Schools are almost closing countrywide. In November and December, children in lower, and upper grades, and teenagers, will be thronging the neighbors and households.
It’s a stressful time when kids are idle and misbehave causing scenes. The boredom they experience can create havoc if not checked.
However messy the period, the holidays remain a great time to bond with your children. They make you, “reconnect” with your childhood memories, something you had missed out on as you indulge in your children’s pastime games.
It’s best to plan ahead of the holidays on the activities to keep them busy. In doing that, you can make their holidays a great and fun experience, even for you.
Here are a few things to work on, to make lifetime memories with less hassle and more joy:
I. Plan Ahead
Plan an assortment of activities in advance to help you prepare way ahead. You can plan for each week by setting out activities for each day.
Children experts say that if children have things to look forward to, it will keep them out of mischief, happier, and relaxed.
2. Home-made Games
Get a supply of colored cards, children’s scissors, glue, and anything else you may want to make some fun games.
Home-made games are less costly and a great way to connect with the young ones. Games like Snakes and Ladders and Origami can all be easily made at home and can keep the whole family entertained for hours.
3. Have A Picnic
Try a picnic out in the garden, gather a few snacks, spread a wide shuka, and sit down and read a book together.
Having the children pick or bake the meal, will have them looking forward to the outing. It gives a sense of accomplishment. Even if it’s just some sandwiches, some boiled eggs, and a few pieces of fruit, the kids enjoy it just as much.
There are also public spaces that allow you to do picnicking. Engage the children in the preparations involved, and have some of them check and tick the list to ensure you have everything needed.
4. Bead Work
Beads are a great way to keep the kids engaged. With their different colors, sizes, and textures, kids can make their jewelry.
There are bead sizes for different age groups. The children will be so proud to wear the jewelry that they have made.
5. Visit the Beach
For those who have a decent beach nearby, within an hour or so away, make full use of it.
Sandcastles building, swimming, paddling, shell collecting and a picnic are a few of the endless things you can do there.
When the weather is crap, don’t sweat it. Wrap up warm and make your way there. That’s the best time to visit the beach, it will be much less crowded.
6. Hand-washing Clothes
Kids love helping with ‘chores’. Anything involving water is usually a great pastime.
Washing can keep them occupied for hours. Let them have fun with the water. Give them a bowl of soapy water and another bucket for rinsing them. When they are done, get them to wring the clothes and dry them on the grass or low-hanging washing line.
They can wash their clothes or teddy/doll clothes. To let them enjoy the whole experience, let them “play house”, they’ll feel like they’re running their own ‘home’.
