MOST parents across the UK are only in week two of the six week school summer holidays, but many Facebook mums have united to vent how it’s six weeks of hell, and are lamenting the days gone by where kids were simply left to be bored.
One mum’s dread of facing having her kids at home recently sparked a fierce debate on the family Facebook group called Family Lowdown Tips & Tricks.
“I can’t be the only parent that is dreading the next 6 weeks?” she began.
“I have been getting myself so worked up all day… My boys do nothing but fight.”
She said she worried about what to do with her children every day and called her sons “ungrateful.”
“I can’t do something with them every day. Even when I do take them out.
“They fight and are so ungrateful. I can’t be the only one?!”
But while some parents might have been quick to judge others leapt to her defence sympathising with her and said they had similar issues with their children.
One person penned: “I’ve got 6 boys I feel your pain but I’m not putting any pressure on myself.
“I’m just going with each day [and making] no plans at all. If they wanna sit in their pants all day playing Xbox they can.”
And the troubled mum hailed her ‘a hero’ for being so honest.
“No, you’re not the only one. Nothing makes me realise how much more teachers deserve to be paid than having my kids at home for an extended period,” a second commented.
“Mine hate being out of routine. It’s a nightmare, especially the first 2 weeks,” someone else said.
“We have days out and so lots of activities, but 6 weeks, actually 6 and a half weeks, is a loooong time!” a fourth wrote.
“Nothing stops them, I sometimes dread taking them out, you’re not alone, think all boy mums feel your pain!” another sympathised.
Amongst the support some also took it as an opportunity to be smug:
“I can’t wait we had one child and she behaves as she should in public love spending time with her when she has holidays.”
While other mums left some advice saying: “Are there any holiday clubs they can go to? Football, tennis etc?
Mine hate being out of routine. It’s a nightmare, especially the first 2 weeks
“I’m not sure where you are but the councils here usually run free sessions in schools etc where you can drop off and just collect [them] at [the] end of the day.”
She is not the only one having issues this summer as another mum shared her frustrations over having teenagers off school.
She said in a lengthy social media post that her 14-year-old daughter had screamed at her because her phone wasn’t charging as soon as she got through the door.
“My two teenagers have skulked in through the door, traipsing muddy footprints through the freshly mopped hallway (they cannot be arsed to remove their shoes despite my pleading for them to do this every day for the last 10 years).
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there’s nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: “Don’t feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
“Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on the fridge.”
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don’t let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: “It’s unfair to expect older kids to power down but it’s important to set some ground rules.
“Set family tech rules together. If you’re often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren’t allowed any screen time until they’ve done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
“Are there times when you’d like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
“Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.”
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: “If you’re juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
“If you can’t afford or don’t want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids’ workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
“Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.”
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
“Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
“Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: “Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
“Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they’re wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
“Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They’ll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.”
“Apparently it’s MY fault because apparently I washed her power pack (she cannot be bothered to empty out her blazer pockets before it goes through the wash despite me asking her ten times to bring down her laundry),” she wrote.
Her 15-year-old son also had a problem with the dinner and vegetables she had chosen, storming off to his room to order pizza.
She added they got an allowance every two weeks but were constantly asking for money.
“They are spoilt brats that I never spoilt growing up.
“Both just expect me to clean it all and when I pull them up on it they just throw tantrums,” she said.
