Most of us love spending time with our little ones - when they're being good of course!! but I know in advance of any school holiday I'm thinking of the stress I'm likely to endure when the bickering starts and the infamous words get uttered 'I'm bored!!' and I'm trying to figure out which cupboard they'll eat me out of next!
So how have I learnt to survive school holidays with my children?
So how have I learnt to survive school holidays with my children?
Tip 1# Plan ahead
Preempt and plan ahead - yes I know it's common sense, but after a busy week at work the last thing I want to do is make lists and plans, but for 1 evening of planning I've found it's halved my stress levels during half term.
I make sure I've got extra snacks in the cupboards, plan our meals for the week around whatever activities or days out we have organised and cook what meals I can in advance (This helps me not to pick at the naughty snacks too!!) and I always make sure I have a plan B,C & D in place in-case of British Weather!
Preempt and plan ahead - yes I know it's common sense, but after a busy week at work the last thing I want to do is make lists and plans, but for 1 evening of planning I've found it's halved my stress levels during half term.
I make sure I've got extra snacks in the cupboards, plan our meals for the week around whatever activities or days out we have organised and cook what meals I can in advance (This helps me not to pick at the naughty snacks too!!) and I always make sure I have a plan B,C & D in place in-case of British Weather!
Tip 2# Swapping negative thinking with positive thinking.
If the day is not quite going to plan or the kids start to bicker then don't let it grind you down - there is nothing more destructive than our own minds to add to the recipe for disaster. example negative thinking like; 'It always goes wrong' and 'I can't cope' self talk like this will only bring a lower mood and higher stress levels instead think; what would I tell my friend if they were thinking like this?
Swap that negative thinking for something positive and don't dwell on it if does go a bit wrong.
If the day is not quite going to plan or the kids start to bicker then don't let it grind you down - there is nothing more destructive than our own minds to add to the recipe for disaster. example negative thinking like; 'It always goes wrong' and 'I can't cope' self talk like this will only bring a lower mood and higher stress levels instead think; what would I tell my friend if they were thinking like this?
Swap that negative thinking for something positive and don't dwell on it if does go a bit wrong.
Tip 3# The Here and Now
So we've thought about planning for the future and leaving the past behind us but; one place most people find it to be in is the 'here and now'.
Take time to think about your surroundings - ideal if you're out on a country walk; take in the trees and the flowers, the smells and the sounds - let your senses take in your world and think about what you have in your life to be grateful for.
So we've thought about planning for the future and leaving the past behind us but; one place most people find it to be in is the 'here and now'.
Take time to think about your surroundings - ideal if you're out on a country walk; take in the trees and the flowers, the smells and the sounds - let your senses take in your world and think about what you have in your life to be grateful for.
Tip 4# Release any stress healthily
I can already see it; the children are fighting over a toy and the dog is following me up and down the stairs whilst I'm trying to put the ironing away whilst trying not to trip up over her and we've only got 30 minutes to get to their swimming class - ARGH! then before I know it the 'Human Volcano' erupts!! I've shouted at the dog, slammed a cupboard door and I'm thinking god help the children if they come near me! - does this sound familiar?
I've learnt a simple way to release stress before I get to that point;
As soon as I'm aware that I'm struggling I stop what I'm doing - I take 5 deep breaths and on my last breath out I say something positive like 'It's one moment in an otherwise good day' and if I can't find anything positive to focus on I'll say something ridiculous or funny.
This technique is quick, calms me down and can change me from a negative mood to a more positive one, which helps me think more rationally about the next task.
I can already see it; the children are fighting over a toy and the dog is following me up and down the stairs whilst I'm trying to put the ironing away whilst trying not to trip up over her and we've only got 30 minutes to get to their swimming class - ARGH! then before I know it the 'Human Volcano' erupts!! I've shouted at the dog, slammed a cupboard door and I'm thinking god help the children if they come near me! - does this sound familiar?
I've learnt a simple way to release stress before I get to that point;
As soon as I'm aware that I'm struggling I stop what I'm doing - I take 5 deep breaths and on my last breath out I say something positive like 'It's one moment in an otherwise good day' and if I can't find anything positive to focus on I'll say something ridiculous or funny.
This technique is quick, calms me down and can change me from a negative mood to a more positive one, which helps me think more rationally about the next task.
Tip 5# Take Time to Relax
This is really important! we can race around making picnics for tomorrows day out, playing taxi driver to get the children to activities and keeping them from boredom - but we need to look after ourselves too.
I use several techniques to do this but one simple mindfulness technique i like to do before I fall asleep to reground myself and relax my body is; The Body Scan Meditation
Lie on your back with your legs uncrossed, your arms at your sides, palms up, and your eyes open or closed, as you wish. Focus on your Breathing, how the air moves in and out of your body. After several deep breaths, as you begin to feel comfortable and relaxed, direct your attention to the toes of your left foot. Tune into any sensations in that part of your body while remaining aware of your Breathing. It often helps to imagine each breath flowing to the spot where you're directing your attention. Focus on your left toes for one to two minutes.
Then move your focus to the sole of your left foot and hold it there for a minute or two while continuing to pay attention to your breathing. Follow the same procedure as you move to your left ankle, calf, knees, thigh, hip and so on all around the body. Pay particular attention to any areas that cause pain or are the focus of any medical condition e.g If you have asthma your lungs. Pay particular attention to the head: the jaw, chin, lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, nostrils, throat, cheeks, eyelids, eyes, eyebrows, forehead, temples and scalp.
Finally, focus on the very top of your hair, the uppermost part of your body. Then let go of the body altogether, and in your mind, hover above yourself as your breath reaches beyond you and touches the universe.
** There are several free audios online that will talk you through this if you'd prefer to start practicing like that first.
This is really important! we can race around making picnics for tomorrows day out, playing taxi driver to get the children to activities and keeping them from boredom - but we need to look after ourselves too.
I use several techniques to do this but one simple mindfulness technique i like to do before I fall asleep to reground myself and relax my body is; The Body Scan Meditation
Lie on your back with your legs uncrossed, your arms at your sides, palms up, and your eyes open or closed, as you wish. Focus on your Breathing, how the air moves in and out of your body. After several deep breaths, as you begin to feel comfortable and relaxed, direct your attention to the toes of your left foot. Tune into any sensations in that part of your body while remaining aware of your Breathing. It often helps to imagine each breath flowing to the spot where you're directing your attention. Focus on your left toes for one to two minutes.
Then move your focus to the sole of your left foot and hold it there for a minute or two while continuing to pay attention to your breathing. Follow the same procedure as you move to your left ankle, calf, knees, thigh, hip and so on all around the body. Pay particular attention to any areas that cause pain or are the focus of any medical condition e.g If you have asthma your lungs. Pay particular attention to the head: the jaw, chin, lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, nostrils, throat, cheeks, eyelids, eyes, eyebrows, forehead, temples and scalp.
Finally, focus on the very top of your hair, the uppermost part of your body. Then let go of the body altogether, and in your mind, hover above yourself as your breath reaches beyond you and touches the universe.
** There are several free audios online that will talk you through this if you'd prefer to start practicing like that first.
I Hope these tips help you and that you and your children have a lovely fun filled Holiday - for more tips and to fond out more information please sign up for my newsletter below.
Joanne Lindsay
Integrative Counsellor
Licenced Educator of 'The Ripple Effect' Process
Joanne Lindsay
Integrative Counsellor
Licenced Educator of 'The Ripple Effect' Process
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