School Break Tips

Holiday break is almost over and I need to share with you some tricks I’ve used over the past 2 weeks while the kids were home for most (if not all) of the day. Essentially, their holiday break is freedom of no homework, or early mornings. The schedules are out the window, playdates are frequent and staying up late is a must. With that said, at the end of the break, you are happily waking up early and sending the kids back to school.

How do you survive you ask. I have a few tips in making your next break from school your best. Please adapt these tips as you see fit for your individual child.

1. Be prepared to keep them going. Have the itinerary of the day well thought out but also flexible. Usually the less fun items should be completed in the earlier part of the day. Knowing that the fun part of the day comes after the less fun tasks, helps motivate them to move through the day. So if part of the itinerary includes grocery shopping, chores, reading/homework, school project, etc., have these items schedule in the earlier part of the day.
2. Know your reward system. Devices, playdates, trips to the park, and fun activities are your child’s motivators. Use these to your advantage and space them out wisely. You know your kid best.
3. Plan some really fun activities or an activity that can last a few days. For example, I loved building Lego cities and letting them last for days. Another idea is to take the empty boxes from Christmas to build a fort. Another really fun activity, that is always a winner in my household, is cooking projects. We do these with friends or just the two of us. Its definitely tallies up the best mom award.
4. Don’t skip the sport practices. This is their routine, and more importantly, your moment of freedom to regain your sanity and reboot. This break apart is essential for your peace of mind which allows you to be at your best.
5. This is also a great time for spring cleaning out the old toys and donating them. The spirit of giving can last all year. Plus, the kids are distracted with their new toys and may be willing to give up some of their old toys.
6. Last, but definitely, make sure you take care of you. If running or yoga or walks keep you balanced, then keep your routine. If you like waking up before the kids and having a cup of coffee, make time for that. Nothing, creates chaos like interrupting your daily schedule, and that goes especially for your personal routine as well.

There are plenty of other tips to offer. If you need help with something specific or find yourself challenged with a certain part of the day, please reach out. I am available via email and phone.