Summer Holiday Meltdown !!!!!!!

Aaah the summer holidays are here. Six weeks of hazy sunshine and carefree days frolicking in the paddling pool with the kids, Laughter fills the air, as we playfully shoot each other with water pistols. Dad tends to the barbecue, and then we tuck into some delicious home-made ice cream. Sound familiar ? No, thought not. The reality is, it's been pouring with rain since the minute the schools broke up. The paddling pool we bought has been chewed by the dogs in any case. The sound of kids screaming and arguing over toys is much more common than laughter, and if one does happen to be laughing, it's usually because the other one is crying ! Weekends aren't so bad. With hubby home, we can share the load. But now he's back at work, and I'm torn between moments of guilt, frustration and sheer helplessness as I attempt to keep energetic 3year old and 5 year old boys entertained. They aren't quite old enough to engross themselves quietly in 'rainy day activities' like lego, crafts or play doh. That seems to involve even more arguing than usual. I've already done things I vowed not to, like sticking them in front of a DVD while I attempt to answer emails or write my column! Thank goodness for holiday clubs. Shepton Mallet Infant's run one Monday- Friday from 9-12 ( £8 for two siblings) and the Leisure Centre has full days for £17. Not too expensive, and anyway..who can put a price on sanity!

As published in The Shepton Mallet Journal 30/07/15