“I’m bored!”
There are very few parents who haven’t heard those two inevitable words coming from their child during the holidays. Be prepared these school holidays for when your child/children utters the dreaded B-word by having a range of fun and simple activities up your sleeve. Here are five ways to keep your kids entertained.
1. Get Sporty
Teaching your kids to play sports is one of the best ways to keep them entertained while also keeping them fit and active. With so many different sports out there, every kid will have his or her own favourite so why not try them all? You can pick up some basic equipment from sporting stores like HART Sport and play a different game every week and see which one your kids enjoy the most. Who knows – you could end up creating a hobby for life.
2. Get Crafty
If your kids prefer creative exercise to physical exercise, why not get them into arts and crafts? It’s an easy and inexpensive way to keep them occupied while also sparking their imagination and motor skills. You can come up with your own craft ideas with things lying around the house or, if you get stuck for inspiration, scour the internet for crafty ideas you can get your kids involved in. Shh… they don’t have to know it wasn’t your idea!
3. Get Baking
If your kids are old enough, why not get them to help you with some baking or cooking? The kids will love being assistant to the chef and can even help you decorate holiday-appropriate items such as Christmas cookies. Best of all, afterwards they get to eat what they helped to make!
4. Get Outdoors
A world of fun and entertainment for your kids could be as close as your backyard. Set up a tent or two and invite their friends and neighbours over as they spend the night camping, telling ghost stories and eating marshmallows as they sleep under the stars. If weather conditions are less than optimal, or if you want to keep a closer eye on things, you can always move the tents indoors and create a slumber party instead.
5. Get Wet
Your local swimming pool can offer hours of fun for little ones. You can relax with a good book as your kids splash around – or you may want to consider jumping in and having a frolic yourself. Many pools also have swimming lesson programs on offer if your kids are inexperienced in the water. Your kids will thank you, especially during the hot summer holidays.
Let’s face it, it’s easy to plonk your kids in front of the TV to keep them busy but that can only go so far. By thinking of more creative ideas and getting them out of the house and active, you can make sure they keep entertained these school holidays. The only hard part will be convincing them to go back to school when it’s all over!
