The Holidays: An Expansive Abyss...
Tuesday 1st July 2008 by Dulwich Mum
 Bea Parry-Jones is a late thirty something mother of two. She’s author of hugely successful blog Dulwichmum  , in which she documents her efforts to avoid absolute lunacy and remain on the right side of conscientious parenting. She and her husband spend a small fortune on private education, Baby Boden, Babybels and the au pairs gym membership.
Bea’s first novel “Sex Lies and Sellotape – confessions of a Dulwich mum” will be published in 2008.
The school holidays are almost upon us (err - hurrah?). I’m once again faced with the daunting prospect of occupying my poppets for the next ten weeks (OHMYGOD!!!) once their expensive independent schools have slammed their doors shut behind them.
Scrutinising my super efficient family calendar (an absolute must have for the busy mum), the holidays stretch out before me like an expansive abyss...
If you wish to ensure that you make the most of your quality time together, I simply can’t recommend the Telegraph Family Activity Planner enough. It’s filled with super suggestions for how to occupy the poppets avec au pair.
Obviously, to avoid queues, disappointment and tantrums, it’s essential to arrange everything in advance; fabulous day trips to the London Eye, The Psycho Buildings Exhibition at the Hayward Gallery or even Disneyland Paris (straight from St Pancras into the parks almost effortlessly!) by Eurostar.
 Trips aside, my little Max and darling Freya have been begging for a pet this summer; despite the fact that a chocolate coloured Labrador is currently the accessory of choice in Dulwich Park (also note that MBT trainers are now passé, replaced by the fit flops ), and would no doubt occupy them for a time, encouraging the munchkins to take exercise (the dog not the ugly sports shoes), I couldn’t bear to see the little pooch spoiling my perfectly pristine new carpets...
I’ve decided instead to purchase my darlings a couple of Tamagotchi Familitchi! I can thus avoid unnecessary fowling and gnawing of my new Nordic Style sofa!
 The babies will benefit from developing their sense of responsibility, tending to the needs of their virtual pets, and when they eventually expire from neglect, who is there to prosecute (smirk)?
Super websites like Lula Saphire sell mini golf kits (the other half will be pleased!), and even a giant cardboard rocket playhouse, that can be decorated by the little darlings in the garden – what a super way to spend a sunny afternoon!
And if it’s raining (surely not) then ButtonBag is a great little site to pick up sweet little arts and crafts and dressing up costume kits from.
 My babies shall be fully occupied and entertained whilst I spend most of the summer hiding behind my laptop, shopping online! Of course there’s Cornwall and the annual sunshiney jolly to look forward to (I’ll need another break to recover)...
And if in all this you fancy a little something for yourself, then my super new find is the Travel Wrap Company ; their cashmere wraps are essential mummy attire for long journeys or chilly British days on the beach and BBQs.
All that remains is a little vino order from Ocado (by the case) and we’ll ALL be happy all summer! |
