School holidays are the best times for the little ones, but can be a nightmare for parents/guardians, especially if there is nothing to do.
We look at low cost, to no cost ways to keep the children entertained these holidays and not forgetting to also keep the educational element in all this entertainment.
Teddy Bear foundation for abused children, Director, Dr Shaeeda Omar, says before anything, parents/guardians should not forget to have the “stranger danger” conversation with the children, especially during the holiday season.
“Parents/guardians need to constantly tell their children that they should not go anywhere with people they don’t know and they should not have conversations with strangers. Parents also need to speak to their children about wandering around the streets alone. They also need to tell them that they need to communicate their whereabouts at all times,” said Dr Omar.
Here are a couple of ideas for parents/guardians to keep the children entertained while they are still at home:
1. Playdates – these can be done with school friends where parents have met and know each other. The children get to spend the day at one family’s home and the next at another family. These do not have to be overnight.
2. Daily puzzle building – this has many cognitive benefits for the little ones, such as attention to detail, improves memory, and improving problem solving abilities.
3. A day at the park – this to avoid “don’t run around the house, you will hurt yourself”. The children can have a day out exploring nature and a few delicious snacks prepared by the parents/guardians.
4. Read a book and then story time later – this teaches children to be responsible, knowing that in some part of their day, they need to read so they can tell their parents/guardians about it later. It also allows for parents/guardians to spend time with the children.
5. Rand Easter show – it’s the easter holidays and parents/guardians with a coin to spare can take their children there for a day.
6. Painting – creating something is always fun for children, get them to paint whatever they feel like painting to keep them entertained.
7. Movie time – children love screen time and this not only keeps them in one place but can be fun.
8. Holiday programs in the community – parents can do their research to find holiday programs for their children, these offer educational activities, and it is fun for the child to be around people, especially those with parents who are always at work.