With schools across the country closed for about six weeks during the summer, arranging alternative childcare for working parents or entertaining them at home can be a daunting task.
Yes, summer holidays are coming soon. But don’t despair. Summer holidays are a great way to spend time doing things with your family. However, we understand that this holiday period is not great for everyone. We are here to help you get through this. Everyone’s summer holidays are different. You may be looking forward to them. Or maybe you are wondering what will happen and how to deal with it.
With inflation rising, parents have to pay far more than they did last year to keep their children busy. Parents spend an average of £1,400 per child to keep them entertained during the summer holidays. Based on this, we are always on the lookout for cheap ideas or even better free activities to keep children entertained.
I have two active kids and I know they have made a six weeks activity list for me. I’m not a taxi driver, so I’m afraid to spend most of the summer pretending to be a taxi driver. What should I do? Well, there are Parks and Libraries. Free and healthy, which is an ideal way to educate your children and get them out in the fresh air.
In addition, there are some cheap and free activities you can do with your children this summer.
PLAN AHEAD:
Grab a large piece of paper and coloured pencils and brainstorm summer activities with your kids. Combine day trips with free or cheap ones like playdates and craft activities. Stick it on your fridge door and check off completed activities, like your summer food list.
BONDING TIME:
Happiness has more to do with relationships than money. Whether you’re on vacation or in your backyard, it doesn’t really matter to the kids as long as you are together.
Stock up on cheap and easy things to kill time at home like pavement chalk, water balloons and baking supplies, don’t underestimate the fun of being together.
REINFORCEMENT:
Whatever negative things we’re blaming our children for, we should focus on the positive things they’re doing,” says Andy Cope. Author and “happiness expert” of the book “Being Brilliant”. Children like to be praised because they want to repeat behaviours that make them and us happy.
HAVE A TO DO LIST:
This aids in our ability to focus on what matters most. For instance, which would your child prefer; some comfortable clutter and a parent willing to compromise, or an immaculate home but a worn-out, overworked parent?
TACKLE JOBS TOGETHER:
Children, especially young ones, love being with you more than anything else, and helping with household chores like dusting windows or tidying up overgrown clothes from closets could be fun for them.
GO OUT AND PLAY:
Happiness can be found from being in nature and breathing fresh air. Try to encourage your kids to get away from their tablets and phones every day and spend time in the great outdoors, even if it’s just playing in the garden.
JOIN IN THE PLAY:
As we get older, we often forget how to have fun. You can’t underestimate how much your child will enjoy you joining in and you might be surprised at how much fun they have.
OVERNIGHT CAMPING:
Camp overnight under the stars this summer. Get creative and build a cave in your garden. Invite their friends over for the night.
MAKE YOUR OWN NEWSPAPER:
Making a family newspaper is a great way to organize your thoughts and record events. You can include even the most mundane things.
CREATE YOUR OWN MUSIC AND DANCE:
Get the children to sing their favourite songs and dance.
The interesting thing about summer is that it is long and hot. DIY projects and boredom can actually be fun and the best. Our mission is to ease the stresses felt by children and those caring for them by enabling them to reach their full potential.
Can you think of any more free and inexpensive things to do with the children this summer?
