Whether you are at home with the children through the long summer break or trying to juggle days working from home with child-care and snatched days of annual leave, it can be tough to keep them busy and keep your sanity intact too. But some pre-planning can help deliver some wins.

• If the sun is out, get outside in the fresh air. This could be a few hours at your local nature reserve, or half an hour in your local area where you look for different coloured flowers, oddly shaped stones and leaves. Time spent in the fresh air is always a mood booster.
• If you want your child to have a screen break, but you still need them to be occupied while you do something else, try an audio book. There are lots around for free – but you can also try creating your own version of their favourite story.
• The British weather is notoriously changeable so have a plan for wet weather activities. This could be building a fort inside with blankets and chairs while you watch a movie with your favourite snacks, or creating a sensory bin, depending on their needs. There are lots of ideas available online to help you try this including this one for nature bins here
• Another wet weather activity is baking with your child. Let them safely help in any way they can and turn it into a sensory activity as you ask them to feel the different ingredients as they are added together and mixed. You can also inhale all the different scents as they blend to create your sweet treats or savoury surprises.
• If you need a break or have a work meeting to attend or project to focus on, then ask friends or family if they can look after your child for an hour or two. This could be taking them out, or sitting with them at home while you do something else. If your need is greater, or there’s no one available to help, you can apply for short term respite. Find out more about this here 
• Finding suitable summer holidays play schemes can be a challenge but your local authority may have schemes or advice to help you. Start by contact the Family Information Service at your local council. Contact the Family Information Service at your local council. Or can find your local council here 
• For some children with disabilities the lack of schedule during the summer holidays can mean they are dysregulated and more prone to meltdowns. To help avoid this you could create a visual schedule, so they know exactly what activity is coming next. Social stories, visiting websites and looking at photos can also help reduce anxiety of the day ahead.
• Schedule in quiet days so you can all relax, decompress and recharge – just because you are invited to something doesn’t mean you have to go.
• If possible, do some gentle exercise together, whether this is swimming, stretches, or yoga, which can all help you feel good and raise your mood.
• If you are planning a day out somewhere new, plan ahead by calling the venue to see if there is easy access to everything you need, whether this is wheelchair accessibility, accessible bathroom or a quiet room. Assess whether you need to take equipment or if you can hire something suitable there. Talk through with your child what they day will involve, and show them any photos or videos which may be available online.