...to be having a panic at the thought of impending summer holidays??? On my own with 6yr old & 9mth old for most of it...

[EverythingsRosie]

Normally I really look forward to spending time with eldest dd during the school holidays.

However, this year we have the new addition

It's going to be hard, I think.

Baby is walking already so not keen on pushchair, but is very unstable so can't really get out outdoors either.

She is also a rubbish sleeper both day and night. She still really needs 2 daytime naps and is miserable without them, but she will only sleep in the house. I have never managed to get her to sleep when out & about.

How am I going to do this on my own with both of them for most of the 6 weeks?!?!?!?!?

Has yr DD got friends she can go to play with and you have them back in turns? My oldest DD loved helping with DS when a baby. Perhaps a positive outlook is best!!

You'll be fine - Cbeebies :D

Take a deep breath. Stop stressing - it's not helping you or your DD2's. If you stress out in advance, it will be a nightmare!

If the youngest one is a rubbish sleeper whether you are home or not, just take each day as it suits you. When she is tired she will sleep. You will probably find she will sleep better when she has her big sister to play with and a lot of new things to see and do when she's awake.

DD2 may not be keen on the pushchair, but she is only 9 months, put her in it with some authority and get on with your day. She will accept this is what is going to happen when you do it, if you take her out every time she whinges, she will whinge.

Focus on activities that DD1 will enjoy - DD2 will just enjoy being in different environments...

Beach/Woods/Playpark/Softplay/Outdoor Pools/Farmyards/Library/

Friends houses for picnics & play.

Have some fun days at home:

Paddling pool: (if you don't have one), lots of places selling really big ones cheaply this year.

Garden Sprinkler: Lots of fun to be had there and it waters the garden at the same time - bonus!

Paint: Finger paint (hand, foot, whole body), makes a right mess - but a session under the sprinkler after sorts it out.

Sandpit/box/stand: Hours of fun

You will be fine if you 'get into the gooove' and stop thinking about it being a nightmare.

Alternatively, employ a nanny and go to work

i agree with the above the focus on activities more for the older one and younger one can just tag along and enjoy the different environment, so really it shouldnt have to be so different from your normal school holidays with dd1?
also maybe you can put your dd1 into a summer holiday programe for one week in the holidays, or a few days here and there? mine are not old enough for that so i've not seen full details, but there seems to be quite a bit on and some free if thats an issue (in london but im sure they have most places?)
just think positive im sure you can make it enjoyable for all of you

I used to write a list of free/cheap things to do, and stick them to the fridge. So when we needed to do something, I had some ready made ideas. We have visited lots of local parks, done the heritage tour around town, played hide and seek in a hilly area, splashed in the river, had lots of picnics, joined the library reading trail, fed the ducks, been to author visits at the books shop, and buy/rent cheap DVDs for wet days.
Find out what things your older DD likes to do, and make plans for that. The younger one will have to fit in. You can try to be back for nap times, but she will have to sit in the buggy, a brisk walk often helps. Being more active may make her less fretful.

Good luck!