You don’t. Kidding. It takes lots of coffee, patience, and lots of planning. I’ve noticed the kids go completely stir crazy 3.7 seconds after they wake up on Day 1. Now, I love my kids, don’t get me wrong. What I don’t love, however, is the craziness that ensues the second they realize they’re on a long break from school.

My kids started winter break on Dec 18 and were off school until January 4th. So how did we survive?

  • Extended electronic time

Basically the IPads are fair game-to a point. They’re still regulated but there is a lot of time the kids spend playing games, watching shows on their iPads, or putting on dance shows for us.

  • Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon

No seriously, this thing is like the golden ticket to having kids. If the product is not already on sale, just the fact it’s 40% cheaper makes it A-OK in my book. We did crafts, made bracelets, painted, colored, etc. There are plenty of crafty things at Hobby Lobby (or any craft store, I’m sure) to keep younger kids occupied.

  • Sleepovers/time with Omi and friends

The kids LOVE staying with their Omi (grandma.) The fact she lives less than 5 min away definitely helps! She took the kids to movies, they slept over and spent some quality time with her over their recent break.

  • Scheduled “quiet time”

Typically during C’s nap time, is our scheduled quiet time. This is when all the jumping, dancing, loud fun is paused for some downtime. The kids generally play in the play room or upstairs in their rooms with their Legos, dolls, magic kit, etc. If they don’t want to do that, we find a family movie, grab blankets and pillows and lounge around in the living room.

All-in-all, if you can combat the stir crazy, you can survive. We had numerous family outings scheduled, christmas shopping to complete, and other winter fun things to do as well. There was leeway in the day but it was also structured. If kids can predict what is going on or what is going to happen, it great reduces the stress and hyper-ness in them. Just plan it out and you’ll survive!

Kirstyn

 

 

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