At the tail-end of the school holidays, it’s only natural for most parents to send a very vocal wish into the universe to grant them patience until the school bell comes to the rescue. And not a minute sooner. Another day of moaning, moping and bored expressions can be quite frustrating.
The reality is: even if your kids love reading, can manoeuvre a skateboard like it’s an extension of their feet, hold their breath for a ridiculous amount of time underwater, or know the controls of the console far better than you, they are kids. They WILL look at you even if it’s a beautiful sunny day and say their life “sucks” and they’re “bored out of their skulls”.
Here are some tips to ensure a win-win situation these school holidays:
Beat the boredom with affordable activities
Galleries, game parks and zoos offer wonderful holiday packages, discounted entry fees or free passes. The wonderment of these spaces will guarantee a buzz in those little minds.
Take long scenic walks
The sea is for free. So are walks at the park. Let those endorphins go bananas. Round up the whole family. These moments make the world go round.
Turn dinner time into storytime
Eat meals at the table and tell them about the time you got detention for drawing a villain in your textbook that resembled the maths teacher. Kids love to know their parents were kids too. You’re guaranteed a captive audience.
Dust off the board games
Don’t underestimate the fun to be had by playing ‘old-school’ board games. Retrieve them from the back of the cupboard in the spare room, dust them off and set out on a quest to reveal that Colonel Mustard (and not Professor Plum) committed the crime in the library with a wrench.
Who’s bored now?
Read this for more tips on how to keep your kids busy at home.
