Parenting tips for the summer holidays, according to the Beckhams


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parenting tips
Leanne Bayley
Leanne BayleyDirector of Lifestyle & Commerce
July 30, 2019
David Beckham and his son in a pool, both making peace signs.

David Beckham once said: "Being present with your child - that's the greatest gift that you can give to any child, your attention." Hmm, we wonder if he still thinks that way during the school holidays when the kids are fighting or screaming the house down. If he does, we reckon that guy needs another medal for his trophy cabinet. When the kids are off school it can be a struggle to survive. Yes, it's hard work, and yes, it's exhausting, but let's all take a look at the Beckhams for their tips and tricks on how to survive the summer… 

PHOTOS: The Beckhams take Miami! David shares adorable water park photos with daughter Harper, and tries salsa dancing with Victoria

Group of people smiling and making funny faces on a bus, including Brooklyn Beckham in a white t-shirt.

Go away with pals

A problem shared is a problem halved, isn't that what they say? With that in mind, it's no surprise that the Beckhams join their other parent friends on holiday. Whether it's Eva Longoria and baby Santiago in Miami, or Gordon and Tana Ramsay and their brood. The latter is ideal because the kids can all play together and the parents can sit back and relax.

Elton John, Victoria Beckham, and David Beckham on a boat, smiling and posing.

Rope in the godparents

Earlier this year, David and Victoria joined legendary hitmaker Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish onboard their swanky yacht to celebrate their long-standing friendship of 25 years. It wouldn't surprise us if they asked Elton and David to take their godchildren Romeo and Brooklyn during the school hols to give them a break. 

Victoria Beckham with a young girl, both smiling, girl has a pink crown sticker.

Take the kids to work with you 

When Victoria had an important shoot in the diary, she didn't let the school holidays get in the way - she took Harper with her. Taking to Instagram with a photo of Harper sat on her knee, VB wrote: "Today I had a little guest on set! Shooting #VictoriaBeckhamBeauty with mummy ?kisses Harper Seven x #VBbeauty #HarperSeven."

MORE: 7 fail-safe parenting techniques Victoria Beckham swears by

A shirtless young man stands in a wooden hot tub outside a rustic cabin.

Get a plunge pool installed at home

Ok, this might be a bit excessive but we can confirm that Aldi is selling a Spa Pool for £349.99 so you could live the Beckham life on a budget, should you wish. 

A woman holds a Vogue magazine featuring Margot Robbie on the cover.

Get the kids reading 

When Victoria posted a cute photo of Harper reading Vogue, along with the caption 'Proud', she gave all parents the perfect inspiration for entertaining the kids. Can we suggest HELLO! for Harper's next read? 

Hand-drawn sign reading 'Mummy and Daddy together forever' with a family under a palm tree.

When in doubt… get arty

Like most kids, Harper loves getting creative so make sure your home is stocked with plenty of felt tip pens, A4 paper, and glitter. You won't regret it. Well, that is, until it ends up on your sofa. You've been warned. 

Chalk-written numbers on stones scattered on a gray surface with a text overlay.

Educate - but make it fun 

Victoria shared a photo of pebbles covered in numbers? Why? She captioned it: "Trying to find a fun way to learn our times tables." We're confused too, don't you worry, but it's a good trick for educating throughout the summer holiday.  

RELATED: Victoria Beckham opens up about her children's learning difficulties

Man in black shirt doing a manicure for a person in a star-patterned outfit.

Get mani-pedis

Make like Victoria and have a girly day with mani-pedi appointments.

Romeo Beckham smiling at the camera with a pizza in front of him in a restaurant.

Treats 

Ok, we don't condone pizza and burgers *every day* during the school holidays, but as the Beckham family prove, heading out to a burger place or for a gorgeous pizza can be a fun activity for the whole family. It can also be a bargain if you plan. For example, you can find lots of deals on Voucher Codes. Pizza lovers can head to Zizzi with thirty per cent off meals, burger lovers can get a £5.95 lunchtime meal deal, and kids can eat for £1 at Toby Carvery.

Man and young girl walking down a path. Man wears hat and gray shirt, girl in pink dress.

Go for long walks 

Ok, so it would appear that David and Harper are heading for a walk around the grounds of Soho Farmhouse in this photo, but going for a walk is a great way to spend quality time with your child as well as keeping fit.

Victoria Beckham cuddles her daughter, both with eyes closed, on a bed.

Catch some Zzzzs

We all know the trick to exceptional parenting is letting them sleep when they're tired, and that's what VB does (as she catches some Zzzs with her).

Victoria Beckham and her daughter pose for a photo, both smiling.

And get all the cuddles you can

Victoria posted this photo of her and Harper getting some mummy-and-daughter cuddles, proving you need to enjoy every moment you have with your kids. 

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