I’m a mum-of-four – six last-minute ways to get organised for half term NOW & keep the kids entertained for hours
THIS mum-of-four is no stranger to ticking off lists and planning out her day. And with school holidays fast approaching, Sarah Glanville, 35, from Berkshire, reckons planning now is key. The mum, who works in garage administration, said the key to successful school holidays is to plan ahead and be as organised as possible. And […]
THIS mum-of-four is no stranger to ticking off lists and planning out her day.
And with school holidays fast approaching, Sarah Glanville, 35, from Berkshire, reckons planning now is key.
The mum, who works in garage administration, said the key to successful school holidays is to plan ahead and be as organised as possible.
And that also means the kids will be entertained for hours which is every parent’s dream.
Sarah, who is mum to Scarlett, eight, Matilda, six and three-year-old twins Oscar and Esme, told Fabulous: “To get the most out of the school holidays and that time off with your kids, being organised is the best way to make things more affordable without missing out on all the fun.”
Ahead of half term, Sarah says there are a few things she’ll always do, and her tips will help other parents feel more organised too.
“I check what’s going on locally at shopping centres and free museums and keep an eye online for people sharing events as you often need to book a lot of things in advance,” she explained.
“I also look for offers in the craft and bargain shops, supermarkets and other places for good activities at home in case you have any of those rainy days when you just don’t fancy going out at all.
“This can even be as simple as working out which lego set we haven’t built in a while or stocking up on popcorn for a movie afternoon at home.”
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A couple of weeks before the holidays Sarah will get the kids involved in planning too.
“I ask the kids (those who can write) to make me a list of where they would like to go,” she explained.
“The little ones tell me where they think would be fun and you’ll often be surprised by the simple and free things they would love to do.
“It doesn’t need to be all theme parks and big adventures, just doing something all together is often enough.”
Sarah, who shares her life as a mum with her 5,500 Instagram followers, shares some cheap and easy kids’ activities that’ll keep them entertained for hours – all of which you can start planning now.
1. Stock up ahead of time
Rummage through your pantry and whip out any baking ingredients you have which Sarah says makes for a perfect rainy day activity.
You can plan ahead of time and start scanning your supermarkets now too.
Sarah said: “Most supermarkets have a cake or cookie kit for as little as £1 this can even be two activities the baking and decorating.”
The same can be said for craft supplies too with the organised mum always checking what she has before the holidays start.
“I always check what crafting bits I have and normally theme some activities to around that time of year, but just normal painting is great too,” she said.
“If you need a little help, then ordering a craft kit or popping to your local hobby craft ahead of time to see what’s on offer, and letting the kids choose, can become part of your day out and fun.”
2. Annual passes
A good way to always be prepared is to invest in annual passes for some of the family’s favourite activities.
“We always have an annual pass for somewhere that’s usually brought with vouchers or as a birthday/Christmas gift,” Sarah said.
“We often spend one of our days out at this place to keep our costs down and we take a picnic with us too.”
3. Jump on a train
Sarah’s kids love jumping on a train and it’s the perfect treat for all families.
“Often kids travel for free, or for £1, so why not take the train to that park to make your day that bit more fun and special,” she revealed.
Booking online in advance often gets you the best deal, according to Sarah, so it’s wise to plan ahead.
4. Scan your local shopping centre
Check out what’s happening in your local area before the holidays as Sarah says they often have some free or cheap events on.
“For example one of my local shopping centres is offering train rides for a charity collection around the shopping centre and that’s a great and exciting thing to add to a day out,” she revealed.
Lots of events are often free and you can always add on extra activities to make it a full day out.
5. Plan a movie day
Watching a film is a great way to have fun and it’s ideal for kids of all ages.
The best part is you don’t have to even leave the house and you can do it for pretty cheap at home.
Sarah plans the entire experience for her four kids with posters, tickets and even a snack table.
“This is always good for a rainy day when you just don’t fancy going outside or if the kids just need to relax after all the chaos of the usual school term.”
6. Get outdoors
A trip to the park is always fun for the kids and you can stay local or make a day of it by venturing out further.
“Don’t forget to take a picnic too as this is both fun and money-saving,” Sarah said, or if you plan ahead you might even nab yourself a cheap lunch someone nice.
Sarah explained: “It can be great to go out for a lunch treat with the kids and if you’re organised and plan ahead you will often find places that offer ‘kids eat free’ or for £1.
“There are sometimes offers to be found but it means thinking about where you’re going to eat before rather than doing it while you’re out and when the kids are already hungry.”
Meanwhile, this mum shares photo of her child’s lunchbox but gets savaged by parents, so can YOU see what they’re moaning about?
Plus this woman reveals I’m a messy mum and my house is a tip, trolls say it’s dangerous for my kids but I know I’m a great parent.
Plus, we also shared how an organised mum sparks debate after sharing photos of her kids’ packed lunches which she makes at 3am on Sunday mornings.
