It’s fair to say that the vast majority of parents dread the summer holidays. Not because we don’t enjoy spending time with our children, (although we all need a break sometimes!) but because the idea having to fill up six long weeks with entertainment can be overwhelming and intimidating, especially when you consider the cost of holidays and activities, and even additional childcare if you still need to work through the summer.
It’s no secret that with the cost of living crisis happening at the moment, more and more families will be spending increasing amounts of time stuck at home, unable to afford much of anything over the break.
When I factor in Noah and how he doesn’t sleep if he isn’t completely mentally exhausted by the end of the day, the pressure of making that happen just becomes even more daunting. How am I going to stimulate this child enough to actually get some sleep at night? When I still have to work too!
This year, I’ve tried to be proactive and get ahead of the issue. We’ve been renovating our garden since we moved in two years ago, and it’s finally at a point where we can use the entire length and width of it, so I’ve been picking up bargains and deals this week to try and kit it out with as many fun things as I can.
Being outside in the fresh air and movement are high on the list for Noah’s sensory seeking, so I’ve leaned into it as much as I can.
So far, I’ve picked him up a 5ft trampoline (which as I write this has just been delivered), and a nest swing. We already have a wooden climbing frame, bubble machine, a water table and a hard plastic paddling pool which will be ready to go every day, and as part of our renovations, we have decking at the back of the garden. Noah absolutely loves a bit of decking. Feeling the vibrations and hearing the noises it makes as he runs up and down it gives him tonnes of valuable feedback. On the days where money is tight and petrol must be rationed, at least I know I can get him outside from dawn until dusk everyday, lathered in suncream and making a wet mess (as long as this heatwave holds out!).
Having a plan takes some of the pressure off, and by kitting out the garden, l’m also giving him a regulation space for after school when he starts in September. There are a lot of changes coming his way very soon and he is going to need something fun and familiar as he transitions from nursery to school.
And if all else fails I’ll just stock up on wine!
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