Every summer, like clockwork, I hear my friends complain about the lack of things to do with their children once they are out of school. Throughout the school year parents are frantically keeping the homework moving, school lunches packed, kids in uniform, and sport schedules straight. Yet each summer those same parents regret all those complaints as they are faced with endless days and whining children.

Instead of plotting the demise of your eldest, enjoy those fleeting moments of summer happiness. Keeping busy will prevent that inevitable countdown of days until your youngest is mandated by law to return to school, thus freeing you from the restrictions of not being able to openly swear when you stub your toe while vacuuming.

THE PARENT’S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER VACATION

  • Find a crowded area, preferably one that frowns upon children, and use your stroller as a battering ram while yelling “we’ve got poop!” at the top of your lungs.
  • Visit your nearest beach while wearing clothing from head to toe. Offer other parents your unsolicited advice about the harmful effects of the sun on their children’s skin.
  • Stop into businesses and apply for new jobs with your children in tow. When asked what your current occupation is, state that you are a Miniature Human Production Line.
  • Throw glitter at your children. Chart how long it takes for them to clean it up. (This is intended as a multi-year experiment. Yes, your kids will hate you, but at least you had fun!)
  • While at the park, drink milk out of a brown paper bag – like a boss.
  • Play your favorite song on repeat until your children beg you to turn it off forever. Then turn the volume up and dance.
  • Buy stock in a sunscreen lotion company. Shame parents on social media for not using up a bottle each week on their precious children. Count all the money from your investment.
  • Allow kids to start a new show, but make them watch the series finale first.
  • Go to the park and share a sophisticated platter of crackers and cheese with a stranger. When they offer to repay you with a kindness, ask them to babysit while you have a nap.
  • Sprinkle cereal on the living room floor. Drink wine while the kids are occupied.

Summer vacation may seem endless, but torturing your children will make it go by in a snap!

*This list is not intended as actual advice or activities that you should partake in. If you do partake in these activities, prepare for the inevitable visit from child services and/or other organizations in your community that check on the welfare of small humans. You may also require bail money and I am not going to provide it for you. Any harm that befalls you from listening to an internet non-expert is your own fault and you alone shall pay that price. Good luck and I’ll see you when the summer is over.

Check out my Facebook page @ShankYouHeather and @ShankYouDesigns

I also tweet like a bird on Twitter @HeatherKeet

You can also find me on Instagram @ShankYouHeather and @ShankYouDesigns

Lola and I opened a store so we can sell our funniest blog sayings on cool stuff. Check it out at Shank You Very Much

84 replies on “The parent’s ultimate guide to summer vacation…”

  6. If only I could have read this blog when my own children were little. I may try some of your advice with my grandchildren now that they are on summer vacation. I especially love glitter!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. hahaha, great tips! Not sure how it will go down with my parents, but I’m willing to try just for the laughs! Something to note down for the future. #DreamTeam

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I know! When I ran my daycare I used to take my vacation time and parents would stress out about how they would entertain their children for a week at a time. Ummm, crayons and snacks?!

      Like

      Reply

  27. Opps! I hit return after getting side tracked at the thought of running through the crowds *as they part to make way for me… yelling… we have poopy pants over here, excuuuuusseeeee me!! Obviously it would never work now. But you know, I can always dream. Thanks for bringing all the belly laughs to the #DreamTeam Heather xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  29. Ooh I love it. Well as you entering summer vacation, we are entering mid-winter break here in South Africa. As our outdoor activities will be limited due to bad weather – I will have to think of a list to drive them insane indoors #dreamteam

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  30. Fab advice !!!Though I think I am guilty already of playing the same songs over and over “not The Greatest Showman again mum!!!” #dreamteam

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to Neil Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.