Children: Ideas for the extended holiday period

Full article from the Term 4 No 2 2006 Newsletter

We all look forward to some time off over the January period. The lead up to the holidays starts for many with the excitement and business of Christmas. Even for those families who do not celebrate Christmas, it seems to be a busy time.
Here are some handy hints to help families and children enjoy the holidays and hopefully avoid stress.

For those people who celebrate Christmas:

Remember the sorts of gifts we buy don't need to be expensive. Often the simple things are what
family and friends enjoy most.
Try to avoid computer software games and so called educational software if it is simply a range of
activities that do not promote creativity, imagination and thinking. Some software is no better than
colouring-in books and a waste of money.
Gifts that promote thinking, creativity, construction, putting things together, making and collecting
things, are a wonderful way to encourage children to initiate their own ideas rather than simply being
entertained by pre-packaged toys.
Remember that when your child says to you, "everyone else has one, or allowed to", it isn't usually
true and even if it is, it doesn't mean its right for your child and family.

General holidays:

Look out for all the freebies run by local councils and other organisations.
Check out places you may not usually go : the art gallery, Scienceworks, museum, and aquarium.
These now have special places for children to be actively involved.
Try not to feel pressured into entertaining children every day. Encourage them to make up their own
games, play and activities.
Go to the local park or take a tram ride to a beach. Sometimes the journey itself is just as much fun
as the end point.
Do some cooking with the children.
Avoid too much TV and computer games.
Set up some holiday rules at the beginning such as how much TV, how much spending money or
pocket money etc so the children have some parameters to work within and know what to expect.
Go to the local library at the beginning of the holidays and borrow some books.
Try to relax and not get too busy.

For those parents who are working:

Holiday programs provide a great range of activities and rest for children. Check out your local school or council for details.

If you are away on holidays away from home:

Plan adventures. Go on an exploration of the local new area.
Give children quizzes or things to find.
Check out the local freebies.