Schools Out

 Are you feeling anxious at the thought of the six weeks summer school holidays?...you're not alone.

In the grand scheme of life six weeks is nothing, but six weeks of the summer holidays can feel like an age.

If you're a working mum, affordable child care may be a problem, and taking children away on holiday and days out cost a fortune.  This isn't helped by children having the expectation that they should be constantly on the go or entertained.   Research has shown that entertaining children all the time is actually bad for their development and letting them get bored is a positive thing.  So there is no need to put yourself on that guilt trip if money is tight, by feeling that you will let your children down, if they don't go to that expensive theme park.

 According to research children need unstructured time and play without the guidance from parents. Children who are allowed to fill their own pastime are happier; more self reliant and have more social success in adulthood.

All you have to do as parents is provide time, space and put up with the mess (within reason)


So take it from the people in the know...it's okay to let your children get bored.


Cut down on all those expensive treats.  Provide a few resources and sit back and watch your children become inspired and have lots of fun.



                                MY TOP BOREDOM DAY HOLIDAY HACKS

• Dressing up, using oldish clothes from your wardrobe, or maybe a charity shop.  How about providing material and old jewellery.  Maybe your children could put on a fashion or musical show

• Sellotape and masking tape...trust me children love the stuff!  Add some used cereal packets, yogurt pots-things from your recycling bin.  You will be amazed at the creations your children will make...props for dressing up, rockets, puppets maybe.

• Bed sheets are perfect for making dens, inside or out in the garden.  Then it's great to eat a picnic inside, all prepared by the children.  Think of all the adventures your children can have with their den...maybe it will turn into a cave...with a bear inside!

• Painting outside is so much fun.  Use extra large paper or even cardboard boxes or bubble wrap.  Feet painting and printing? Just make sure you have a bowl of soapy water at the ready and an old towel.

• Stones and pebbles collected from the beach are great for painting and you can use clear nail varnish to glaze.  A collection of shells can lead to great open ended play.

• Flour, water and some food colouring are great for little hands to explore and your child might even surprise you with making their own play dough.  Have a look in your kitchen cupboards for items to add to the dough, or you could add flowers and twigs from the garden.

We all like to treat our children to days out, but shouldn't feel that it's the only way to make them feel happy and sometimes we spend what we really can't afford!

If you combine 'boredom time' with visits to the library to choose books, park outings, bike rides, swimming and walking, then those six weeks will just fly by!  Before you know it they will be back at school leaving you with some money left over and looking forward to October Half Term!! 🌝💙