1. Keep It Simple with Activities
Forget complicated Pinterest crafts that take more setup than the kids’ attention span allows. Keep it simple:
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Backyard water play with buckets and cups.
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A trip to the local park or library.
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A cardboard box turned into a “spaceship” (kids love it more than the expensive toys anyway).
I like to rotate activities every couple of days – it keeps things fresh without exhausting me.
2. Snack Stations = Sanity
I swear I hear “I’m hungry” 173 times a day in the holidays. Setting up a snack basket in the fridge or pantry works wonders. Pop in fruit, crackers, little cheese cubes, or whatever works for your crew, and let them help themselves.
Hot tip: keep a stack of Oh Spit washcloths nearby because sticky fingers and snack crumbs are basically a full-time job during holidays.
3. Lower the Expectations
Here’s your permission slip: the house doesn’t need to look perfect. If screen time stretches longer than usual, that’s okay. You don’t need to create Instagram-worthy activities every single day. The kids won’t remember a perfectly clean lounge room – they’ll remember the giggles and the fun.
4. Carve Out Mum Time
The holidays can feel like a marathon, and you can’t pour from an empty cup. Even just 15 minutes to sip a hot coffee, sneak a bit of chocolate, or sit in the sun can reset your whole mood.
Sometimes I even pop on a wearable heat pack when my back’s aching from carrying toddlers (or when cramps hit at the worst time – because of course they do). Little self-care rituals go a long way. My friend at Blooming Healthy Studio has you covered for these! www.bloominghealthystudio.com
5. Prep for the Mess
Let’s be real – the mess is coming whether we like it or not. Instead of fighting it, I make sure I’m prepared:
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A basket of essentials in the lounge (washcloths, wipes, bibs).
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Towels at the ready for surprise water fights.
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A “holiday kit” of things that make my life easier (and save me cleaning up 100 spills a day).
If you’ve got a few Oh Spit bibs and washcloths handy, you’re already halfway there!
Final Thoughts
Mums, give yourself a big pat on the back. Surviving the school holidays isn’t about perfection – it’s about making it through with everyone fed, loved, and (mostly) happy. You don’t have to do it all. Promise.
The kids will remember the fun, not the flawless routine. So cut yourself some slack, laugh at the chaos, and know you’re doing an amazing job.
💬 I’d love to hear your school holiday survival hacks! Share them in the comments or over on Instagram so we can build a list of mum-approved tips together.