Six ways to have a stress free holiday

The kids are home and you’re already feeling overwhelmed. ‘Where did time go,’ you find yourself asking. This especially if you’re a single or working parent. While you may think that you are alone you are not!

Before you lose it, good news is, there are contingency measures you can put in place to make the holidays easy on you and enjoyable for them.

You cannot go to war unprepared and likewise, don’t let the holidays creep in by surprise. Find out in advance when your children are closing school, for how long, and if there are any activities or assignments they need to do before opening. Armed with this, you will know how to plan your time and theirs accordingly.

If you find yourself unable to cope with work and kids, reach out to a family member or spouse for assistance. You will be of no good use to your children if you’re not ok. You have to take care of yourself first so you can be able to extend the same to your children. Have a relative come over or send your kids to a trusted relative for a few days or so. Another option is to pay a nanny to mind them over the holidays. Ensure she can be trusted, is well versed with children and can be relied on. The last thing you need is a sick or absentee nanny when you have to work and can’t take the day off.

You must keep your children busy and engaged. Should they get bored you will bear the brunt for it. Create a simple holiday activity schedule and follow it to the tee. If they’re old enough involve them in creating it. You do not want to force down their throats things they don’t enjoy and want to do. If it’s something they will love doing then following the schedule becomes super easy.

If your child is talented and has shown interest in art, drawing or dance, enrol them for classes. Not only will this build their talents and confidence, but it will give you a few hours to yourself. Take advantage of that time to rest, sleep or cook.

Now that the kids are at home it may not be a bad idea to take that holiday. For some reason, kids tend to behave better away from home. There is something magical about being away from home. New experiences and people have a good effect on the young ones. All you have to do to make sure it is stress free is pack right, inform them of the trip in advance and involve them. When they feel like it is a family thing they will want to put their best foot forward to please mummy and daddy.

Just because they are not going to school it does not mean all school day rules become obsolete. Make some necessary adjustments and let them know. For example, bed time can be an hour later, friends can sleep over, play time can be extended so forth. Relax the rules a bit but don’t do away with them or it will create confusion. If you choose to do this, let the children know so that you’re on the same page.