Summer Magic (and Mayhem!) with Little Ones
Summer Magic (and Mayhem!) with Little Ones: Surviving and Thriving Through the Holidays
Ah, summer! Long, light evenings, picnics in the park, ice creams melting faster than you can lick them… and let’s be honest – a fair bit of chaos too. Whether your little one is toddling, teething, or just starting or finishing Reception, the summer holidays can feel like a joyful juggle (with a side of exhaustion!).
As a parent and coach, I know that mix of excitement and dread that hits when routines go out the window and the phrase “I’m bored” starts making an appearance before 10 am. So, how can we keep our young ones entertained, connected, and calm, without resorting to screen marathons or daily bribery?
Here are a few simple, gentle ideas for making the most of the summer with your little ones.
1. Simple is Best: Everyday Adventures
You don’t need Pinterest-worthy plans or costly days out to make memories. A nature walk with a homemade scavenger hunt: “Can you find something yellow? Something soft?” can bring joy to even the smallest adventurers.
Take your shoes off in the garden or park and feel the grass between your toes. Turn a trip to the supermarket into a treasure mission: “Can you spot three things that are red?” Slowing down and seeing the world through your child’s eyes brings connection (and calms chaos!).
2. Beat Boredom with a Bored Box
Here’s one of my favourite tips: Create a Bored Box. Fill a box or basket with simple, open-ended activities, think playdough, paper and crayons, stickers, wooden blocks, toy animals, and a small torch. When your child says they’re bored, direct them to the box.
It gives them choice, encourages independence, and best of all, you don’t need to scramble for ideas in the moment. Refresh it every week or so to keep it interesting.
3. Out and About in Yorkshire
We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world. From riverside rambles to petting farms, splash parks, and sandpits, there’s something for everyone. Many local libraries run free summer events for younger children – think story time, rhyme time, or craft mornings.
Not sure where to go? Let your child choose! Give two options: “Shall we go to the park or the woods today?” Giving them simple choices helps build confidence and reduces power struggles.
4. When It All Gets Too Much…
Little ones thrive on rhythm and routine, and summer can throw that off balance. Try keeping a few anchors to the day, perhaps a morning cuddle and story, lunch at the same time, or a wind-down bath before bed.
And when the inevitable meltdowns happen (because they will), take a breath. You’re not doing anything wrong. Tantrums are communication and summer holidays can be a lot for little brains and bodies to process.
5. Easing into September Gently
If your child is starting nursery, preschool or Reception in September, start gently introducing the idea over the summer. Read books about starting school, drive or walk past the building, and keep your tone positive and light.
For children already in the school system, involve them in small preparations: picking a lunchbox, trying on their uniform, practising the walk to school. Make it fun and reassuring: “Your new teacher is so lucky to have you!”
Summer doesn’t have to be jam-packed to be joyful. Kids remember the giggles, the cuddles, the splashing in puddles, and eating strawberries straight from the punnet. Be kind to yourself, keep things simple, and know that “good enough” parenting really is good enough.
You’ve got this.
