Assistant Principal

School Holidays: A Few Ideas from One Parent to Another

As the school holidays approach, many children are eagerly counting down the days until they can have a little more freedom. As parents, however, we often find ourselves wondering how we're going to fill two weeks while keeping a healthy balance between work, fun, family time and screen time. This is certainly a challenge in my household of teenagers who are now 13,15 and 17.

I remember when my own children were in primary school. Like many families, we certainly had our fair share of screens during the holidays, but I also found that some of the activities they enjoyed the most were surprisingly simple. In fact, the things they still talk about today are often the low-cost, everyday activities rather than the big outings.

One of their favourites was creating obstacle courses using chalk. Our driveway would become a rainbow of hopping spots, balance lines, zig-zag paths and challenges that had to be completed in a particular order. They loved designing the course almost as much as watching Mum or Dad attempt it!

Another activity that was always popular was helping to plan and cook a family meal. They would write the menu, help create the shopping list and then assist in the kitchen. The pride they felt when everyone sat down to eat was priceless – even if it was baked beans on toast!

One strategy that became an absolute lifesaver in our house was the "Mystery Box". We decorated an old shoebox and each day I would place something different inside for the children to discover during what I affectionately called the "danger zone" between 4:30pm and 5:30pm. That time when everyone is suddenly hungry, tired, bored and somehow standing directly in front of the fridge asking what's for dinner every three minutes!

Some days the Mystery Box contained craft materials, other days a handful of LEGO, a board game, a puzzle or a simple challenge. The excitement of discovering what was inside often bought me just enough time to get dinner organised and maintain a reasonable level of household harmony.

If you're looking for some inspiration these holidays, here are a few ideas:

Junior:

Create a chalk obstacle course.
Build a cubby using blankets and cushions.
Go on a backyard treasure hunt.
Plant herbs, flowers or vegetables.
Create a holiday drawing journal.
Have a teddy bears' picnic.
Build something with LEGO or recycled materials.
Help prepare and cook a family meal.
Put on a dance concert or talent show for the family.

Senior

Complete a Passion Project. Choose something you know a lot about and teach someone else. It might be football, animals, baking, coding, drawing, history or space. Create a presentation, poster or demonstration to share your expertise.
Design and host a family quiz night.
Learn a new skill such as juggling, coding, knitting or origami.
Plan and cook a family meal from start to finish.
Create a mini business for a day.
Write and perform a short play.
Design your own board game.
Create a neighbourhood scavenger hunt.
Read a novel and write an alternative ending.
Learn a card game and teach it to a family member.

One thing I've learnt over the years is that children don't need every minute planned. In fact, some of the best ideas emerge after they've spent a little time saying, "I'm bored!" Boredom often sparks creativity, problem-solving and imagination.

Whatever your plans are these holidays, I hope you find opportunities to slow down, spend time together and make some wonderful memories. And if you happen to find yourself navigating the 4:30pm danger zone, perhaps a Mystery Box might just save the day.

Warmly,

Bron