parenting
Why a holiday programme helps
Creating a simple structure during the holidays can make a big difference for both kids and parents.
• It keeps kids stimulated: Kids thrive on variety and engagement. A plan helps avoid boredom and reduces the“ Can I watch something?” chorus.
• It supports your work / life balance: If you’ re working from home, part-time or full-time, having go-to activities makes it easier to manage your day.
• It creates lasting memories: The little moments( building a fort, baking cookies, going on a nature walk) are often the ones kids remember most.
How to structure it
Holidays are for rest, but a little structure helps. Try a weekly planner with themed days to keep things fun. Here’ s a sample lineup.
• Nature Monday: Explore the outdoors with scavenger hunts, park visits, bug spotting...
• Crafty Tuesday: Pull out the glue sticks, paint or recycled materials for art time. Check out page 100 for your first project idea!
• Water Wednesday: Think paddling pools, water balloon games or a beach / lake visit.
• Thoughtful Thursday: Enjoy quiet activities like puzzles, journalling or library visits.
• Fun Friday: A movie day, dance party or a backyard obstacle course.
Each day can have a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, with a balance of:
• Quiet time( reading, drawing)
• Creative time( crafts, storytelling)
• Physical play( bike rides, yoga, climbing games)
This kind of framework gives kids something to look forward to, while giving you the flexibility to adapt based on weather, moods, and energy levels. �
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One special outing each week
You don’ t need to fill every day with big excursions, but choosing one special outing per week gives everyone something to look forward to. Examples: a visit to a nature reserve, a botanical garden, or a hands-on science museum.
Pack a picnic, grab some binoculars, and turn the outing into a scavenger hunt:
•“ Find something red”
•“ Spot three types of birds”
•“ Listen for a frog or rustling leaves”
•“ Look for a cloud shaped like an animal”
These simple prompts turn a walk into an adventure. Plus, being in nature has been shown to improve mood, focus and wellbeing – for kids and adults alike.
Remember: The goal isn’ t to spend more money, but to spend more intentioned time. Even a walk to a new playground or a ride on public transport can feel like a mini adventure to young children.
Tips for success
A little planning goes a long way, but the key is keeping it flexible and enjoyable for everyone:
Involve your kids in the planning:
Don’ t overschedule:
Prep ahead where you can:
Ask what they’ d like to do and let them help create the weekly theme chart. Kids are more likely to engage when they’ ve had a say.
Boredom isn’ t always bad; it often leads to the most creative play!
Create ready-to-go activity kits in zip-lock bags or baskets to save time and reduce stress when the“ I’ m bored” cries hit.
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