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Did you think that the mental load would also take a vacation during your holidays? Not at all. The fact of having your children full-time in particular, can even increase this impression of load. Unless you have the right reflexes, as suggested by the Kidz and family website.
Mental load doesn’t take a vacation. If the schedules are sometimes more relaxed, in summer or during the holidays, it is still necessary to occupy the children who are with us 24/7, book activities, prepare suitcases (and do laundry), find childcare during work hours… In short, nothing very relaxing in the end, especially if you want to think a little about yourself too.
But fortunately, psychologist Aurélie Callet, co-founder of the firm Kidz et Family, shared on her Instagram account three useful tips to reduce this mental load and enjoy your summer. What are they?
Plan your vacation as much as possible (and aim for practicality)
Paradoxically, to be more relaxed, it is sometimes a question of anticipating things a little more “before” departure, and then letting yourself go with the flow. According to the Kidz and Family team, this can involve making your menus in advance and printing them (the psychologist also advises printing a school menu, ready-made on the internet, to inspire you), scheduling as many grocery deliveries as possible, booking activities in advance… All the things that you won’t need to think about on the big day will be welcome.
“And don’t do your suitcases the day before, especially if you have several children, it’s hell. Try to make them several days or even weeks in advance” warns Aurélie Callet
Take the opportunity to share tasks (more than usual)
Vacations are a great time to divide up tasks and balance out the things to do around the house, without pressure. The goal here is to do less for each person, and let your partner handle a little more. “There are no real rules: everyone should do what they like to do or what bothers them the least!” “, says the psychologist. However, you will have to allow yourself a little flexibility and not demand that everything be perfect, but that is precisely the point of vacations.
“Letting go is something that everyone does during vacation periods. It involves agreeing to let go of tasks that you are used to handling and accepting that they may be done less well or not done in the usual way.” specifies the expert. “Let your spouse surprise you!” advises the psychologist.
Also know how to say no to children
Of course, you also want to please your children during this family time. But beware of excessive demands and activities that can quickly put pressure on your daily life. The solution? Dare to say no to your children sometimes, knowing that you too are on vacation. “We don’t have to do tons of stuff, because it’s the holidays, we have to accept that we can have days where we don’t do anything special and where everyone can go about their activities and get bored” recalls the expert.
So you can, without feeling guilty, alternate between going out on certain days and more relaxing moments on other times.
Slideshow: These timeless activities that we only do on vacation