Summer holidays - how to stay sane!

[CoolCourgette]

It's this time of year again!

We have SD and two younger DC. SD is with us 50% of the time.

Summer holidays are historically a bit of a nightmare. Different routine, longer stretches with/without SD between hand overs - the change seems to have a really destabilizing effect on all the kids. SD also often has behavioral problems arise after being at her mum's for longer stretches. She is also used to being entertained a lot!

Any tips for handling the difference in schedule/routine in the summer holidays?

Can you keep the routine the same as normal?

We still stick to the standard arrangement in school holidays.

I go into the office more :)

@CamCola I wish...that would be much easier. Unfortunately not an option as DSD mum would never agree to it.

@noglow definitely some of that...

Honestly, I tell my DP that I'm going to struggle with it and he will need to appreciate that and compensate. So I'll be having more lie ins, more trips out alone, more him taking all the kids out of my hair etc.

Are you sure it's the change in routine and not the excitement / boredom of 6 weeks off school? If money allows it can all the kids do some king of activity?

I remember being sent off to do stuff for these 2 day course type things at my local leisure centre. Things like lifesaving in the pool , survival skills for kids and some days were more like a youth club. I loved it and it kept my mum sane!