If you're anything like me, the school holidays are a time of a joy and a time of fresh hell. Yes, there's a well-deserved break from the relentlessness of lunch box prepping and extra-curricular activities, but there are also 14 days to fill with wonder and delight. Though typically lasting just two short weeks (a period of time that moves in fast-forward when you're in the Greek Islands), school holidays go on for an eternity when you're trapped at home with small but viciously bored humans.
Social Media Mum would have us believe it is a time of great joy and family togetherness and certainly, that may be true for some – particularly those enjoying that togetherness in the Maldives. Social Media Mum makes detailed itineraries, planning the non-stop conviviality months in advance. Craft day! Picnics! Family movie night! Making brownies with chia seeds and love!
I try so hard to identify with Social Media Mum but we just don't understand each other. I am more Mediocre Mum. Half-arsed Homemaker. School holidays offer a nice break from the school routine but they're demanding all the same. I start out with grand plans to be a super-involved fun mum and end up hiding in my room while the kids watch a screen for 8 hours and eat their bodyweight in Savoys.
Now lazy days where salty carbs are the major food group happen to all of us. And that's okay. But if you're anything like me, the crushing guilt that follows is awful. And guilt often disguises itself as anger so then I yell at the kids because I'm angry with myself and at the end of two weeks, we're all so emotionally traumatised from spending so much "quality time" together that getting back to the school routine is a relief.
If I had to give one tip to mums about school holidays, it would be GO ON HOLIDAYS - preferably somewhere sunny where serving a drink without a cute little umbrella is against the law. Also, there MUST be a kids' club. But this is not a realistic choice for all families. So for those mums (and/or dads) facing two weeks of 24/7 family fun with zero inspiration, here are five tips to help you survive the school holidays without feeling like a total failure.
1. Pyjama Day is A-Okay
The first thing to remember is that you do not have to plan a thrilling/stimulating/life-changing experience for every day of the holidays. Kids are typically exhausted at the end of the term and a period of non-activity is not only nice but necessary. Unwinding is good for everyone.
Now even on my lazy days, I really like having a nice, long shower before popping on a soft pant, but kids don't seem to relish cleanliness in the same way. For this reason, declaring a lazy day "Pyjama Day" is like telling kids they get to break the rules. To them, not having to get dressed is a treat. So let them hang in their PJs, make pancakes for dinner and I swear, the kids will think they've done something REALLY FUN.
2. Local Libraries can save the anti-craft mum
If you have a serious glitter aversion and are afraid of glue, then this one's for you. Most local libraries (if not all) will run a holiday activity program which provides opportunities for your kids to make stuff in a space that you don't have to vacuum afterwards. It's so liberating! And it's free! There are other activities to choose from too, all designed to get you out of the house and into the world which is often exhausting/expensive with kids in tow. And while you're there, let the kids choose some books to read during the holidays.
3. Exploration Day
As mentioned, sometimes leaving the house with children is the most frightening thing a parent can attempt to do. One bad experience is enough to put you off for life. But when it goes really well, family outings can be the best.
I recently took the kids into the city to see a play. My eldest kid was vehemently opposed to going because he thought the play we were seeing was "for babies." My husband and I gritted our teeth and forged on. The eldest ended up enjoying the play more than the younger two. Encouraged by this and the gorgeous spring sunshine, we decided to do a little more exploring. We went to the gallery (free), we walked along Southbank and saw not one but TWO hilarious street performers (technically free but a gold coin donation was much deserved) and then we had fancy gelato (very not free). The kids had so much fun, marvelling at all the sights and sounds of our gorgeous city. It was kind of awesome to watch them experience it all. And if you're feeling especially adventurous, catching public transport into the city is always fun for kids. Personally, I'm not that brave.
These holidays, I want to take my kids bush-walking. Here in Melbourne, the Dandenongs have many gorgeous walking trails and you can find any number of recommendations for kid-friendly ones by searching online. In the same way that the city was full of fascinating stuff, I hope the kids will explore nature with the same wide-eyed curiosity. I'll be packing Savoys in the event of an emergency. And Instagramming the serenity like Social Media Mum. #soblessed
4. Kids' Choice
If your kids are anything like mine, the idea of handing over the reins to them to decide on an activity is DANGEROUS. Disneyland, anyone? But letting them choose from a list you've created is fun and empowering for them. You know and I know that we're still in control, but they get to feel like they have a say in how to spend their holidays. I have three kids and so I'll give them each one day and a list to choose from – trying to get all three to choose one activity collectively is just asking for trouble.
So make a list of two or three activities (too many choices complicates things) and let them decide. The list might include going to the movies or going out for ice-cream. It might be going to the zoo or bonus iPad time. Just make sure they're things you can actually handle doing. If you give them the choice between the movies and glitter crafting because you feel certain they'll choose the movies, prepare to be wrong.
5. Check the Weekly Weather Forecast
This is the most important tip. It might seem like a complete no-brainer but I can't count the number of times that cabin-fever has hit an all-time high because I haven't bothered to plan activities around the weather. For instance, don't plan Pyjama Day on the only sunny day for the week or you will find your Savoy bill going through the roof. And if you get a sunshiny break on a miserable day, be spontaneous and get those kids outside. Yes, you might have to go outside with them but a spot of fresh air is just as good for you.
Fourteen days can seem like an incredibly long time to keep kids entertained. They can get bored easily but sometimes the smallest distraction can help. The catch is we just might have to get involved. God bless them, all they really want is our attention. Some day they will understand why we seemed to prefer Netflix to board games but until that time, an agonising round of Monopoly might be necessary. And when in doubt, call for back-up. Chances are there's another parent quietly losing their mind and a playdate is just the thing – for everyone!