How to manage half term alone with a lively four year old and 4 month old

[Dory356]

My eldest has just started reception and I’m already dreading October half term. He’s very energetic and behaviour has been challenging since starting school. He’s understandably adjusting, but I also think some of it is just 4 year olds? But I also have a 4 month old and I don’t drive. I’m not confident taking them both out on my own other than to the shops or library. Even the park makes me nervous as he can just run off and I can’t run after him if I’m with baby and I’m on my own. As I’m on mat leave I’m obviously going to be doing childcare and I have no idea how to entertain him for 5 days straight. He used to do nursery 3 days per week so I’ve not had to do 5 consecutive days solo with him since I was on mat leave with him 🥴 We can’t afford to go on holiday currently and I feel so much pressure to provide fun day trips etc. But feel limited due to not driving and being nervous taking out two kids with very different needs.

I hope you have a lovely half term OP. See it as a perfect opportunity to re connect with your four year old. He has had so many changes in his life recently, moving from from nursery to school , starting school and the expectations that produces, having to learn to listen to new adults, the sheer exhaustion of a busy, intense school day, plus of course the excitement and trepidation of waiting for the baby to arrive, then the arrival of the baby and the realisation that the baby is now sharing his space, his mum, and what was exclusively his time!

Praise him as much as you can for walking next to you, not running off etc , but also remember that he is still only a little person, with his own needs and wants, who is having to share his life whether he always feels like it or not, so don’t push the “big brother responsibilities” on him too hard.