parenting
Ah, the December holidays. A time of joy, celebration – and so much stress. School’ s out, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you might be hosting a full house of relatives( plus cooking three different types of meat in + 35 ° C weather with no aircon) while still trying to sneak in five minutes to breathe. Sound familiar?
If you’ re feeling overwhelmed before the first mince pie has even been served, here’ s the good news: summer self-care and mindful parenting can go hand in hand even in the festive frenzy.
Embrace the chaos, mindfully
Summer holidays often come with disrupted routines, increased screen time and the constant cry of“ I’ m bored!” But mindful parenting doesn’ t mean being perfect – it just means being present.
“ It is important to keep in mind that parenting is about being fully present with our children, even when life gets messy and chaotic,” says Laura Moavero, conscious parenting and mindfulness coach practitioner.“ During summer breaks and holidays it can be tempting to slip into old patterns of control and stress. However, mindful living is about embracing flexibility and allowing ourselves to be guided by our children’ s needs and rhythms.”
Kids bickering over screen time or demanding snacks for the 100th time can quickly wear you down.
“ There is often a flame that lights the entire situation,” Laura explains.“ Our parent triggers can be set off very easily if we don’ t manage our internal flame.”
But don’ t forget, you’ re allowed to ask for help. Alternating playdates or leaning on extended family can ease the burden and give everyone a muchneeded breather.
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Staying grounded
You don’ t need an elaborate ritual to reset during the day.“ Mindful breathing is a beautiful way to connect with your children and have fun while doing it,” says Laura.
Try this one: Ask your child to pretend they’ re holding a beach ball. As they breathe in, they slowly move their hands apart( imagining the ball growing). As they breathe out, hands come back together.“ This is an exercise that helps kids pay attention to their breath in a mindful way, while focusing on their arm movements,” says Laura.
This gentle, playful practice helps children( and parents) feel calmer, more connected, and ready for whatever the day holds.
Feel-good rituals to soothe your soul
Looking for more summer self-care ideas? Laura shares her go-to rituals for balancing the mental load and embracing the joy of the season:
Swimming and water play: Great for cooling off and bonding as a family
Yoga or meditation outdoors: Ground yourself on the grass and breathe deeply
Gardening: A sensory escape that brings calm and connection
Picnics or alfresco dining: Savour the moment with delicious food and good company
Guilt-free“ me time”
Repeat after us: taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’ s essential.
“ It is imperative to reframe our thinking around guilt,” Laura says.“ Mum guilt is very unhealthy and keeps us stuck in the narrative of‘ I should not have done this’. Taking care of yourself helps you to be a better parent, more focused and responsive to your child’ s needs.”
Start small.“ Begin with 15 minutes of box breathing – inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and pause for four.” Once grounded, add an activity you love: journalling, drawing... simply sitting in the sun.“ Take this outdoors, listening to the sounds of nature. You’ ll be surprised at how rejuvenated you’ ll feel.”
Nature walks: No matter the backdrop – beach, park, or mountain – walking in nature restores the spirit
Journalling and gratitude practice:“ Speak to your journal,” says Laura.“ Use it to process emotions and reflect on what you ' re grateful for.”
The greatest gift? Presence
As Laura beautifully puts it,“ It is all-in presence with our children that becomes their greatest present.”
So this summer, prioritise small moments of connection, sprinkle in a few calming rituals, and remember; it’ s okay if the biscuits are slightly burnt or the cousins are a bit wild. What matters most is that your children feel seen, heard and loved, and that you give yourself the same care in return. �
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