Q "I have seen a couple of things you have written about the
Holidays but I am feeling really stressed about the upcoming
long break from school. Apart from working and cooking and
getting everything ready, what can I do with the kids?"
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A Don’t forget that it is the quality time you spend with the
children that matters so we have to take a deep breath and
get prepared for the busy time. Organization is the key! Think
ahead and write a menu for the specific days, get as much
tinned and frozen food items as you can now. Buy in bulk!
Make any meals you can freeze now, but don’t forget the days
just before and after the main Holiday. My mum was so busy
focusing on a couple of key days that we always used to run
out!
Before the Holidays go through any unused toys and clothes
with the children and give to a local shelter. Not only will you
be making room for all the new gifts but you will be teaching
the children this time of year is about giving as well as
receiving. If you haven’t already, make sure that you have the
new gifts sorted out, wrapped and hidden! Anything you can
do now to be prepared will make the time less fraught. No
point in ruining the Holiday with a stressed mum, I have been
there and it does no-one any good.
As for the children, get them to help as well, not only with
dishes but get them to do chores and make sure they pick up
after themselves. You have the upper hand this time of the
year to make them work for what they want, use it to your
advantage. Go on a nature walk and collect things to make a
centerpiece for table. Buy lots of arts and crafts and let the
children make place settings or thank you cards for deserving
Grandparents. Board games or charades are great to play as a
family. Put the music on and have a family impromptu party,
nothing like a good dance to get rid of excess energy!
If all else fails and you need to take a break, do it! Go for a
walk somewhere peaceful and take time for yourself. Most of
all, enjoy the time with your family and make some happy
memories.