HOLIDAY FUN
WHAT ‘I like it best when my sister THE KIDS plays with her friend and SAY I have just mummy.’ NOAH, 3
It’s babysitter time
There are times during the holidays when you have to rely on babysitters or relatives. Children may not be keen and often there’s a major meltdown. A little bribery can work wonders, but so does sticking to your guns. It’s worth having activities planned, so they can get excited in advance. Someone the kids think is cool can stop bad behaviour – they’ll want to impress them.
Let’s face it, sometimes even the best parenting strategies break down and you can’t stop a full-blown squabble. Try Suzie Hayman’s tactic for getting them to calm down. ‘Don’t always wade in as the referee. Get them into the habit of negotiation. If you ask them how they want things to be diferent, they often come up with sensible demands and work it out together.’
WHAT ‘My mum’s got an THE KIDS egg-timer – if me and SAY my brother have a fght I have to stay quiet while he talks. Then she turns it over and I talk while he listens. It’s hard not to interrupt.’ JOSH, 4
WHAT ‘One-on-one time is the biggest thing for keeping us on an even keel. PARENTS I used to arrange play dates for both of them at the same time, to SAY give myself a break. But actually if I just have one with me, we potter around doing whatever that child wants with no arguments.’ RACHEL, MUM OF TWO
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5 TOP TIPS TO SURVIVE THE HOLS
Have a plan for every day – and include a mix of diferent activities.
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Share the strain with others. Lots of us are in the same situation, so meet up and let the kids play! 72 | ASDA.COM/MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2014
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If they start fghting, frst give them some time apart and then get them to talk to each other.
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Don’t try to suit everyone all the time.
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Not every day has to be perfect. Sometimes it’s good for your kids to get a little bored.
WORDS: RADHIKA HOLMSTRÖM. PHOTOGRAPHS: ALAMY, GETTY IMAGES
ItÕs gone too far, and theyÕre at each othersÕ throats