The end of a school year can be an exciting time for children. Christmas is on the horizon and it’s a long holiday period to play and chill out. For parents, it can be a hopeful time; catching up with extended family; time to see friends; and a celebratory time leading to Christmas. For others, it can be a lonely time with thoughts of the loss of a loved one, or much-loved relatives live far away. It can also be stressful for working parents, organising care for children or keeping children entertained whilst you are at home.
With that in mind, here are some ideas to manage the school holidays.
The Library
Libraries in the Ryde area are a hive of activities during school holidays, as well as catering to families with pre-schoolers during school terms. Check out the link here.
Museums
Museums are a fascinating and interactive experience for children (adults love them too). Some examples of exhibitions below:
- The Powerhouse Museum has a Star Wars Exhibition.
- Australian Museum has school holiday programs with craft activities, science workshops and live shows. One of their exhibitions currently running is the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year which showcases some extraordinary images of nature.
Creating Toys at Home
When at home, set aside time with your child. Let your child lead you in play, whether it’s a teddy tea party (teddies aren’t just for babies); improvising a tent with a sheet thrown over the dining table; creating a play stove and oven out of a box, using paper plates as a stove-top; drawing or painting, children can be very imaginative particularly when allowed to become bored.
Here are some ideas from The Northern Centre’s early childhood worker on creating toys.
Holiday Centres
Many schools have holiday centres which are particularly useful for working parents.
Family and Friends
Ask trusted friends and family members to help care for your children when you are working or need time to chill out. Let them know you can reciprocate.
Meet up with the parents of your children’s friends, go to a cafe or park. Here is a link to parks in the City of Ryde.
Orienteering
This is a great sport where participants learn to navigate a course through parks and streets. There are beginners sections as well as other sections for those who want a more challenging experience. Green space and fresh air are very calming for children and you may find they have a restful sleep that night – a definite bonus. Find out more here.
Beach
Build sandcastles, splash the water, throw a frisbee or ball, smell the fresh salty air – and have lots of fun. Many beaches have barbecues and playgrounds as well as cafes. Be sure to keep an eye on your children near water.
Enjoy the school holidays, breathe deeply if feeling stressed and cherish the wonderment of the childhood years.
The Northern Centre offers a range of parenting programs that provide parents with the extra skills needed to help with raising their families. Government funding means many of the programs are delivered at no cost. They can also offer childcare for the duration of the program (booking essential). For more information on the courses offered by The Northern Centre you can contact them at:
Phone: 9334 0111
Email: connect@thenortherncentre.org.au
Website: www.thenortherncentre.org.au
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed and Fri 8.30am – 4.30pm, Thu 8.30am – 7.30pm