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Take some deep breaths. I know. Summer is barely halfway over and these kids are Working. Your. Nerves. But it’s okay.

As a mom of 3, with 2/3 being autistic, I completely overstand, trust me. These are some affordable ideas to help you survive the rest of summer break with your peace (somewhat) intact. Most of these the crotch goblins can do by themselves as well.

Blocks: Do not underestimate the mighty block! I suggest buying a couple of sets of blocks. Two different varieties, like waffle blocks (My kiddo loves these) and knockoff Legos or these. The variety will keep them occupied for longer and help fire their creativity as they try to figure out how to merge the two sets. Both block sets come with really nice cases for storage. They have handles but the waffle block case is particularly sturdy. I use it for way more than just blocks.😏

However, the waffle blocks themselves slide under things very easily, being small and flat. The amount of waffle blocks I’ve found under my dresser, bed, and couch is alarming. Guess that’s what I get for using the case for other things instead of block storage as intended.🤷‍♀️

Of course, you most likely already have blocks. But, do you know where most of them are? Probably not. I’m sure you find them in random places like the dryer or closet shelf (how did they even reach up there??) like me. So consider this a much needed (block) refresh.

Tablet: Now, if you’re looking for something less… messy (we’ve all been traumatized by stepping on random blocks), the tablet is the way to go. It’s not meant for extended play, but it should be for just long enough to finish dinner or long enough to not have to entertain your kid for an hour or two. Hey, we’ll take as long as we can get. We know the professionals recommend as little screen time as possible, but let’s be real. That screen time is a needed breather. And that’s okay. No one needs a parent burnt out by noon. And of course, keep an eye on what your littles are watching. Since you’re reading this though, I already know you’re a great parent. This one runs an android system great-ish, without the android system price tag.

And the case? Ya’ll. The case is freaking AMAZING. It has withstood a year of drops, throws, bangs, spills, and everything in-between.

HOWEVER, it’s not perfect. The lag is pretty annoying sometimes. You have to press the screen 3-4 times before it registers. But for $70, that’s a small “price” to pay (see what I did there). It works well for toddlers and elementary kids.

Games: Wait wait! Don’t go, hear me out! I know, board games can be dicey (pun intended). This suggestion is meant more for the older kiddos. My autistic 8 year old wasn’t able to play board games without flipping the game in anger until about 6. And we weren’t even playing Monolopy (or Uno)! But as they get older, you’ll be glad to have these in your arsenal for some (chaotic) bonding time

Our favorites right now are Tacos vs Burritos, Trouble, and Candy Land. Jenga deserves an honorable mention too. My youngest loves stacking the blocks as much as he loves making them fall (by accident while playing. Or not).

Warning: Tacos vs Burritos WILL make you hungry. I’m not gonna lie, we all got burritos right after playing. I can’t remember the last time I wanted a flour tortilla so bad. Super satisfying though. Personally, Candy Land is my favorite. The rules are incredibly easy. The bright colors and different types of sweets held his attention for a surprisingly long time. So fun and chaotic. It also single-handedly reignited my love for cinnamon rolls. And all the yelling when someone got a bad card was the cherry on top (pun intended).

Do you notice a theme? Food. Food is the theme. And being easily influenced when it comes to it. I will not apologize!

Anyway, I know games are involved and require participation, but it’s a small and hopefully bearable amount. Either way, you’re doing amazing.

I was debating adding a small pool or splash pad to this list, but that isn’t feasible for a lot of people. But if you do have the space and extra money, I do recommend this pool. It’s not crazy big or complicated to assemble. Only if you can though. Your kids will have a blast with my previous suggestions no matter what.

So try to hang in there my sweeties, you’ve got this. And hopefully this helped at least a little. And remember: Woe to whoever steps on a block at night.

XOXO, Sweet Potato