If you’re a parent, you know that the end of summer is a much anticipated event, for you that is! While the kids are dreading the day school starts… you’re secretly doing the ‘happy dance’ behind closed doors. The end of summer brings a standard routine that the summer seems to lack, it is also an ending to parents worrying about what their children are doing, or having to plan summer activities on top of regular work responsibilities.
Of course, we all love our children dearly… but we all know the added stress that summer can bring. So, after getting them ready, and sending them off to school, here are some ideas on how to help you take a vacation from the summer!
1) Take the Day Off: Yes, it seems a bit cliche… but trust me, it works wonders! It;s usually best to pick a Monday… you know, to start the week off right! Whether you have to pull a sick day, or even a day without pay… just do it! Wake up early and get the kids ready to send off to school. Once they’re gone, set a timer for your morning coffee/tea or beverage of choice and head straight back to bed! Wake up whenever you feel like it… and just do whatever makes you relax. If cleaning relaxes you… do a little cleaning. Personally, I just sleep half the day away… and then sit in bed with a good book the rest of the day. To make the day even more special… have your significant other take the day off too… when was the last time you had a romantic getaway? Hard to remember? Trust me… this works!
2) Splurge a Little: Yes, getting ready for the school year can be hard on the budget… especially if you have more than one child! It always helps to make sure you have a little money in the budget to just go out and buy something that you’ve had your eye on, but never got. The first rule is, don’t feel guilty! It’;s okay to spend money on yourself… especially after dealing with your kids all summer. The second rule? Well… just don’t get carried away, alright?
3) Date Night: Whether you’re a couple or a single parent… it is always important to keep a spark in your love life. So always, take one night out of the week to spend by yourselves. Hire a babysitter and head out for a night on the town, or simply dinner and a movie. If you can’;t get a babysitter… there a few movie theaters that offer this service for relatively cheaply, if all else fails… order from your favorite restaurant and have dinner and a movie at home!
4) Make a Special Dinner: This one is for the WHOLE family! Plan a special dinner for the first day of school. No need to put together a standing rib roast. Just make it different enough to be thought of as special. When I was a kid my favorite dish was tuna casserole… so it was always a perfect start of the school year when I came home from a day of school and had my favorite food waiting for me! Sometimes the best stress reliever is being able to look at your children and know they are happy.