The British spring may not have brought the warm weather and sunshine many of us were hoping for but (believe it or not) the summer holidays are on the horizon. Just a mere 7 weeks away, many families will be counting down the days until the well-earned summer break or a possible getaway within the UK or overseas.
While exciting, this time of year can also bring challenges for families as parents try to balance work and household responsibilities with keeping their children entertained and engaged. This is where the support of nannies, a mother's help or an au pair can be invaluable. With a bit of planning and creativity, they can ensure that the summer is not only exciting and memorable for children and as stress-free as possible for parents.
If You’re Travelling This Summer
The presence of a nanny or au pair during family travels can help provide continuity and stability for children during the summer holidays by maintaining routines that allow children to feel secure in a new environment. Before planning any overseas or domestic travel, families should consider expectations of a nanny or au pair during the travel period and if or how those expectations differ from their contracted role. For example, if your nanny or au pair is typically “live-out” and supports the family on weekdays but would be expected to be available 7-days a week while you’re on holiday, then it is important to discuss this before making concrete plans. This ensures they are available during your planned holiday period and that everyone is on the same page regarding their role on the trip and expectations around additional remuneration for asks beyond those agreed in their contract.
Families should also consider logistical details beforehand, such as transportation and accommodation arrangements and (where applicable) ensuring that the nanny or au pair has the necessary travel documents and vaccinations. Clear communication about expectations and duties upfront ensures everyone has a smooth and enjoyable experience so parents can relax and nannies and au pairs can focus on the children.
When You’re on Home Turf
For families staying closer to home during the summer holidays, there may be little to no change to your usual routine so it’s simple to continue ‘business as usual’ with a mother’s help, au pair or nanny.
That being said, if you’re looking for support that extends beyond what is outlined in their contract then it is important to discuss this upfront, just as you would if travel were involved.
From arts and crafts to outdoor adventures, nannies, au pairs and mother’s helps can create a balanced schedule that keeps children engaged and learning throughout the summer. Here are a few tips to help you plan ahead of time:
Plan a Variety of Activities
Creative Projects - Encourage creativity with art projects, DIY crafts and building activities. Whether it's making jewellery or something like constructing and painting a birdhouse, creative activities will keep children entertained and help strengthen their fine motor skills.
Outdoor Play - Take advantage of the (hopefully) warmer weather with plenty of outdoor activities. Visits to local parks, nature trails and playgrounds provide opportunities for physical exercise, exploration and social interaction with other children.
Educational Days Out - Places like the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, National Gallery or the V&A in London can all be fun and educational days out for children and many will have specific events tailored to younger guests over the school holidays, like the Summer Family Festival at the V&A.
If you’re thinking of venturing further afield, there’s also places like ZSL Whipsenade, Longleat, Stonehenge and many more options that provide children with opportunities to learn more about history and the natural world.
Sports and Physical Activity - Organise fun activities in the comfort of your own garden this summer. This could be something like sports days, simple obstacle courses, a family football match, playing in a water sprinkler or even a scavenger hunt but all provide endless entertainment for children and get them active.
You can either keep activities among the family or extend an invitation to school or family friends to provide children opportunities to interact with their peers during the school break.
Maintain a Structured Schedule
While summer is a time for fun, maintaining some structure is important to help children feel secure and balanced. Nannies, au pairs and mother’s helps can play a crucial role in establishing a daily routine that includes time for activities, rest and meals. This routine can be flexible but should provide a consistent framework for the day.
Morning Routine - Start the day with a healthy breakfast and some light exercise or physical activity to energise children for the day ahead.
Activity Blocks - Schedule specific times for different activities, such as crafts in the morning and outdoor play in the afternoon. This helps children know what to expect and keeps the day both full and organised.
Quiet Time - Incorporate periods of quiet time for reading, puzzles or simply resting. This can help prevent burnout and overstimulation.
Mealtimes - Regular, nutritious meals are essential. Nannies, au pairs and mother’s helps can involve children in meal preparation, which is both educational, fun and can aid their willingness to try new foods.
Embrace Local Opportunities
Many communities in North London offer camps, workshops and events over the summer designed for children of varying ages. A couple that have caught our eye include Milkshake Live at Alexandra Palace and JW3’s Production and Creative summer camps but there is no shortage of activities to be found. Through research and planning, parents and nannies can easily enrol children in these local programmes, ensuring they have diverse and enriching experiences throughout the summer.
Nannies, mother's helpers and au pairs are not just caregivers; they are integral parts of the family dynamic. Their support allows parents to spend quality time with their children without the stress of managing everything alone. With their support, the summer holidays can be a time that is stress-free, fun and memorable for the whole family.