How To: Keep The Kids Busy For a Self-Care Session

This one is for all of the Moms out there that are trying to survive and enjoy summer!
   Summer Vacation is in full swing here in Maine which means... the kiddos are home from school and driving me kind of crazy! Don't get me wrong, I love having my little monsters home, but boy am I tired already!
   As moms, I think it's important to recognize when we need a break... all year long, but even more so over vacation. It's nothing to feel guilty about. We work super hard around the clock and have totally earned a little "me time"! I mean... REAL "me time"... not a chunk of time to get caught up on laundry, dishes or a much needed grocery trip. I'm taking about a real "self-care" session! Whether you like to do yoga, read a book, take a bath, color, etc... you deserve the time to yourself! It doesn't make you a bad mom, I promise, it makes you human. We all need a break every once in a while in order to stay sane... or at least close to it!
   Later this month I will be launching a new themed monthly Spa Session post. Each months post will include ideas, inspiration and an easy recipe for either a spa sipper or a snack. I'm super excited, this should be a lot of fun! In the meantime, here are some ideas on how to keep the kids busy while you squeeze in that chunk of "me time".

• Fluffy Slime - I found this less messy than most slime recipes here
• Homemade Kid Friendly Paint - here
• Water - You would be surprised how entertaining a large bucket of water with some cups, shells, dolls, boats, etc., can be. My kids will play for hours on the deck with a bucket of water. Though we can't leave them unattended, plopping in a lawn chair with a drink and a magazine while they play is still pretty satisfying.
• Fort Building - Either inside or out is a great distraction. Younger kids will probably need some help to get started, but older kids can totally design their own... even if they try to tell you that they can't... then it becomes a great problem solving/STEM activity for them (insert wink face).
• Reading - If they've already made a fort why not spend some time reading in it. Add a flashlight for even more fun!
• At-Home Movie Theater - Pjs, popcorn, juice boxes and a good movie usually buy a little bit of quiet time. Of course a living room fort would be a lot of fun added to this activity too!
• Printables - There are lots of free printables to be found on Pinterest to keep kids busy. Another option would be journal/story writing and/or coloring. I have a Pinterest board filled with ideas for this. You can find it here

     I hope this post has given you some ideas because you totally deserve a little time to yourself! If you have any ideas that you would like to share, comment below, we'd love to hear them!
   Hang in there Mamma, you've got this and you're amazing! I hope that you have an amazing summer filled with sunshine and memories. Stay tuned for July's Spa Session post coming out in a couple of weeks!

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