The thought of dealing with all three children for an 8-and-a-half week summer holiday is pretty nerve-wracking.
But, since I decided that being a mum was going to be my ‘job’, I’m approaching this as I would any other work project…. I made a chart.
For my sins, I’m one of those organised types. I’m very happy to spend time doing some organising (well, only if I care enough… don’t look at my wardrobe).
So, eight-and-a-half weeks to fill…
Time off:
I decided that, realistically I can have all three children for two weeks and have a whale of a time, but by week 3 I’d start getting a little snappy and short with them – basically not the best mum I can be. So I booked Biggle and Middlie into a holiday club for 5 days in week 3 and week 7 so I can stay on an even keel.
Planning:
First, I looked online for any playgroups and activities that would be suitable for all my kids and open over the summer. Then I asked around and posted on local parenting Facebook groups for ideas for mornings out and day trips with the family. I made a list of things I wanted to do with the kids and started pencilling them into a draft calendar.
I generally followed a pattern of mornings out, then workbook and non-descript table activities/free play during Littlie’s nap, and then something close to home in the afternoon.
Getting crafty:
With a rough plan sorted, I put it all into a spreadsheet, turned it into a wall chart and included pictures so my non-reader could still understand it. Then, for extra interactivity, i made a slider so Biggie and Middlie could slide it along for each new day.
The all important slider so the kids can see what day we’re on 
Coming together… 
The finished article!!
Was it worth the hassle?
It may seem like overkill, but I’m happier having a plan in place, otherwise it’d take ages to decide on something and get out, and then things would get screwed up with Littlie’s nap time. No thank you.
Also, the kids like seeing that there’s a plan to the day, something they can foresee and expect. They like seeing for themselves what we’re doing each day.
So, all in all, we have a happy mummy with a plan, and happy children with summer activities they can look forward to! Definitely worth the effort
🙂
Follow my (mostly positive) adventures with Biggie, Middlie and Littlie as I attempt to turn being a stay at home mum into a rewarding and challenging career.
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West london mum - surviving with three, awesomely! 
Goodness! As a teacher with the same holidays to fill with my three children, I was nowhere near as organised as this! Food shopping was part of our week with occasional visits to the park or the pool. Otherwise it was just being at home, playing with friends, reading and making one’s own games and activities up with their siblings. Very boring by comparison! 🙄
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It looks very busy, but the reality is: morning outing, then downtime at home from lunchtime… maybe something later on, but not often.
Everyone’s family will work differently, so I’m sure that your setup is right for you ☺️(I must admit, I despise food shopping with the kids so well done you!).
I know of people who organise different play dates every day for their kids in the holidays, so there’s a vast spectrum ways people cope!
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