Can it really be a year already? School?s out, the little darlings are home for the holidays, and the struggle to keep them entertained and out of your hair for six weeks begins again.
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Week one isn?t too bad. Gran and Grandpa would love to take them off your hands for a few days, and there?s plenty of work to be done tidying the house and garden. Before long they?re fixing up the bikes and re-discovering an old games console.
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Second week you can take some time off work, and the week after your other half can. But by week four you?re running into difficulties. The grandparents are worn out, you need your remaining annual leave for later in the year, and the costs of childcare are beyond belief.
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And even if you were allowed to leave them alone in the house for a day, do you think they?d leave much of it for you to come home to?
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So what are your options?
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Child-minders ? Got a problem with childcare? Simple answer, throw money at it. You probably already have someone you use from time-to-time, so get in touch as early as you can. Many families go abroad during the summer, leaving gaps in the child-minder?s income, so they may be ready to make a deal. It?s worth checking with your employer if you can arrange some childcare vouchers also.
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Working from home ? Does your job allow you to work remotely? If so it?s probably worth considering. You can set up an office at home, have the I.T. department to get you all connected, and away you go. It?s really important though to make sure the kids know you are working from home and not there to entertain them. Prepare some fun activities they can do with minimum noise and input from you, and you?re golden.
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Play-Days ? Don?t forget all the other parents are in the same boat as you are. Have your children got friends in the area? Try and arrange a child-swap system ? if it works you can get it going on a regular basis with a few others. It?s also one of the best options for your kids, not only do they get to spend time with their buddies but they get access to loads more toys!
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After-school clubs ? Think about the activities your children do after school, dancing, music, Cubs and Brownies, sports. Many of these clubs and groups will offer day or even week long extensions during the summer, and usually at decent rates.
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Teachers ? Your little angels aren?t the only ones on holiday all summer. Many teachers find themselves at a loose end and perhaps may be interested to entertain a few of their students and earn a bit of extra cash now and again. This one is a bit of a long-shot to be fair, they probably see more than enough of each other in term-time!
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Summer Youth Camps ? Are always a reliable option. The annual summer camp is a fond memory for many people, with loads of fun, team-building and motivational activities organised by professional carers. Reasonably-priced, entertaining and safe, it?s hard to go wrong really. You can select from many types, in the UK or abroad, and even include an educational focus such as learning a language or business skills, if you prefer.
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A combination of summer youth camps, taking time off and getting help from friends family members, should see you through.
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It?s tough for everyone but if it all gets too much just close your eyes and picture that first G&T the day school starts again.
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Bio: Rob is a battle-hardened survivor of six cumulative summer holidays
Source: http://www.moderndignity.com/keeping-the-kids-busy-during-the-holidays/
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