Written by Holly Kearny
It’s that time again. The holidays are upon us, and one of the most pressing issues is what to do with the kids while school is out. To help, we have gathered ten things you can do to keep them entertained and refreshed for the next semester.
- Vacation – Not just the subject of Chevy Chase movies, the holiday vacation can be one of the most fun times of the year. Common choices include skiing, visiting national parks, or going to visit family. Those on a lighter budget can still take a weekend or during the week road trip to nearby places of interest.
- Family – Because family visiting doesn’t always work one way, family might be coming to visit you. If the visiting family has kids the same age as yours, plan on doing things that everyone can enjoy.
- See the sites – Chances are your own town has its own sites to see. Zoos, museums, galleries, and more all vary their showcases from time to time, so even if you go regularly, going again for the holidays can bring new fun.
- Volunteer – Get in the true holiday spirit by volunteering as a family. This can include everything from working in soup kitchens to helping build houses or even stopping by your local church to see what they need.
- Work – If your kids are old enough to bug you for money every time they want something, chances are they might be old enough for work. Having them make their own money can not only be a valuable lesson, it can help them build skills they will need down the line. Mowing lawns, baby-sitting, and other seasonal jobs can all be taken on.
- Bake – Whether it’s vegan or traditional, nothing says holidays like baking. Getting the kids to help you make cookies, cakes, etc. can be quite the bonding experience. Older kids can also choose what they want to bake, as well as be allowed to take charge of the project.
- Build up – No matter what your kids are into from books to sports, now that they have some time to themselves, get them enrolled or involved in a class or activity that suits them. It can help keep the routine normally filled by school while encouraging them to learn what they love.
- Maintain – Have you been falling behind on things like check-ups, doctor’s visits, etc.? Then use this time wisely to catch up on all that, and the sooner the better. Going back to school next year won’t be any fun if there are loads of chores to do on top of school.
- Send them away – Have a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle who is just dying to see your kids? Send them over for a little vacation away from home. It is also good for those who need a vacation from the kids.
- Shop with them – Everyone has to do shopping, and the kids usually have to come along. However, the mall doesn’t have to be such a dreaded outing for all of you. Having the kids get involved in shopping for family members is one way to get them engaged. They can also be encouraged to use their allowance/job earnings to buy something for themselves. Be sure and go into the stores they like too, instead of just focusing on your list.
Holly Kearny manages the site Teaching Degrees. Her site helps students find the right college to get a teaching degree.
1 comment
Thank you, great article. My kids are old enough to do some uncomplicated work already. They are earning their own money, this was a really valuable lesson for them, and they have also learned skills that I am sure they will need in the future. Sometimes they didn’t keep up with their studies, but thanks to services like writemyessays.me, they pulled everything up.