Isn't it great having holidays with your own kids? I spend all the weeks in whole year waiting until we finally make it to the holidays. Half terms, Easter break, Whitsun, the odd Bank Holidays and finally the amazingly long 6 weeks summer holidays. Initially, the reaction on leaving school and getting their tiny feet through the door is one of tremendous excitement. A sign of relief is usually the least reactive I get. Together on the first evening of the holiday, we all decide that eating healthy snacks and chilling out with the television on is something of a necessity. The kids won't even touch their homework that night and I wouldn't dream of doing any sort of school work either. Getting to bed isn't a problem as we are literally shattered from the weeks of tear-jerking work. They are usually still in routine at this point and with careful consistent enforcement, this can remain so for a number of days. Even on the first day of the holidays, we are all full of the novelty that we all have time off together.
As the days go by, the kids begin to get a bit bored and you have to think of how to keep them entertained every day. Advanced planning is required at this stage otherwise the kids can get tired, all days seem a bit wasted and roll into one. You lose track of time and you end up achieving nothing except taking orders for their food and drink.
Tablets, phones, and laptops all need monitoring. You have to get a bit mad and yell! However, because this is unlikely to work, especially with teenagers, who will normally just strop, you need to make a proper plan and share it with your kids. Telling them what's going on and what you have planned for them leaves little to chance. It gives them something to look forward to and keeps them motivated.
Some might say there is nothing wrong with them being bored and it is their own problem? That depends if you're ok to deal with the repercussions. This could mean plenty of petty squabbles.
Activities to do with the kids
If you are going away on holiday then there should be enough activities that you can do with your children in order to enjoy your time together (problem solved).
If you are not going away then here are some ideas to keep you busy with your kids.
- Parks- football games, play areas, outdoor exercises, bike rides/picnics, climbing areaa
- Swimming, waterslides, paddling pools
- library
- cinema/ theatre
- Rollerblading, skiing, paintballing, laser quest
- Crafting events (see facebook for local events)
- Museums, Art Galleries, Cathedrals
- Local farms, pet shops/ Activity centres, Nature reserves, Nature walks/trails/ reservoirs/ lakes/rivers/canal boats
Things you can do at home as hobbies with your kids
- Gardening
- Hold a tea party (invite their friends)
- Read stories
- Dance to different music
- Play dress up (boys and girls)
- Bake a cake
- Play board games- Monopoly, Risk, Chess, Jenga, cards, connect 4, snakes and ladders
- Decorate a room
- Woodwork
- Crafting/cardmaking/ collage /make a photo album
- paint a picture
- Have a sort out/spring clean/car boot sale/charity event
- Construct a model (eg Airfix kits)
- learn a language together
- Play instruments like a family band and learn a song
- Inflatable pool
- Make a wigwam
- Collect stones/shells/metal artefacts
Get creative and resourceful. Use whatever you have in the house but above all have fun!
Make sure you enjoy yourself too so that the kids can enjoy their time with you. They should see you displaying your full happy character, doing the things you love. They will learn your habits too. There are some things that you must maintain. Those are sleeping and waking habits, a well-balanced diet, plenty of fresh air and regular activities. Kids should see other members of your family too and friends. Try arranging an afternoon of socializing with others or join a local club of your choice.Rest is a requirement and you should be able to recharge your batteries! This includes children too. These days children are bombarded with pressures to perform well in school. So much is the resilence and challenge at times that they too need to take a step back and relax. This is a lifelong skill and it will carry them through adulthood. There is need for various stimulation but an occasional extra hour in bed does no-one any harm! Having a duvet day once in a while is not a sign of laziness. As long as you are consistent with your rules, then everything will turn out alright. If things go off track a bit, be prepared to adapt and be flexible. Children need time to reflect and gather their thoughts as much as anyone.All enjoyable activities, like anything must be done in moderation.
Wishing you joy and abundance! Happy Holidays
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