How to survive annual leave

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So what an amazing year its been right?

We survived 2014!

Well since going on leave I’ve realized how important routine is. Yes its necessary to ease up a bit but still crucial for my sanity to keep to our routine.

This year Carl was fortunate enough to take a few days leave with us. The difference this year is we decided to take it easy and spend lots pf time at home. Doing things around the house, playing with all the toys the boys have forgotten about and just spend quality time together.

A few tips I’ve learnt and applied during this period is :

1. Nap times are important. Yes both my boys (aged 5yrs 11mnths and 15mnths) take naps daily. The baby has 2. One early morning and then again after lunch. This keeps both Mom and kids happy and sane.

2. Stick to routine that your kids have (be it at playschool or home with s Nanny). Schedule outings, play dates and fun things outside of their eating, sleeping times.

3. During this scorcher season keep kids well hydrated and slathered in sunblock. No one wants an unhappy sunburnt baba.

4. Do fun arts and crafts at home. Paint a picture for your feature wall, bake cookies and cupcakes for the family. Let the kids get their hands dirty.

5. As much as possible keep away from shopping malls. Yes sales are enticing but kids prefer to be outdoors than cooped up in busy shopping malls and long lines.

6. If you have the time, schedule Mommy and Daddy date nights. This time of the year its important to relax, unwind, have family time but also have “Us” time.

7. Now is the perfect time to let your fussy eaters try out new snacks and foods. Get them involved, make something fun. I have a big problem with my 2, yes 2 fussy eaters. If its not butternut lasagne, 2 minute noodles, chicken nuggets or melrose sarmies they WON’T eat it. But having all this time at home has helped me twist their arms into trying new things. Its a long slow process but we’re making progress slowly!

Other than that, enjoy your time at home!

Stay blessed!

Till later
LT