I feel like I’m limping towards the end of the summer holidays and know I’m not the only one. I know we get bombarded with parenting advice, and everyone tells you that you only have 18 summers together blah blah blah, but that’s not true. I’m almost 50 and still enjoying summers with my parents. OK, so we don’t live together anymore but you get the idea. This post isn’t about Pinterest perfect ideas with tuff trays and craft projects. If you’re looking for that, then I’m not your gal. I tried being that mother, and it didn’t take. There’s plenty of fun in our house, it’s chaotic, there is screen time, alone time and time when Mummy needs a nap. Then we all get on so much better. For context, my children are now 16, 14 and 10. Arguably, the older two can look after and entertain themselves, but they still need inpu,t believe me.
So, here’s what has been keeping us sane this summer and occupied without breaking the bank or breaking out the craft supplies.
Growing veg
Just hear me out on this one. I know it sounds a bit earth mother for me, but we were gifted (which I appreciate so much) a one-off subscription box to Pot Gang, and they made it really easy. The initial setup was fun, and reading about the company’s journey and how to grow each one from seed in a fun way made it far from boring. Then, the pots and saucers were all included, and the design makes it easy to water and keep track of them. Daniel and I have been enjoying watering them and seeing the plants grow. Our Remi radish has been particularly successful and is almost at harvest time.
Tennis
If you have a couple of rackets and balls knocking about in the garage, then head to your local park and have a knock about. It’s a bit of fun and you both get a bit of exercise. If there are enough of you, you can get a mini tournament going.
Movie challenges
Take turns in picking movies or TV shows to share with the family and we all have to watch. We bring in snacks and make the living room all cosy. Then we can review each other’s choices. I’m looking forward to Demon Hunter with Phoebe soon.
Games day
Break out the board games and blow the dust off. If they are really resisting, I sometimes take a bit of time to see what they’re currently into on their devices. Daniel is into funny dog videos at the moment and dog training, he likes to show me them and talk about dog training. And of course, Roblox 🙂 Phoebe likes a variety of things, including animals puzzle games, so we sometimes play together. Wordle is a family staple in our house. Me and my eldest like to watch House of Games together, and I try not to be too competitive!
Outdoor Swimming
Not for the faint-hearted and only to be attempted on a hot day. We did not choose a hot day, but it was the only one we had available. At least it wasn’t busy… we braved going in and Daniel loved it. It was bracing and fun in a masochistic way. Daniel made a little friend, and we had a picnic. I brought a hot water bottle! Next time I’ll bring a flask of tea.
Pub walks
Everyone wins here, including the dog. Just don’t get lost… we may have done that. We also saw some cows being overly friendly in a field and had to explain the birds and the bees. Then we had a pub lunch, which had a playground and was full of other children. They all played really nicely together and it meant the adults could enjoy a somewhat quiet drink. The pub even had a doggy menu, which Archie really enjoyed. Shame it only lasted 30 seconds!
Moving House
Ok, so this isn’t an easy one and not for everyone; it’s a bit extreme. We’ve put the house on the market and are looking at new houses and areas. Just to keep the kids entertained. No, seriously, we’re moving and it has been hectic, constantly keeping the house in show home condition as if NO ONE LIVES HERE. It’s been fun trawling around looking at houses. Now we’re in the position of waiting until ours sells before we can make a firm offer. But it has kept everyone on their toes.
Puzzles
We’ve had an ongoing large puzzle on the go, and everyone pitches in when they feel like it. I think we have all the pieces still…
So, that’s what we’ve been up to this summer. How about you? We also went to Tunisia for a week, which was super fun and very hot. At least there were swimming pools and the beach, and ice cream.
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