Organisation
The summer holidays are in full swing here, and that means lots of fun days out planned. However, before we can go out and enjoy our time together there is just one thing we need to do, get everyone out the door. While that sounds like a simple task it can be the most stressful part of the day, even worse than bedtime.
Meet the kids
We have Roran (6) who wants to help by doing everything, but can’t do it without asking first and has no concept of priorities. Willem (5) who has severe selective hearing and is not very keen on helping at all. Persephonie (3) who is adamant she can do everything herself and will except no help even when we are running super late. Beatrix (1) well she can’t really do anything for herself so pretty reliant on me doing it all.
Starting early
I aim to start getting everyone out of the door at least 30 minutes before I need to, the first step is shoes. We have a shoe cupboard by our front door yet even though it is full somehow it never has the shoes in that we require, those are hidden somewhere around the house. The boys are usually good at finding theirs, although I do often need to ask Willem several times first and explain why we need to wear shoes. Persephonie’s are usually harder to find and often we find the wrong pair, she has far too many shoes and is very picky. Beatrix is easier she only has one pair which she rarely wears.
Looking after their skin
Next, sun cream. Even after weeks of hot weather I am still explaining that we need it on. So we have a bottle in the car and one in the changing bag and another in a box by the door. Roran is always happy to apply his, although I have to check his face as he seems to forget that. Willem will do his but often protests with an elaborate reason to why he doesn’t need it and needs some encouragement. Persephonie won’t let anyone help her except for me and Beatrix happily sits there.
The right hat for the right mood
Sunhats. Each child has at least 3 sun hats and still every time we leave the house we can’t find any. There is a box for them by the door, but they never seem to make it back in there. They do turn up in the car, the garden, a bag, under the sofa or even in the doll’s house. Even when we do find hats they have to be the right one. Roran is now ‘too cool’ for your standard sun hat, it needs to be a cap. Meanwhile Persephonie, who has the most hats, needs the one that fits her mood.
Staying hydrated
Water bottles. I always make sure we take a water bottle out with us in the summer, and Roran is keen to fill them up, but first they need locating. Each of the children have a Klean Kanteen which they manage to lose daily, often they are found in the car. Once we have located them all Roran will fill them up, but he cannot unscrew them so that is my job. Then I need to remind them to actually take them out with us.
Double checking EVERYTHING
Whilst all these things are being sorted I am often busy making sure I have nappies, change of clothes, spare hats, snacks, money, and everything else we need for the day. Most days I go back in the house at least once as someone as forgot something. Once we are out the house we can enjoy our day…
Previously posted on www.familiesonline.co.uk
Mummy to the Hughes 