Half-term Halcyon
Can Spring Break be relaxed and stress-free? Are you juggling three kids under five as well as trying to keep Grandma happy; keeping the children amused and playing blissfully together at the same time as keeping house?
Here are a few secret tricks-of-the-trade from real moms on keeping everyone happy during Spring Break.
“I make up a batch of pasta bakes, lasagna and risotto the week before and freeze them because I know I’ll never get around to making the kids proper food as well as keeping them amused.”
Kathryn Ruhl, 34, from Elko, NV, mom of three
“We go and collect leaves from Central Park and use them to make collages and paint the leaves to make stamps – it keeps the kids amused for hours.”
Miriam Frank, 32, from Brooklyn, NY, mom of two
“I’ve organized a ‘kids-share’ with two other moms who live locally. Each day two of us look after all the kids while one mom is free to have a day off. It’s ideal if you’re a working mom who has to take Spring Break as a holiday and are also in need of a break! I book a day in a spa or go to the mall to shop without the kids in tow.”
Malita Garner, 32, Atlanta, GA, mom of two
“I introduced the concept that the morning is the kids’ time and they can decide what they want to do (park, swings, see friends, play dressing-up etc) and the afternoon is for me. I can read a book or magazine and they play together in the same room. I’m very clear that it’s mommy’s time in the afternoon and that they can’t bother me unless it’s absolutely necessary!”
Kelly Shepler, Camden, ME, mom of two
“I like to indulge in some energy burners in the morning, like cycling with the kids, letting them run riot at the playground, shooting hoops out in the yard, walks round the neighborhood or swimming at the local Y. Then by the afternoon they’re tuckered out and less likely to have tantrums, arguments or be pestering me to take them out!”
Mary-Beth Rankin, Shepherdtown, WV, mom of two
“Cooking is fun even with small children, so I always use half-term as a good time to bake cookies and cupcakes. I include the kids as much as possible – even my youngest, who’s just 18 months, enjoys helping frost the cupcakes.”
Laurie Nemhauser, 40, La Plata, MD, mom of four
“We head to the local beach to collect shells and sharks’ teeth and do some manatee-spotting, or drive up to Sarasota to the local aquarium or children’s zoo. For a special treat, we might do a day at Busch Gardens or Disney World.”
Kate Kennedy, 34, Venice, FL, mom of two
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.