July is here, the first full month of holidays for the little ones. With the few reconciliation facilities we have, most parents have to make bobbin lace to organize family life. The children are on vacation and we wonder how to survive the month of July.
The truth is that parents have very few options. If the jobs were more flexible in schedules, you could work from home during the summer months, or there would be leisure centers in the offices we would have it easier, but we have not modernized so much (with exceptions). Let's see what are the options for the month of July if you have children.
Summer camps
In recent years, the offers of summer camps for children has grown significantly. Many leisure sites or where children carry out extracurricular activities throughout the year, also organize their own camps in July and August.
In addition to the more traditional, the most original proposals have been added such as cooking camps, performing arts, science, public speaking, in which the children also have a great time discover very interesting hobbies.
There are full camps or "half day camps", and for the bravest who dare to sleep away from home, weekly camps.
It is also very fashionable lately housing camps, which are a good option because children entertain themselves without having to leave home.
Summer schools
Most of the nursery schools and colleges remain open during the month of July with recreational and leisure activities outside the school program.
Is a very practical solution for those from 0 to 3 years old They are still too small for the camps. It is more appropriate for them to continue with the routine they had been doing during the year, in the same place, with the same classmates (or some) and the same teachers.
The grandparents
Many children are looking forward to July to spend more time with their grandparents. They are an indispensable help for parents when there is no school, and one of the solutions that are usually more at hand.
Grandparents also enjoy their grandchildren in summer, although sometimes they end up overwhelmed, so it is important to assess whether grandparents are in a position to take care of grandchildren. It is a good solution while everyone enjoys.
Other care options
Not everything has to be away from home, there are also other forms of childcare, let's call it "more homemade."
You can turn to a trustworthy person to take care of your children at home during the hours you are away. In homes where there is a domestic service person during the rest of the year, it is usually the same person who takes care of children during the summer. Otherwise, you should turn to a trusted person that you have been able to supervise before leaving her alone with the child.
There is also the option of girls or boys au-pair, which some families find a good experience. Usually a young student from another country who comes to Spain to learn our language and in exchange for accommodation and some pocket money, which varies between 50 and 100 euros per week, takes care of the children for a while and helps with household chores as one of the family .
And another less widespread, but that is very practical is to take turns with a friend, sister-in-law or sister who also has children to take care of their children. Holidays at work are requested so that one takes care of everyone's children one week and the other the following week, for example. You can also do it in pairs, and so you will have more flexibility.
How do you organize with the children in the month of July? Who takes care of them when you go to work?
Photos | iStockphoto
In Babies and more | Eight original summer camps for children, Nine summer camps out of the ordinary
