Most schools have closed for the session and will be resuming in September, giving us approximately two months with the kids at home.
I, for one, always look forward to the holidays because I get to stop waking up so early to prepare the kids for school. I have never been a morning person, so it hasn’t always been easy as a mom.
But then, after a few days of sleeping in, you’re suddenly faced with a lot of free time with the kids and not really knowing how exactly to keep them preoccupied.
I want to share some tips that have helped me survive this period:
- Stock Up on Food
With kids at home, they’ll probably be eating and snacking around the clock. I mean, they always want to chew or snack on something. Peckish becomes their new favourite word. So it helps to have nuts, fruits, and proteins available—fruits and nuts to snack on, and protein to keep them fuller for longer. - Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone
As much as we’re stocking up (as much as we can afford), I always tell the kids that we eat to live, not live to eat. That way, when they’re bored, they don’t always go looking for food. Instead, they think of something else to do with their time. - Get Them Involved
The most effective way to reduce their time and devotion to food is to get them involved in meal prep. When they engage in the process of producing food, they learn the effort it takes and begin to appreciate home-cooked meals more. A lot of times, when you think of the hours it would take to satisfy a craving, you’ll let it go and just rest. - Maintain Routines
This one isn’t always easy, but if you commit to it, it sticks in the long run. From the moment children wake up, they should have routines they follow without being told—like making their beds, brushing their teeth, doing small laundry (like socks and undies), taking out the garbage, and generally tidying up their living space. - House Chores
I always take full advantage of the holiday period to teach the kids basic chores. This reduces the burden of work on me and helps them build confidence and learn responsibility in the process. It’s always a win-win for all of us. - Finally, Take Care of Yourself
Eliminate stressors. Don’t overcommit to too many things. Maintain your schedule and create quality time that allows you all to bond as you do more fun things together.
What do you think?
Joy Mfon Essien is an entrepreneur and the CEO of Discover Essence Media, Millionaire Woman Soapworks, and Delicioso Foods. She is also a writer, TV presenter and producer, wellness coach, and mom of two.
