Holidays Made Fun For All!

The school holidays are a time of a joy and a time of hell. Yes, there’s a well-deserved break from the relentlessness of lunch box prepping, homework and marking, but there are also days to fill with wonder and delight. Though typically lasting just two short weeks (a period of time that moves in fast-forward when you’re in the Maldives), school holidays go on for an eternity when you’re trapped at home with small but viciously bored humans.

Here are five tips to help you survive the school holidays without feeling like a total failure, whether you are a parent, a teacher or the torturer…

Pyjama Day gets a big A+!

The first thing to remember is that you do not have to plan a life-changing experience for every day of the holidays. Kids, teachers and parents are exhausted at the end of the term and a period of non-activity is not only nice but necessary. Movies, series marathon and tons of microwave popcorn never hurt anyone. Not getting dressed and looking the part sometimes really rejuvenates the soul and doing nothing is sometimes the best activity you can suggest.

Local Libraries can save the anti-craft parent and child.

If you have a serious glitter aversion and are afraid of glue, then this one’s for you. Most local libraries (if not all) will run a holiday activity program which provides opportunities for kids to make stuff in a space that you don’t have to vacuum afterwards. It’s so liberating! And it’s free! There are other activities to choose from too, all designed to get you out of the house and into the world which is often exhausting/expensive with kids in tow. And while you’re there, let the kids choose some books to read during the holidays.

Exploration day

Leaving the house with children is the most frightening thing a parent can attempt to do and teachers usually duck behind the nearest tower of All Bran Flakes if they see a student in the aisles. But when it goes really well, family outings can be the best and kids won’t even notice their teachers parading Woolies with freshly manicured nails. Take the kids to see a play. They will marvel at all the different sights, sounds and amazing new experiences. Take them out to the zoo or botanical gardens. To get them away from technology could be the best thing you could do for yourself and their souls.

Kids get the pick

The idea of handing over the reins to kids to decide on an activity is DANGEROUS. But letting them choose from a list you’ve created is fun and empowering for them. You are of course still in control, but they get to feel like they have a say in how to spend their holidays. Make a list of two or three activities (too many choices complicate things) and let them decide. The list might include going to the movies or going out for ice-cream. It might be going to the zoo or bonus iPad time. Just make sure they’re things you can actually handle doing and not throwing the kids out the window ten minutes into the chosen activity.

Check that the weather is always in your favour!

This is the most important tip. It might seem like a complete no-brainer, but just imagine this: you plan pyjama day on the only sunny day for the week and the rest of the time you need to figure out what to keep them busy with. Chores aren’t a bad option though… And if you get a sunshiny break on a miserable day, be spontaneous and get those kids outside. Yes, you might have to go outside with them but a spot of fresh air is just as good for you. Teachers, some fresh air will do your tired minds a great deal of good as well. Make sure you plan all your outings and activities around the weather.

With just a little bit of planning, the holidays can be a wonderful time for relaxing and reconnecting with each other, as long as you limit the stress and boredom. Recharge those batteries, rest and take the last part of the year by the horns and show it who is the real boss!