lifestyle

How to survive the Summer Holidays

Ah, the summer holidays! Six whole weeks (at least) to spend with the loves of your life. It should be idyllic and, for the most part, it will be but here at RI we’re realists. From later bedtime debates to making forever memories that don’t revolve around TikTok, surviving the summer holidays is no easy feat. We sat down with @catlpatterson who walked us through her game plan for the upcoming summer hols so that the entire family (including Cat!) would have the best time ever.

Girls Holiday Shop

Boys Holiday Shop

What are your favourite activities to do with your kids during the summer holidays?

A day in the park with friends and family, a picnic and a blanket is my absolute fave. It’s a simple formula that works - the kids have fun playing together while the grown ups get to chat. At home in the evenings, we love playing Monopoly or watching a film with snacks all cuddled up on the sofa.

Are you team iPad, team "go outside and play," or a bit of both?

A bit of both! I love those days where we’ve been out in the park all day and not been on screens but equally the kids' iPad time is such a lifesaver for me. It gives everyone a bit of a breather and gives me time to get some work done. You can’t beat giving your kids an iPad with headphones for some blissful peace and quiet.

Getting ready in the morning during a heatwave can be a chore for anyone, let alone the kids. What items of clothing make all of your lives a little easier especially when it’s hot?

I love shorts or skirt co-ord for the kids in the summer because it’s such an easy no-brainer outfit in the heat.

What self-care rituals do you practice when the kids are at home during the summer?

As a single parent, something as simple as having the night off from cooking is an act of self-care. So, a takeaway treat or an easy oven dinner like shop bought pizza is always a winner. The kids and I love having a face mask pamper night together - it’s so cute. Note to self: I must do this again with the kiddies soon.

How and when do you carve out time for yourself when the kids are at home during the summer holidays?

Two words: holiday club. It’s a lifesaver when I need to focus on work over the summer holidays. I try to take a half to full day off work on one of those days to spend time with myself. My good friends and I also take it in turns to host play dates so that again everyone gets some time away from their kids to either work or chill. The aforementioned iPad is another pocket of time when the kids are occupied, and I can watch a film by myself. Finally, the kids eventually get tired of all the late summer nights so put them to bed early and have an evening to yourself.

What are your summer holiday secret weapons when tempers are running high?

Divide and conquer! Where possible I arrange some separate activities for the kids. Distraction also sometimes works so stick on a viral TikTok song and do a dance or I’ll pop one kid on the iPad and have some time with the other drawing or reading and then swap over. I have family and friends who I can vent and laugh to about how intense it can get which helps enormously.

What’s your stance on later bedtimes during the holidays?

Oh, 100% up for later bedtimes. My two will sleep in a bit longer now too and I love being a bit more flexible and not having to rush in the mornings!

Any final mum hacks we should know about before school’s out?

Did I mention iPads and headphones? Plan some child-free time by hook or by crook even if it’s just a couple of hours a week. Have fun with the kids and enjoy being child-like yourself. Be kind to yourself and know that you are doing your best and that is enough.

Girls Holiday Shop

Boys Holiday Shop