Now, we know we're all super women, but we're not exactly Superwoman, (although we may try to be at times). With the first week of the School holidays in full swing, we have SEVEN weeks to occupy our little ones...that's almost 50 days! Not that we're counting or anything. Despite it being one of the best times for our kids, it can be rather challenging for us Mums. So, to help you and your family make the most of the holidays, we've asked some of our trusty bloggers for tips and tricks to surviving the summer holidays! 

Donna from the blog I won't wear sludge brown, spoke about one struggle we all face with our kids...trying to get them to eat healthier and shares some great advice about how to beat that battle! 

"Having older children they tend to keep themselves occupied in the school/uni holidays. My main problem is limiting the amount of rubbish that they eat throughout the day. So, lots of healthy, ready prepared snacks such as humous, carrot sticks and cucumber pieces. If I leave fruit in the bowl it doesn’t get eaten but if it’s chopped up in the fridge, the kids help themselves. I leave natural yogurt in a tub at the side of the fruit along with a box of granola. Yum! They also love smoothies so there’s always plenty of fresh (washed) veg available and frozen fruit in the freezer. The key seems to be, if I prepare it, they’ll eat it. That’s my tip!"

(Read Donna's post about the real women we support at gemini here!)

Fiona, from Avenue 57 understands how important it is to allow yourself time for a treat, as well as balancing work and play:

"I work part time and during the summer holidays it’s vital I put work into the “work box” and then childcare into the “playing box”. So easy to just let the children watch TV and play on the Xbox. I am very guilty of this! This summer I’m going to work in the mornings and then we can play all afternoon. The children love it when I do play with them and it doesn’t always have to be expensive days out. Current favourite activities are kicking a ball around, playing ‘badminton’ in the garden and always always always to go out for coffee and cake! I can always do that."

(Read Fiona's post wishinig gemini a fabulous Happy 30th Birthday, and snaps from her party photoshoot with us here!)

Food blogger, Janey Green from Slice of Slim always has great recipes to get the whole family involved with. On Twitter, Janey told us her must have fun finger food: 

"Yes! Choc-dip dried fruits, marshmallows on sticks, striped banana/strawberry & watermelon 'cake!" 

(See more of Janey's delicious recipes here, and her thoughts on body image here!)

Suzanne from 3 Children & It understands that none of us are experts, but proves that with a little love, lots of learning and a good sense of humour, parenting can be very rewarding. She also knows when to say YES to a much needed beverage:

"My one foolproof piece of advice is throw out the 'no wine during the week' rule!"

...amen to this one!

Image from Kat's 'Does my bum look 40' Instagram!

One great tip from the Gemini Mums is to create a 'bored jar', filled with ideas on what to do with the whole family! Get everyone to submit little strips of coloured card with their written ideas on, and take it in turns to choose one, everyday! Suggest ideas that are suitable, no matter rain or shine.

Any other Mums with survival tips? Leave a comment in the box below! 

Gemini

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