Top tips to get you out of any sticky situation with your kids this summer and survive the whole six weeks

SCHOOL’S out and while the kids are looking forward to days of fun, you’re panicking about how to keep them entertained for six weeks.

While there are options –  holiday clubs, help from grandparents and swapping play dates –  the summer hols aren’t easy, especially if you still have to work.

Emma Kenny, psychologist and mum-of-two, says: “Kids and parents have different mindsets at the best of times, but even more so in summer.

“For kids, the focus is on fun while you’re all about keeping them entertained in a meaningful way. This can lead to arguments and parents blowing their tops at ‘lazy’ kids – but it doesn’t have to be like that.”

Here, Emma tells us her tips and tricks to help you (and your kids) survive the school holidays.

1 Kids still in PJs and you're late for work...

Solution: Accept the fact your children have very different priorities to you.

Shouting will accomplish very little and make the scenario even more stressful.

Try a family priorities list. For example, they don’t get to put the TV on until they’ve had breakfast, got changed, brushed their teeth and made their bed.

If you’re feeling super-efficient, get yourself up, sorted and ready for work earlier than them.
That way, once they rise, your focus can be on them entirely until it’s time for you all to go.

2 They won't tidy messy bedrooms

Solution: A recent study looking at how more than 100 parents dealt with their naughty children found compromising led to better behaviour in the long run.

If you give a child or an adult an ultimatum, they’ll feel boxed in and likely to kick-back against authority.

Take the heat out of the situation and suggest a compromise.

For example, they can’t have a friend over tomorrow unless they tidy. Or they can put everything away except the train tracks/craft box as they’ll play with that again tomorrow.

It’s worth giving incentives too. Tell them that if their room is tidy then you can play outside with them too. Most kids want quality parent time more than anything and you’ll be surprised at what they’ll do to get it.

If the sun’s shining and you’ve had a busy day at work, some football or playing with the sprinkler in the garden could be just the reboot you need as a parent, too.

3 They won't go to bed, you're tired

Solution: Parenting while you’re tired is arguably the most difficult thing in the world.

Studies have found fatigued mums and dads show more irritability, less patience and increased frustration towards their children.

Take yourself away from the heat source for a minute and realign your thoughts. Practice a breathing technique to stay calm like the 4-7-8. Breathe in through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for seven seconds, and then breathe out through your mouth to a count of eight.

Do this a few times until you feel your stress levels decrease — then compromise.

Give them an extra 15 minutes up, but do something together you’ll all enjoy. And make sure they realise they have to go to bed when the time is up.