It’ll soon be the Easter holidays, and while you may be looking forward to having the kids home for a couple of weeks for some springtime fun as a family, many people will be looking ahead to their return to school. Whether you’re in full time work and are having to cough up for childcare and play schemes during the fortnight, or you’re lucky enough to be able to spend this time with them, entertaining the kids for two solid weeks when you’re not used to it can be difficult. You need to ensure that you have plenty of activities planned, with a few days out thrown in for good measure, so that they remain happy and irritability doesn’t rear its ugly head.
While by the end of the fortnight, the kids may be looking forward to going back to school to see their friends, the whole process can be a little bittersweet for the parents. For two solid weeks, you’ve been able to spend time with your kids that you seldom get to do now that they’re in school and the whole experience can be great fun. Here are some of the highs, and lows, that you could expect! – and top tips for making the transition:
You get some ‘me’ time again
If you’re used to being at home alone while the kids are at school, the lack of ‘me’ time when they’re home can get to you after a while. Their return to school will mean that you will have the time to do what you’re used to doing, whether that’s working, errands of being a domestic goddess. Why not take full advantage and plan a treat for when your days are your own again – meeting a friend for lunch or escaping for a massage, maybe?
Routine gets back to normal
When you’re used to working to a routine for so long, it can be disorientating when you don’t have one for a fortnight. School mornings are usually so regimented that there’s no leeway for you or the kids, but the holidays mean that, essentially, you could do what you like when you like. Having a bit of normality back can be quite refreshing. If the lack of routine throws you off course however, try putting some structure into your holiday days, to keep boredom and bedlam at bay!
You can shop in peace!
It’s no wonder some parents are more tempted by the idea of online food shopping when the kids at home. Dragging them around the supermarket aisles can be nothing short of hell when you’re not used to it! Shopping online is a great time saving trick – and a good habit to continue even when they’re back at school, if you want to free up your time for other things. That being said, sometimes you can’t beat a good browse with a cuppa in the café afterwards.
You have to make packed lunches again
While some kids have school dinners, other parents will be happy for the break from preparing school lunches in the mornings. Once they’re back at school, you have to add this to your schedule again. Try making sandwiches and freezing in batches to get ahead in future.
You’ll be rushing again!
Running around making sure that they have everything, that their book bags are packed and they’re ready in time will make an unwelcome return! Being as organised as possible the night before can be a big help!
You’ll miss them.
Having the kids around the house again should be a pleasant experience, and a great opportunity to spend some time with them. Make the most of it because, believe or not, you’ll miss them when they go back for the summer term!
Before you turf them off to school again though, take a look at the school uniform shop from George at ASDA, where you can top up their uniform requirements (if needed) and replace anything that’s seen better days. Sending them back looking smart, nicely organised and with smiles on their faces will make the transition from holidays to school days much easier.
[Note: This post is brought to you in association with George at ASDA]
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