Your Solo Parent Playbook: Conquering Vacation Days With Your Sidekicks! ⚡️

Hey Superparents,

The school vacation days are circled on the calendar. On one hand, YAY for a break from the school run and packed lunches! On the other hand… a full, unstructured day with the kids can feel like a marathon you didn't train for.

If you're juggling work from home, trying to keep the house from imploding, and making sure your sidekicks are happy and engaged, you know the feeling. The overwhelm is real.

But what if we could reframe these days? What if, with a little strategy, we could turn potential chaos into connection, fun, and maybe even a little productivity?

Here’s a playbook to help you do just that.

The Superpower of Structure: To Block or Not to Block?

First up, let's tackle a big question: Is it a good idea to divide the day into time blocks?

My answer is a resounding YES!

Think of it less as a rigid, military-style schedule and more as a gentle rhythm for your day. A predictable flow helps kids feel secure (which often means fewer meltdowns), and it helps us mentally prepare for what's next. It carves out specific windows where you can focus on work, chores, or just breathing for a minute.

A simple, effective rhythm looks like this:

Morning (9 AM - 12 PM): High-Energy Output. Get out and get moving!
Midday (12 PM - 3 PM): Refuel & Recharge. Lunch, chores, and quiet time.
Afternoon/Evening (3 PM - Bedtime): Connect & Wind Down. Creative projects and calming activities to ease into the evening.

Ready for the ideas? Let's plug them into our daily rhythm.

Morning Mission: Get the Wiggles Out! (High-Energy)

The goal here is to burn off that amazing kid-energy. Tiring them out now is a gift to your future self.

The Park Gauntlet: Don't just go to the park. Make it an event! Challenge them to complete a "gauntlet": five times down the slide, across the monkey bars, ten swings, and a lap around the perimeter. You can time them or just cheer them on.
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a simple list (or use pictures for little ones) of things to find outdoors. Examples: a smooth rock, a Y-shaped stick, a red leaf, something fuzzy, three different types of flowers. This turns a simple walk into an adventure.
"Tour de Neighborhood": Bust out the bikes, scooters, and skateboards. Plan a route around the neighborhood, maybe ending at a local coffee shop for a special treat (for you and them!).
Indoor Dance Party: Is the weather not cooperating? No problem. Create a playlist of everyone's favorite high-energy songs, turn down the lights, and have a 30-minute dance party. Glow sticks are optional but highly encouraged.

Midday Refuel & Recharge (Low-Key & Productive)

After a busy morning, everyone needs to reset. This is the perfect time to tackle chores together and have some essential quiet time.

"Sidekick Duty" Chores: Kids are more willing to help when it feels like a game. Frame chores as important missions.
Mandatory Quiet Time: This is non-negotiable! For at least 45-60 minutes, everyone finds a cozy spot for a low-key activity. This is your golden window to answer emails, prep dinner, or just sit with a cup of tea.

Afternoon & Evening: Connect & Wind Down

The energy is lower now, making it a great time for connection and activities that prepare their brains for sleep.

Creative Hour:
The "Golden Hour" Walk: That last hour of daylight is magical. Take a slow, meandering walk around the block. Talk about your day. What was the best part? What was a "rose" (a good thing) and what was a "thorn" (a not-so-good thing)?
Board Game Bonanza: Pull out the board games or a deck of cards. Classics like Uno, Jenga, or Checkers are perfect for some light-hearted competition and connection.
Movie Night, Upgraded: Don't just turn on the TV. Make it an event. Create "movie tickets," make a popcorn bar with different toppings, turn off all the lights, and snuggle under a big blanket.

Remember, Superparents: The goal is connection, not perfection.

Some days you'll stick to the plan and feel like you've totally got this. Other days, you'll throw the plan out the window and spend the whole afternoon watching movies in a fort, and that's a win, too.

Be flexible, give yourself grace, and know that you are doing an incredible job.

Now, I want to hear from you! What are your go-to activities for conquering a long vacation day? Share your best tips in the comments below!

0 comments

Solo Parent Superpowers

skool.com/solo-parent-superpowers

Unleash your Solo Parent Superpowers! 💪 You're a hero, and heroes need backup too. Join us!

Leaderboard (30-day)