2. Strengthen Health Instead of Patching Up Symptoms

Children can become ill at inopportune times and it is tempting to simply address the symptoms rather then digging deeper for the physical or emotional cause. It is important to remember that their future well-being, growth and development is dependant upon how well their bodies are functioning. We need to appreciate that the body functions as a "whole organism" and that each system of the body is intricately interconnected.

For strengthening health, five factors are imperative: a healthy nervous system, a wholesome diet, quality sleep, exercise, and a positive mental attitude. The first factor, a healthy nervous system, is paramount because your brain and nervous system co-ordinate the body's inner intelligence, and in doing so, millions of vital bodily functions such as respiration, immune responses, digestion and growth.

Chiropractic adjustments promote the full expression of your nervous system, allowing you to be as healthy as possible, while other wellness-oriented practitioners such homeopaths, Chinese Traditional Medicine practitioners and naturopaths (to name a few) can help keep the body ??well tuned'. It is far better to utilise the skills of these therapists before ailments arise, as part of a consistent and regular wellness plan that promotes vitality and immunity.

3) Wear Them Out With Regular Exercise

Children tend to get bored quickly during the holiday period and their frustration levels accelerate when they are not expending physical energy. As a mother of four boys, I believe that some form of vigorous exercise everyday is critical to the family's survival of the holiday period.

Variety is key so be sure to include bike rides, running to the park, sprints, hiking, swimming, tennis-whatever keeps them moving! You can even create exercise circuits in your own back yard for the days that you do not want to leave the house-become the family drill sergeant.

If your children are being minded while you work, then perhaps talk to the coordinators or carers about the benefit of group exercise activities.

The important thing to remember is that we all feel better when we exercise. The endorphins that the body releases promote mental health as well as physical health, so it is crucial that we do not forget to prioritise exercise.

4) Preserve Yourself
To maintain a chipper disposition over the school holiday period, be sure to reserve a small amount of time each day for yourself. As carers, we can quickly become "snarly" and lose patience, creativity and stamina if we do not plan for our own self-care.

Ideally try to take some time first thing in the morning before your children wake to gather your thoughts, read or listen to something inspiring. Do some yoga or some form of exercise or simply sit and have a cup of tea. Aim for 30-40 minutes so that you start your day feeling like you have had a moment to connect to a higher version of yourself, and you are ready to embrace and enjoy what lies ahead.

Later in the day, try to find another 5-30 minutes to yourself just to re-centre and re-charge. On the days that both you and your partner are home or another adult is about, ensure that you find some time for an uninterrupted ??adult' conversation. This will keep you from feeling that your sole purpose in life is to entertain children.

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