Hello again!
I hope everyone's enjoying the summer holidays so far. We've certainly been making the most of ours. As always, the Nomad Dads have been out and about making memories, and we've even squeezed in a fantastic trip to Hertfordshire Zoo. If you've never been, I'd definitely recommend it. Not only is it a brilliant zoo, but it's also home to the incredible World of Dinosaurs, so it almost feels like you're getting two attractions for the price of one. Safe to say it was a big hit with my three boys... and probably with me even more!
Working in a school means I'm lucky enough to get the summer holidays off. It also means I've realised just how difficult it can be keeping the kids entertained for six weeks without completely losing your mind... or the little bit of hair you had left.
So whether you've got one week off or you're tackling the whole summer, here's my...
Dad's summer survival guide
Set them free – Keep an eye on local Facebook pages, community websites and noticeboards. Libraries, museums and local organisations often put on fantastic free or low-cost activities during the holidays.
Don't bottle it – Keep water bottles filled, sun cream packed and a picnic blanket in the car. When everything's ready to go, saying "yes" to an adventure becomes much easier.
Add a little extra – It doesn't have to be expensive. Mix two cereals together at breakfast. Cut sandwiches into dinosaur shapes. Make colourful mocktails with fruit juice. Those little touches make ordinary days feel special.
One thing at a time – We all try to squeeze too much into one day. The park, grandparents, shopping, swimming and a movie night... it's exhausting! Pick one main activity each day and enjoy it. Everyone will be happier.
Give it a rest – Not every day needs to be an adventure. Some of the best days are spent in pyjamas watching a film, building a den, colouring in or playing computer games together. Rest days count too.
Build a connection – Start a Lego set or a jigsaw puzzle together and leave it out. Whenever you've got ten spare minutes, add a few more pieces. It's amazing how much conversation happens while you're quietly building something together.
What's up, buddy? – Parenting is easier when you don't do it alone. Arrange to meet another dad at the park, have a picnic or simply let the kids run around each other's gardens while you put the world to rights.
Eating definitely isn't cheating – Heading out? Leave straight after breakfast or lunch and pack plenty of snacks. You'll avoid hungry meltdowns and save yourself a small fortune.
We all scream for... – Ice cream! Instead of spending a fortune at the ice cream van every day, buy cones, sauces and sprinkles and let the kids build their own masterpieces at home. It's cheaper, more fun and considerably less stressful on the wallet.
Have fun – Yes, you'll be tired. Yes, the house will somehow become messier every single day. And yes, someone will almost certainly argue over whose turn it is to press the lift button. But these summers don't last forever. Make the memories while you can.
What's happening locally?
If you're looking for something to do, The Higgins Bedford is running children's hands-on activities every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the holidays, including science sessions, arts and crafts and wildlife activities. Prices vary depending on the activity, so it's worth checking what's on before you head out.
https://www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Home.aspx
And finally
No dad column would be complete without a terrible joke.
Why was the beach wet?
Because the sea weed!
(I'll apologise in advance to any children who repeat that one at school.)
If you've got a favourite family day out, a money-saving tip or know about a great local event, I'd love to hear about it. Maybe it'll feature in a future column.
Until next time...
Strength, love and chicken nuggets.
Richard
Nomad Dads
