Need a bit of help with a summer hols "routine"

[TheHouseofMirth]

We've never been a routine-led family but I've observed that now DS, who is 6, goes a bit loopy in the holidays and I suspect lack of routine may be at the root of it (if I'm honest it probably affects his weekends too).

I am ashamed that I have got into the habit of letting him and his 2 yo brother watch tv when we get up whilst I sort stuff out and generally try to come round. I don't think this is healthy but we're all addicted to this "routine" and of course in the holidays we don't even have the deadline of turning it off to get ready for school.

We're mainly at home for the holidays, apart from a couple of short trips to stay with family, and we'll probably spend 1-2 days a week seeing friends and then having the usual trips to local parks, museums etc.

Any suggestions for activities or rituals to get me started on a healthier path? I'd be interested to know how your days work in the holidays (and at weekends).

[onepieceofcremeegg]

Mine are 7 and 3. It is easy to get into the habit of morning tv, and that can lapse into "one more programme" and mine can end up watching for ages.

What helps me is if we get a bit organised the night before and set out stuff that they are interested in. Mine have new felt tips so they had a morning or two or colouring. (if the felt tips are washable I don't worry unduly if they get it on pjs etc)

Also I give myself a limited time to come round, once I have had a coffee then I try and get breakfast on the table and divert them from the tv.

[Dogsby]

aha
i started thread about this
we have done " guidleines"

[Dogsby]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/parenting/1263437-Weve-just-drawn-up-the-Holiday-Household-Guidelines

[Teachermumof3]

Mine watch TV in the mornings as A) the older one gets up earlier than I want to during the holidays (6.30!) and B) it gives me a change to get sorted; I really don't see that as a problem for us!

My friend whose son struggled with the holidays used to have a whiteboard with everything they were doing written on each day, so he knew what was happening; it seemed to help him.

[merryberry]

i'm teaching my 6 yr old to cook this holiday. so we some days we are getting up and ready over a couple of hours, then planning evening meal, looking it up on the web, going off to buy it. am also interspersing this with learning to look after the house stuff, it will take the three of us about 3 days to clear back the front and back yards. then a day shopping for new bedding plants, planting out etc. tending to start and finish each day with this caretakibg stuff, wuth middle of day for out and bnout, adventures, visits etc. have set up a 3 hour screen limit per child per day. or else i'll go mad without that time off.