativity!).
7. Connect with other mums
Create a “summer survival” WhatsApp group. Share ideas, swap playdates, or just rant. You’ll need adult conversation and solidarity more than you know.
Final thought?
Summer doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be good enough. Your kids won’t remember if the activity was Pinterest-worthy — they’ll remember that you laughed, that you were there, and that you gave them your time (even if some of it was through gritted teeth).
So take a deep breath, stock up on ice lollies, and prepare to lower the bar. You’ve got this, mama.
