THE holiday season is upon us, and with schools closed, many parents are faced with the challenge of keeping their kids engaged and entertained.  While it’s tempting to fill every minute with planned activities or screen time, experts recommend striking a balance between structure and free time. Expert Christy Herselman of The Chat takes parents through five important steps to take as they embark on this journey. 

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The Chat is a movement focused on empowering parents to have open and natural conversations with their children about tough topics like identity, social media, pornography, and sexuality. The Chat emphasises the importance of fostering a safe, supportive environment for ongoing discussions and encouraging young people to make informed, future-focused decisions.

1. Finding the right balance

Start by asking your kids what they’d love to do during the holidays. Incorporate their ideas into your plans, but also leave space for spontaneity. This balance will help reduce stress, nurture creativity, and allow for meaningful family connections. Set boundaries around screen time, too. Keep mornings free from social media and gaming, and establish clear rules for device use.

2. Navigating the screen time challenge

To prevent excessive screen time, set clear boundaries ahead of time. Consider these four key areas:

– Time: Set limits on daily screen time.

– Place: Keep devices out of bedrooms.

– Content: Ensure age-appropriate content.

– Behaviour: Establish expectations for respectful device use.

Use monitoring and filtering software to keep an eye on what your kids are accessing online. Openly discuss online safety and encourage responsible behaviour.

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3. Encouraging independence and creativity

Combat the “entertain me” culture by stepping back and allowing your kids to experience boredom. This is often the spark that ignites creativity. Give kids time and space to engage in self-directed play. Encourage them to explore their surroundings, build forts, paint, or invent new games.

4. Adapting activities for different ages and interests

Involve your kids in planning holiday activities. Discuss what everyone would like to do, and find ways to accommodate different interests. Doing things that others enjoy can teach kids important lessons about empathy and putting others first.

5. Involving kids in planning and preparing

Empower your kids by involving them in planning and preparing holiday activities. Use technology to research movie times, travel options, or create wish lists.

Teach kids new skills in the kitchen, such as making family recipes or preparing their own lunches. Involve them in daily tasks, like packing the beach bag or unloading the dishwasher.

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Herselman emphasised that the holidays offer a unique opportunity for families to grow closer while fostering independence, creativity, and valuable life skills in children.

“By balancing structure and free time, setting healthy boundaries around screen use, and encouraging self-directed activities, parents can ensure their children’s minds stay active and engaged throughout the break,” he said. 

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