School holidays with young kids

[JimRoyle]

I went back to work after my first child in September. I had 10 months off, obviously spent every day with my baby.

October half term we had noro, Christmas we spent mostly away with family, Feb half term my husband took 2 days off and DC had 2 days in childcare (paid extra) so I could go into school and get stuff done, then spend a day with my husband.

It’s now Easter and the first time I am facing a full 2 weeks off with my child and I am terrified! How am I going to fill 2 weeks? How will I be in summer? 🤣 seriously, feeling v daunted by it all.

I spent 10 months with him on my own and not sure why I’m so daunted now. Maybe because I am knackered from this term and could do with a rest myself!

Any tips on getting through the long hols parenting solo? My child is nearly 18 months.

Ps, don’t get me wrong - I KNOW I am lucky. I love my child to pieces and love spending time with my child. I’m just daunted by the prospect of so much solo parenting. xxx

Oh, also, I have developed tonsillitis since finishing for Easter.

Sorry to hear you have tonsillitis - hopefully you won't be too ill with it.

I think it's quite hard when they are very young. My son is 9 now and it's a lot easier as he will amuse himself for a bit in between me doing things with him.

Anyhow, back to you. I used to find things far easier if we went out every day.

So, breakfast at home, then out. Doesn't have to be expensive or have any cost at all. Walk to the playground and play there for a bit. Walk to feed the ducks. Any footpaths/bridle ways near you? A river you can walk on? Walk to the library to look at books (ours also had drawing paper and crayons). You've probably guessed there's a theme - despite being a car driver, I did a lot of walking with him. At 18 months, they like looking at everything and fairly short walks tire them out. Can always take the buggy just in case.

Then, home for lunch (if you can afford it, maybe lunch in a cafe one day, if not, pack whatever you would have at home at take it for a picnic). Does your day still nap? If so, nap after lunch.

Then, in the afternoon, something at home - garden with toys/chalk on the garden path if possible/baking simple cakes or biscuits/playdough if you feel brave 😂

Maybe a longer trip on one or two days if you can - when I was a kid, I used to find a trip on the bus to town with my Nan the best thing ever 😂 or a train trip to a town/city?

Also, remember, a bit of TV/child amusing themselves while you have a brew won't kill anyone! Don't feel you have to fill every minute of everyday 🙂

Have a lovely holiday!

It is really hard when they’re little. I also didn’t particularly look forward to the school holidays when mine were very small. I was exhausted from the term, then the holidays were just a different kind of exhausting. But, now mine are a bit older, it’s glorious. I think when the youngest gets to about 4, it’s just lovely having the holidays with them. Hang on in there, not too long to go! But you’ll need to organise some downtime for you during the holidays for now. Are there grandparents who could give you a hand? Or something like a gym with a crèche? I joined Virgin Active when mine were little as they had an absolutely brilliant crèche, and honestly it was the best money I ever spent. Sometimes I’d just go in the cafe for an hour.

Aw thank you both for the kind replies. I thought I was being a bit grumpy for not appreciating it.

Yesterday was glorious and today is supposed to be too, then we’re heading home (150miles away) for the Easter weekend so will get some grandparent help then.

Luckily my little one is still really happy going in the pram as long as there are plenty opportunities to get out and have an explore for 10-15 mins. So the walking idea is a great one! I feel like there are sooo many more options in the sunshine too!

Hope you’re both having a lovely Easter so far xxx

It's so hard when they're little. My son is 18 months old too and I have a 5 year old. I love them to bits but the holidays are not a rest at all.

I have to pack lots into the holidays else I just get so bored. We're out seeing friends or doing something as a family every day of the holidays.

My best friend, who I usually co-parent with during the holidays, is away for the whole two weeks so I've basically messaged everyone I don't get to see during term time and arranged something.