By Mariana Hladik
In the best of times, I find that there is a general sense of anxiety among parents when it comes to impending school holidays. Comments like, “I don’t know how I’m going to keep them entertained” and “What are we going to do with all that extra energy?” are all too common. Now we are currently faced with the added complication of longer holidays, fewer entertaining options and social distancing restrictions.
Seems rather ominous, doesn’t it? Well, not necessarily. Parent to parent, I am right there with you in thinking of some way to get through this time, keep your kids (and yourself) coping and all the while, enjoy the holidays.
Firstly, let’s look at some positives. 1. These holidays will be a lot more budget friendly. With so many places of entertainment currently being closed you will not be spending that extra bit of cash; 2. You can embrace and foster quality, family time; 3. As your schedule is less busy, you can make the most of rest and relaxation.
With these points in mind, I have put together a short list of seven survival suggestions to help you get through these school holidays while social distancing.
- EMBRACE THE SOLITUDE. Why fight the silence and seclusion, when there are enjoyable ways to embrace it? Reading is a great opportunity to both stimulate the mind and pass the time during the holidays. If your child is a natural book lover, then this will be easy to encourage, if not, try and lead by your own example or by helping them pick a book that is in an area of their interest. Similarly, puzzles are another great quiet, yet brain stimulating activity - perfect for a rainy day with the family or as an individual option. TIP: Find a puzzle that will take some time to complete and challenge your kids to finish it before the holidays are up. It’s a great activity that can be left out and worked on over an extended period and might just keep them occupied during those in-between times. If there are any parents who are needing to work from home these days, having a few quiet activity options is a bonus!
- COOKING/BAKING. This is a favourite pastime in my family, one which allows you to reap the rewards (or eat) of the effort put it… and it's fun in the process. Additionally, it’s a great way to teach home skills and maths with the measurements and techniques. If you’re a nut-allergy free family I’d suggest trying your hand at peanut butter cookies, or for a healthier option try making your own applesauce – minimal ingredients needed and flour free options available. Plus, you’ll be making the most of your food staples.
- GET CRAFTY AND CREATIVE. Painting is another activity which usually keep things calm. If you don’t like the mess that acrylic or finger painting creates, I’d suggest picking up a few tubes of nontoxic watercolour paint. The plus is that a little paint goes a long way and even the most abstract painting turns out looking lovely! If you have younger children who like doing arts and crafts, then make use of some unmatched or old socks and get them to make sock puppets. Then encourage them to create their own play and put on a show for the rest of the family.
- STAY ACTIVE. Keeping up some form of daily exercise routine is key to staying physically and mentally healthy. Getting them out for a walk, run or bike ride in the morning is a great way to start the day. If you need to stay home and self-quarantine, then plan a scavenger hunt in the backyard or throughout the house. For younger aged groups, a spontaneous dance party is a great and simple way to let out extra energy – this was and is a favourite way to get a mini cardio in - so turn up the music and get moving! Lastly, make the most of games like Twister or charades. Your kids can play them on their own and allow you some time to yourself.
- CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENT. Especially now that we are all spending additional time at home these days, I find it helpful with the cabin fever to switch things up a bit. Try something as simple as rearranging the furniture, pitching a tent in the backyard or building a fort. Doing the most routine activities in a new environment can instantly make it more interesting and enjoyable.
- FAMILY/HOME PROJECTS. Now is the time to do those projects that you’ve been wanting to do and keep putting off. Dive into some organisation. Make the most of your outings by mindfully picking up any extra tubs or containers that will help your kids sort through toys or school artwork. Letting them choose the colour of the container or what category of item they will keep in it, will make the chore a little more enjoyable and personal. It may not be the highlight of your kids’ holidays, but it will keep them busy. And let’s be honest, a little bit of work never hurt anyone. Or, pull out the family photos and create album. Reminiscing over past holidays and events will make for a fulfilling family activity. Lastly, while the shops are still accessible why not stop in and grab some seeds to plant a mini vegi-patch. With seed packets costing only a few dollars this is a super affordable activity which will keep them outside and in the sun. Plus, if you’re going to get them to wash their hands anyways, they might as well get a bit of dirt of them while they’re at it!
- FORMED. Last but not least, make the most of Holy Family’s gift to you! FORMED is a great online resource for any age group – a Catholic Netflix! If you want them to explore Lenten or Easter related material, then this is a great place to start. There is a ton of content that will interest each age group (and yourself), video series, movies and books. Just sign up with Holy Family’s login name and password and you're set!