It's that time of year again...warm breezes, flowers blooming, bees a buzzing...and spring break! For some, those two words kick up the stress, but we're hoping this special WORK-LIFE BALANCE: SPRING BREAK blog will help.
Some of you may be able to take some time off from work for a spring break with family, some will be working while kids are home, and those without kids may want a little “spring break” for themselves. See the section below that applies to you!
Some of you may be able to take some time off from work for a spring break with family, some will be working while kids are home, and those without kids may want a little “spring break” for themselves. See the section below that applies to you!
FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AT HOME:
Having some activities on hand, you can keep kids busy so they aren’t bored, which can help to minimize your stress level.
Having some activities on hand, you can keep kids busy so they aren’t bored, which can help to minimize your stress level.
Tip: For the activities below, invite your kids to help make choices. The more they are involved in the decision-making process, the more interested they will be:
- Spring Cleaning…spring break is a great time to get the kids involved with kid-friendly and reward-based activities…the magic word is “incentives.” Motivate your kids with rewards for their hard work (extra play time, a few bucks, watch a favorite show, or make a special dessert) It can be fun, inexpensive, and gets your home organized. Here are a few examples:
o Clean out the garage, closets, or basement
o Plan a yard sale (put the money earned towards a family activity)
- Service-oriented spring break
o Teach kids to helping others in your community by walking a race to support a cause or participating in a community clean up
o Contact a local organization to learn about the projects they are working (Habitat for Humanity, your church, a soup kitchen, etc)
- Get out and explore together
o Camp in your backyard or hike in a nearby park. These activities get everyone out of the house and into nature.
- DIY Activities
o You don’t have to be Martha Stewart for “Do It Yourself” crafts, such as baking, gardening, or making pop-up art. You could go to the local park for a picnic or ask the kids to act out a play.
- What’s happening around town?
o Ask your local community center or library about free activities like story time, board games, basketball and kick ball.
FOR PARENTS WHO WILL BE AT WORK:
Many parents have to work during spring break and this can be stressful. For those of you who will be working, here are some helpful tips on child care solutions:
- Who in your community can help?
o Local babysitter, college student home for their spring break, family member, fellow church members, or close neighbors? You might be surprised to find who can help for a few days. If paying for child care services isn’t possible, you can offer to make them dinner, watch their children when you’re off from work, or mow their lawn for a week. Tip: Ask them what they need help with that you can do. Maybe you can sew and they need some pants or a shirt mended? Or you’re good with cars and can change their oil? Tip: To feel more comfortable, you can ask the child care provider to call or text twice a day with an update. Ask a neighbor to stop by to check in on everyone and say hello. Also, look at the list above of activities that the child care provider can try.
o Your local community center might have day time programs for kids.
o Contact Carebridge EAP for more services and ideas 800-437-0911
The right combination of these activities and tips can make spring break easier to manage. Take a lot of deep breaths and get your kids involved with the planning so everyone can have a fun and memorable spring break.
FOR THOSE WITHOUT CHILDREN:
If you’re able to take a whole week off from work or even just a day or two, you can have your own spring break too! You deserve to have fun and relax also.
o Make plans with friends and family members that you have been out of touch with
work on your to-do
work on your to-do
o Enjoy outdoor activities
o Pamper yourself
o Create a meal plan with a list of easy dinner ideas
o Volunteer your time to help out a local organization
Taking time away from work periodically can help to rejuvenate your and help you to feel refreshed when you return to your job.
Enjoy!
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