Here are 10 ideas to enjoy school holidays with kids –
1. Take them to the library regularly.
The National Library Board (NLB) loans double the books during school holidays and reading is the best thing to indulge in. More the merrier!
2. Let your kids participate in the daily chores.
Generally, when the school is on, they hardly get any time to help you in baking, folding clothes, watering plants, washing car and so on. During holidays, try to do these activities together with your kids. They learn something new, understand the importance of daily tasks and since entire family does it together, it is fun!
3. Encourage them to recycle and reuse the items.
Old t-shirts can get a makeover by painting, plastic bottles can become attractive pots for plants. Creativity has no limit! Kids will surely come up with beautiful stuff.
4. Take them outdoors.
Singapore does have some farms, animal resorts, dairies and all. Kids will enjoy being near nature like anything! Give them that enriching experience.
5. Enroll them in an enrichment class.
They can pick up some new skill during holidays. Be it cartoon drawing, inline skating or swimming. Nearby Community centres conduct loads of activities during school holidays. Some kids are keen to participate in community initiatives like visiting old age homes, helping in pet shelters etc. Bigger kids can participate
6. Holiday time is movie time.
Show them loads of movies – in the cinema or at home. Movies meant for kids contain a lot of moral lessons. E.g. Cinderella teaches us to be kind and have courage at the same time and Kung Fu Panda’s Oogway tells us to focus on the present.
7. Build some physical strength.
Going to playgrounds, playing badminton, bicycling – Motivate them to do more of this. After all, as kids, we never had iPad and iPod while growing up.
8. Holidays does not mean NO STUDY!
Holidays can be utilized to focus on some harder concepts, revise some weaker topics and get ready to confidently face the next school year. Remember to make the kids understand the value of it rather than making it usual nagging session!
9. Give them surprises!
When they get up in the morning, they can find lots of chits around them containing clues to find a secret treasure (which can be a candy or a toy) OR they can also find their favorite board game waiting for them. Wow, small things give kids big happiness.
10. Plan joint activities with other parents.
All families can go for a barbecue, have sleepovers, and do shopping, lunching together. No best time than school holidays for such bonding.
PS – This article is written by me originally for theAsianparent – Singapore’s leading parenting magazine. Here is the link to the published article – http://sg.theasianparent.com/tips-enjoy-fruitful-holidays-with-kids/
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Holidays are best time for catching up with friends, so I would organise playdates too!
My kids are in childcare =) So there’s no school holidays! The last thing I wanna do on school holidays now is travel because it’s so crowded everywhere
Agree with you for all the points, so timely as this June hubby will be very busy at work and we can’t go on any holiday… Will plan lots of outdoor activities and play dates!
Great list!! I plan to let my kiddos swim and hopefully we can explore some fun places together 😀
I only have one thing planned during school holidays: Go on vacation. LOL….
Great list for parents. And yes, vacations can imply study – in a playful, fun way, and not all day long. Vacations are great for the entire family!
I love planning for play dates and movie dates with other kiddos + mummies during the holidays! My girl also helps me with the household chores, daily. During the holidays, she helps me with more… for example, she likes to cook and we will prepare lunches together 🙂
I love that you included the library. I love libraries as a kid, and even until now! It's important to expose children to books as soon as possible.
I love that we can do all these because we're homeschooling!
Those are really all great tips. I try to do as much as I can with my kids during the holidays but I do admit that I let them forget about studying. I need to stop doing that.
I haven't reach parenting stage too, but I do know how painful it is for parents to think of activities to fill the kids' holidays! I like how you give them surprises instead of just filling up with activities!
Although I haven't reached the "parenting" age yet, your tips are appreciable. No study on holiday is something we follow so dearly and proudly! Please do not take that away from me….please. 😉
Great parenting tips, I agree that parents should bring their children to the library more instead of asking them to google.
Great list. Being involved with our kids' activities are better. And yes, no school doesn't mean no study.
Love the simple and to the point post! We all grew up enjoying outdoor activities and endless play without any gadgets.
This is lovely, its straight to the point. Actually children are very simple as long as we understand and guide them, they will listen.
Outdoor activities and physical fitness is very important during the holidays. So much time with books and the computer during school days already.
Some outdoor time can really add to their social skills and appreciation to the environment. The library can also give them more knowledge.
You've brought up some really good points for parents!
Really nice advise for a father like me, I have a naughty daughter (2 years old). Recycle and reuse of items are nice thing to teach my daughter. Thanks for the lovely and useful information share with us.
Great tips! Engaging children in fruitful endeavors will further develop their learning process and expand their horizons.
Interesting post… Its so necessary to take kids outdoors coz during school days, with school and tuitions, its just too much…
Holidays are perfect for catching up with the kids and teaching them new things as well. I love the ideas you posted here. It's a good balance of discipline and play. That's something that kids need.