A Toddler's Summer Bucket List

Summer. We remember the carefree days of the school holidays, looking back on memories of campfires + barbeques; paddling pools + day trips.

What we don't remember is the sheer exhaustion that came with it for our parents. Until we become parents too, that is!

I've lost count of the number of conversations I've heard about the pressure to fill the summer holidays, to make every day memorable, to fight the exhaustion, the expense, the irritability that comes with over-excited little ones, no routine, + hot weather.

So let's take a moment to pause.

Firstly - + I cannot stress this enough - consider where the 'pressure to do things' is coming from. Your friends + family? Social media? You? I've never forgotten the conversation I had with a preschooler at my nursery; who told me his dream weekend was to stay at home + play with his toys.

Yep. You read that right. His parents were giving him incredible experiences, but between nursery + busy weekends, he was exhausted, + just wanted to chill. So the first thing on a bucket list, is just that... CHILL. Indulge in home days, no-plan days, pyjamas until noon days. They are just as memorable as the fun-packed ones.

HOWEVER, if you do need some inspiration... I've got your back.

Yup, that's 50 (FIFTY!) ideas to help you + your little one enjoy the summer holidays. I've tried to keep it open to most areas in the UK, + pack in plenty of budget options too! You are welcome. And any Swindon Mamma's who'd like to try out number 12 in person, TinyBugs Flow classes are on Saturday mornings, or check out my Special Events to see where I'll be popping up over the Summer!

Lastly though: cut yourself some slack. Mum guilt is so hard to navigate, + utterly ridiculous. The experience your child most wants to have this Summer is a parent who is loving + present. While you're making plans for your little one, factor in something to make you feel good too. A night out, a massage, or just an afternoon to yourself - whatever it is, cherish it. You absolutely deserve it.