My daughter is just finishing her first year at School and i for one cannot understand where the time has gone!

If your kids are anything like mine they are very excited about having 6 weeks off of school, we all remember that feeling right?

I know i would turn the clock back now if i could!

However, the Summer Holidays can be a stressful time for parents.

Here are our 7 Tips For Surviving The Summer Holidays

1) Accept and Embrace The Change of Routine

One of the most common reasons parents go off the rails during the holidays is the change in routine.
Look, we know its going to happen and we are counting down the days until our daily routines get thrown up in the air. We need to accept that this change is going to happen. Fighting it wont make it any easier!

2) Plan Your Week

Do you leave things to the last minute? Food, days out etc
If you do your asking for trouble and a very stressful life.
Once the kids are in bed (or if they go to bed) take 15-20 minutes to plan as much of your week as you can. Plan days out, days at home playing in the garden, DVD days etc etc
Know what you are going to be doing over at least a 3 day period so you can make the next step a little easier.

3) Batch Cook

Batch cooking is a great way to get ahead.
Spend 20-30 minutes across the week making meals that you can freeze or get ahead with.
Bolognese, Burgers, Curries, Stews, Scotch Eggs can all be made in advance and either be frozen in freezer bags or will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Do you need help with batch cooking? Drop Ross and email to ross@liveyoungbootcamp.com and we will send you a free batch cooking ebook.

4) Stay Hydrated

The more hectic our routines the quicker we forget the basics.
Keeping hydrated during the day will help keep your energy levels up and also keep that hunger at bay a little longer. This is a key one for your children too!
Carry a refillable water bottle around with you at all times.

5) BBQ Eat Clean Style

The Summer brings hotter and dryer weather and naturally this increases the need for a BBQ.
A BBQ is actually really easy to eat healthy at!
All of your meats and fish will provide vital protein to fill you up and load up on the salad to go with it.
Stay clear of heavy carbs like bread, crisps, cakes and make sure you dont overdo it on alcohol!
Alcohol will only lead to you over eating and will kick start those sugar cravings!

6) 80/20 Rule

You are going to relax a little over the holidays and rightly so, if you apply all of the above you will be far happier.
One thing to aim towards is the 80/20 rule.
80% of your day should be on track and 20% should allow you some treats if you want them. It is Summer after all!

If you are eating 5 times a day (3 main meals, 2 snacks) that’s 35 meals a week. 80% would be 25 meals leaving you with 10 meals a week to relax a little, JUST DONT BINGE!

7) ENJOY THE SUMMER!

Dont forget its only 6 weeks off and its a chance to actually kick back and enjoy some precious time with your children.
Plan exciting things with them, let them have some freedom to enjoy there break and enjoy that time with them, we dont get this time back.

I for one am looking forward to having them around more.

Ross
Owner and Head Trainer
Live Young Bootcamp
www.liveyoungbootcamp.co.uk