Simple Ways To Keep The Sun Shining

When you have a young family( or in my case... young nephews, the summer holidays can feel like both a blessing and a curse. Finally, you get to enjoy six uninterrupted weeks to make memories with your kids, but these seemingly endless days also pile on the pressure to keep entertaining, especially during this year when a luxury holiday is most definitely off the cards.

Luckily, there are plenty of parents in your position right now, and therefore loads of activity guides out there to help you to fill your days as best you can, any one of which could prove to be the best present you could hope for this summer. But even a good plan isn’t always enough to keep meltdowns at bay. For that, we’ve put together a quick-fire guide of go-to summer saviours to keep the sun shining, no matter what happens along the way. 

Tip 1: Always have the car ready

If you have plans that don’t go ahead because your car (or whatever mode of transport you use) lets you down, then you can bet you’re in for tantrums and dissatisfaction all around. Make sure that never happens by keeping your car poised all holidays long, no matter whether you intend to go out or not. Keeping on top with maintenance, ensuring a fully stocked petrol tank, and even looking into car insurance companies to keep your car road-safe and ready to rumble are all going to make a huge difference here. Alternatively, always keeping a bus or train timetable and a few coins for the fare ensures that you never have to cancel pre prepared plans or get stuck indoors when none of you are in the mood.

Tip 2: Prioritise play dates

Even kids with siblings struggle not seeing their friends for a full six week period, meaning that it’s also essential to prioritise play dates. These can take any form, including sending your kids off to a friend’s house to play (why not give yourself the break?), inviting their friends into your home, or even arranging trips with parents of friends that see you enjoying a little adult time. Either way, kids with a fulfilled social life are way more likely to stay happy the entire six weeks.

Tip 3: Stock a rainy day kit

It might be summer, but UK weather can be unpredictable and the last thing you want is a rainy day that sees you facing either a day of boredom or a quick child-laden dash to shops. Save yourself the hassle and stock up a rainy day kit even if the forecast is looking good. Additions like new colouring books, crafting supplies, and even a board game or two all provide plenty for you to get stuck into without leaving any room for boredom. Note, too, that you’re going to want to replace those items with new fun additions the second you use them, ensuring a summer-long rainy day get-out clause that keeps you all smiling regardless.

Summer holidays can be as tough as they are wonderful, but it is possible to enjoy the good without the bad, and these tips are guaranteed to take you a long way towards that goal.