Donegal Women’s Centre Trauma Centre and Women’s Health Clinic “Minding Mum” programme prepares some Self Care Tips for Mums to not let the School Holidays Overwhelm You!
The summer holidays are here, and with them, eight (sometimes long!) weeks of family time, freedom, and a fair bit of chaos. In our heads, we imagine golden evenings at Marble Hill, Rathmullan or Moville, kids giggling in the rock pools of Bundoran, and lazy afternoons with a well earned 99 (extra flake, of course). But if we’re honest? Sometimes it’s more like cabin fever in the rain, melted ice cream on the back seat, and wondering if it’s too late to apply for a summer job just to get some peace! We get it, mums. You love your wee ones more than life itself, but that doesn’t mean you don’t feel stretched, frazzled, and secretly counting down to September. Donegal Women’s Centre has put together some practical tips to help you feel grounded and not overwhelmed, this summer.
Lean into Donegal’s Slow Summer Vibes
We’re blessed in Donegal. Whether it’s the rolling hills of Glenveagh, the quiet shores of Portnoo, or just the peace of your own back garden, there’s a natural slowness here we can embrace. Forget trying to cram the weeks with summer camps and daily plans. Kids don’t need a full itinerary, they need time with you, doing the simple things. Let them run barefoot in the grass, climb the trees, and help you bake buns, even if half the flour ends up on the floor. Slow days are not wasted days.
Have a Plan (and a Back-Up One for the Rainy Days!)
A loose plan can make all the difference, especially if you’re juggling work or running your own wee business from the kitchen table. Mark out days for activities, even if that’s just a walk down the lane or a visit to granny’s. And let’s be honest, Donegal weather doesn’t always co-operate. So have a wet day kit ready: a few craft supplies, movie marathons, maybe even a living room camp out with hot chocolate and fairy lights. You don’t need to be a cruise director, you just need a rough idea of what the day holds. That can bring calm to the chaos.
Mind Yourself, Mammy
You matter too. And being “on” all the time is exhausting. It’s okay to need space. It’s okay to put on a show for the kids and sit down with a cup of tea while it’s hot. Ask for help. Swap play dates with other mums. Let your partner or family take over sometimes. You’re not a machine, and your own wellbeing is the backbone of your family’s peace.
Let Go of the Guilt
There’ll be days the telly’s on too long. There’ll be days the only thing anyone eats is toast and snack on Tayto crisps. There’ll be tantrums. There’ll be tears. And that’s okay. Because in between all that will be the giggles in the rain, the beach picnics that go sideways, and the memories that matter most. Your kids won’t remember the perfect plan, they’ll remember the feeling of being loved, seen, and safe with you. So ditch the guilt. You’re doing brilliant.
Donegal Women’s Centre is here for you all summer long.
If you find yourself overwhelmed, anxious, Donegal Women’s Centre’s Donegal Community Counselling Service in Letterkenny is here to support you. Whether it’s parenting stress, mental health, or just needing someone to talk to, pop in, call us, or book an appointment with our Trauma Team and Women’s Health Clinic. You’re not alone.
This summer, let’s choose ease over pressure, memories over perfection, and connection over chaos. Call 074 9124985, Email: donegalwomenscentre@gmail.com
