You know how school holidays go… The first week is fine. But then you realise there are a couple more weeks to go, and it’s basically torture. (I’m a mom, I know.)
And we all know that if you don’t occupy your kids, they’re free to get up to mischief. Mischief in the form of ruined furniture, paint on everything, and your weekly grocery haul finished in 2 days flat.
Here are a bunch of ideas for you cherry-pick from, and the great news is that there are enough options to suit the flexi-work-from-home parent, the au pair, or friends and family who have kindly stepped in to help shoulder the load.
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Build a box (low level prep)
For the most part, this idea doesn’t require you to do a whole lot of prep and it has the potential to be hugely entertaining for pre-school and junior primary age groups.
What you need is paints, crayons, and other stationary bits (like scissors and glue)… And a cardboard box. You can get a nice big freebie from your local grocery store. Hint: Make sure you don’t get a box that stinks of old broccoli and socks.
The instruction is to turn the box into whatever they want, like making a ‘pet’ that they can decorate, name, and blame bad smells on. Or they can turn it into a dolls house, bat cave, or their own fort. The options are endless.
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The travelling sleepover (best for the weekend)
If your family is pro-sleepover, then this is a really exciting holiday-only event. Essentially, you chat to 2 other families and arrange a travelling sleepover. This way, each household takes a turn hosting the sleepover so that every parent gets to experience the chaos while giving the other mums and dads a break. You can camp in the yard, host a movie night, or simply let them play games and hang out.
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Classic stories on audio book (crazy low levels of effort)
Feeling guilty about sticking the kids in front of the TV? You’re not alone. We know that they should be outside, but sometimes its raining, or you’re in meetings or have deadlines and can’t exit your home office. That’s why we’re so thankful that there are audiobooks, which you can use to introduce your kids to the classic stories you enjoyed as a child.
It’s not a screen, but there’s no pressure for the kids to occupy themselves which inevitably ends up with them playing for 5 mins and coming to you because they’re bored. You can even make it a teatime activity that happens at like 10am every day so that everyone has a chilled 30 mins or so, enjoying story time and a biscuit.
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The great home bake-off (ok, this is effort but it’s delicious and fun)
Who doesn’t love cooking shows? They’re relaxing, inspiring, and delightfully wholesome to watch. So, why not take all that into your home? We suggest that you choose a recipe with your child and pick a day and a time to help them create their delicious treat.
You, or perhaps the rest of the family, can ‘judge’ the dish according to what it looks like, how it tastes, and how much fun they had in the process. Score each recipe and take pictures so you can relive the memories at the end of the holiday.
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Go traditional (some prep, but low effort)
You know what, there’s something to be said for traditional ways of entertaining kids. For this to work, you’ll need to visit a stationary shop or better yet, your local hospice, SPCA or second-hand bookshop so that you can snap up a load of puzzles, kids story books, and colouring in books.
Then select a time of day that’s dedicated to reading, building puzzles, and colouring in. It’s quiet, it’s creative, and it’s not a screen.
Make sure you’re covered
Let’s be real, when the kids are home, accidents happen. You’re bound to have balls flying through windows or a game of catchers that ends with a cracked TV. It’s just better to make sure that you’ve got affordable home contents insurance policy. This kind of insurance covers your home and valuables against kiddy-related accidents, not to mention theft and burglary.
Haven’t got any cover? Just click here to look at 2 home contents insurance options (comprehensive and a more affordable ‘fire and fury’ option).
