Keeping Kids Busy During School Breaks

We just finished up a break in school where we live and I’ll have to admit I was a bit nervous about having all 3 kids around all day.  I’ve gotten very comfortable with just 2 kids during the day.  I didn’t want the kids to just zone out on TV and whine, argue or tell me they’re bored the whole week.  I developed a few rules for us during break that helped me and can hopefully help you the next time your kids are on a school break.

1. Stick To A Routine: Just because it’s vacation time don’t let all routines and order go by the wayside. Sure it’s fine to loosen up a bit but I still try to get the kids dressed, hair combed and teeth brushed by 9:30 or earlier.  Routines provide order in the home and predictability for children.  Children thrive on routines, and so do moms.

2. Get Out Of The House Before Lunchtime:  I don’t care if it’s just to the grocery store, a walk around the block, feed the chickens, the post office, whatever, but GET OUT of the house before lunchtime. It provides fresh air and a change of scenery.

3. Limit Screen Time: It’s tempting on vacation for kids to waste away time watching TV all morning, but I try to stay away from this.  Sometimes it’s convenient, lets be real here, you can get a lot done while kids aren’t making messes but I find that my kids are groggy and whiny after too much screen time.

4. Plan An Activity Each Day:  It can be as small as going the library or making play dough, or go to the zoo or a museum, just get your kids engaged in something productive and creative.

5. Ask Your Children What They Want To Do:  Are they itching to try a new ice cream place in town? Do they love to go to the park and run around on the playground? Ask them what they’d like to do on their break so they feel like they’re calling some shots too. It’s a vacation so make time for play!