For many moms, spring break can be a nerve-racking time. As parents, we want to make sure our children are having fun while also making sure that all their needs are met and that they stay safe. For me, past spring breaks and other school breaks (especially winter break) were made even more challenging by the fact that I had four sons from two different relationships -- a tween and teen from my previous relationship plus an infant and toddler with my current husband back in 2007.
The anxiety and stress of parenting didn't subside completely until one of the little ones started school about five years later. Then my last son began his school journey a year later due to his birthday being in December (school started in September). I wasn’t happy about that and so I enrolled him in a school program that helped young children get an early start. He was there part-time. I found the program through local advertising, but if anyone is interested, check with the school office to see if they have such a program.
At times, I felt overwhelmed with the responsibility of organizing activities for four boys at once during school breaks, but I managed to press on through the challenges. One way I did this was by setting up structure in my household. I listed times and activities on a calendar posted on the fridge for the older ones and told them in advance what we would be doing. I also blocked off time for what I called "Do Nothing Time." They were expected to do just that. If not, the consequences were that they would not receive treats later and they didn't want me making a phone call to their dad either stating that they were misbehaving.
Do Nothing Time consisted of: napping (we usually had high energy activities prior to), lying down just daydreaming (lol), and sometimes there was the occasional request to read a book. However, there was no technology. This time usually lasted anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour if everyone was sleeping. While that was happening, I would conduct research on the latest local community activities, and read about blended families so that I could better understand any potential issues or difficulties we might encounter regarding the other parent and his family.
Co-parenting can be tough, but it's important to remember that there are mutual benefits. When my ex-husband and I had conflicts, I would remind him of all the opportunities he was able to have with his free time while I had the boys — like vacationing or doing other things that made him happy. This also saved him money by not having to buy extra items for the kids when they stayed with me, such as clothes, toys, and whatever else they needed. In this way, co-parenting can be mutually beneficial if approached in a mindful manner.
As spring break progressed, I was reminded of how much I love my children and our being together. We visited parks, went to the movies, danced, painted, went to church, played games, studied subjects that they weren't doing so well in school, and more. Often when everything got a bit too chaotic, I stepped back and watched as all four of my children laughed and played with one another.
I'm so thankful for all those spring break memories -- reconnection, relaxation, and all the opportunities to show my children how much I care about them.
We have another spring break coming up, but my two older sons are now grown men and the two younger ones are teenagers who work. Yes, time did fly since the time I first started this blog! So for those at-home moms who are constantly juggling parenting responsibilities from morning until night, spring break will present you with many opportunities to spend quality time with your children while also enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation, so make the most of it!
As for those moms out there, who are feeling overwhelmed planning activities and handling spring break responsibilities, remember that it's okay to take a step back and enjoy the moments with your children as they grow up before your very eyes. Just think: spring break only comes around once a year!
I hope this post has been helpful for fellow at-home mothers looking for tips on how to balance parenting during a school break. Share your stories in the comments below! Until next time...Happy Parenting!
Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and the author of When Mothers Cry and Tell Me Mother You’re Sorry.
