When we were children, the summer holidays signalled endless freedom, fun with friends, days out and even maybe a family holiday. As a parent, navigating these six weeks often means less freedom and more frantic juggling. Here to help you channel calm and carefree vibes is our Founder, Gemma, with her tried-and-tested, SOSS (that’s save our summer sanity) tips.
Plan like the pro you are
Busy women are the best planners. While Gemma’s not advocating a packed, rigid six-week schedule (where’s the fun in that?), listing non-negotiable work and meeting times, identifying care gaps, highlighting opportunities for time off and jotting down ideas of things to do as a family is her secret weapon to staying calm.
Yes, it takes some upfront effort, but the bonus is that, when the end of term arrives, you’ll feel cool and in control.
Share the load
The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” couldn’t apply more to the summer holidays if it tried! Gemma’s top advice here: reach out asap to fellow class parents, ask what clubs they’re doing, book on and lift share, tag-team playdates. Children miss their friends in the holidays so this is an ideal way of keeping them connected while sharing the load.
Keep them active
We know how much better we feel when we move - it eases stress and helps us sleep better. At school and nursery, our children run around so much, so it’s great to keep activity levels up to help their wellbeing too. Bike rides, swimming, get them on the trampoline if you have one in the garden, family walks, ball games… just 30 minutes each day will make a big difference.
Save some slower days
Longer, lighter days make it so tempting to pack as much as possible into precious time off. Just remember that slowing down and just being together is super important too. No routine, no rush, no clock watching - it’s bliss. Sometimes, these are Gemma’s favourite summer days.
Protect your own downtime
Solo slow time matters as well. So, try to stick with your usual workout, guilt-free. Post-dinner, head upstairs with a cuppa, take a longer-than-usual shower to wash off the day (and SPF) and, while you’re in there, apply some Nourishing Cream Cleanser for a 5-min face mask (it has a pretty magic way of undoing the signs of a day’s tiredness on skin). Afterwards, smooth on our Energising Body Lotion - the magnesium-rich Olivine inside the formula is so relaxing on muscles.
Be snack ready
Snack requests seem endless in the holidays. While we all love an occasional ice cream or biscuit, having something more balanced ready to go is great for stopping children (or you) reaching for less healthy choices. A favourite in our house are chocolate fruit kebabs. We stick strawberries, watermelon and blueberries onto skewers, dip them in melted chocolate then freeze them. Instantly gratifying when you get the munchies.
In summary, just remember - a little upfront prep, delegation, taking advantage of the great outdoors and keeping back slow days for some Gem & Tonic self care will mean a happier, healthier and more harmonious summer holidays. 