Once again, we’re going into our winter school holidays with the coronavirus infection rate spiking, so it’s going to be another battle keeping the children entertained and safe at the same time.
Here are a few ideas to get you going and remember to think of this as an opportunity for family bonding – although there will undoubtedly be a few family fights along the way. It all adds to the memories!
1. Get baking
The chill in the air always makes people ravenous, but let’s ditch the carrot and cabbage smoothies for now and concentrate on some delectable baked goods that the children really want to eat.
For the much younger kids, you can prepare the baked goods ahead of time and task them with the icing and decorating.
For the older kids, use this as a time to teach them life skills in baking and ingredient reading. Here’s a good site to check out for easy baking recipes to try – https://www.bestrecipes.com.au/baking/galleries/easy-baking-recipes-kids/3dbv379o?page=5
2. Science experiment day
Introducing science in a fun way will tick almost every parenting advice box, and children really enjoy the excitement of the experiment preparation and final results.
There are so many simple science experiments that can be done using items found around the house.
You can even take it up a notch by filming the kids doing their experiments as if they’re the stars of their own science show. Check out some fun science experiments here – https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html
3. Play dough and slime
There’s nothing quite like making play dough and slime to keep the kids entertained for hours. And the great thing is it can be stored away and used to play throughout the holidays.
Here is a great play dough recipe that can be kept in a sealed container and stored in a cool space for later use- https://www.bestrecipes.com.au/recipes/no-cook-playdough-recipe/v7a0hvfx. Then there’s slime which is a great tactile substance that can also be played with for ages – https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/how-to-make-borax-slime-easy/.
4. Scavenger hunts
Every child loves having to hunt for things which makes scavenger hunts a win every time. You can use anything for the hunt, and can make it as simple or complex as possible.
For the little ones you can make it as basic as finding items of a certain colour, but with the older kids you can even put together clues for the hiding places. Here’s a list of some fun scavenger hunt ideas – https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/g32050844/scavenger-hunt-ideas-for-kids/.
5. Arts and crafts
Just like the science experiments, there are so many interesting arts and crafts activities you can do using simple items found around the home.
From basic cardmaking through to more picture frames and woolen crafts, there’s lots you can do. Just remember – don’t stress about the mess! And if you do, then put down lots of newspaper or do your crafts outside.
Here are some fun craft ideas to get busy with – https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/crafts-for-kids/.
6. Getting in the game
Having been firmly against board games for the better part of my life, I’ve suddenly re-discovered the joy in playing Monopoly, Cluedo, Snakes and Ladders and Scrabble with my kids.
Card games, as well, can keep us entertained for hours. But even if you don’t have access to any of these, there are so many games that simply require a bit of imagination (and possibly a pen and paper) – Eye Spy, Charades, 30 Seconds, 20 Questions and Pictionary.
7. Reading time
Time and again, books and reading have been touted as hugely beneficial for children’s cognitive and emotional wellbeing. Libraries are open once again, so why not take a trip to your local library and get out some books for the children to read or be read to.
There are also great audiobooks for the younger children, however, if this is too expensive, you could look at an app like Spotify that has podcasts of people reading chapters of different books.
And, when you’ve exhausted all ideas, then get your kids to build an intricate fort in the lounge, make some popcorn and spend the chilly weather watching family movies under duvets. Nothing better!
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