Spark Creativity and Keep Them Entertained While You Work

How is it already the last week of term?!

While the days are definitely getting shorter and my winter woollies are set on rotation, I feel like it’s too soon for the Winter Holidays!  

And even though I swore I’d be more organised ‘next holidays’, it's a week before kick off and I’m looking down the barrel of a loooong two weeks of juggling work and childs play. While I’m lucky that I work for myself and give myself flexibility, I dont particularly want to be up all hours of the night getting my to-do-list done.  

So I thought I’d get my creative juices flowing (over a glass of vino) and try and come up with some entertaining ideas for the kids (mine range in age from 4-years-old to 11-years-old), to engage them in independent play giving me a at least a couple of hour blocks to focus on my work. 

And I know I'm not alone, so let me share my brainstorming session…..

1. Craft Challenge: Let them get creative with different challenges at a DIY craft station. Whether they're building a robot, crafting a themed mask, designing a photo frame, or creating a vase, their imagination can run wild.

2. Build a backyard obstacle course: Ask them to design a fun and challenging obstacle course in your backyard. They can use ropes, cones, hula hoops, and other props to build their own course. Consider involving neighbours for an "Obstacle Course Tour" where each household showcases their unique creation.

3.  Have a LEGO building challenge: Give your kids a theme or specific challenge to build using LEGO. Watch as their imagination takes flight and they construct unique structures and designs.

4. Start a puzzle marathon: Provide a collection of suitable puzzles and challenge your kids to complete them. For older kids, consider a time challenge to complete a larger puzzle, I know my kids always like an extra challenge thrown in.

5. Set up a board game tournament: Gather a selection of board games and have your kids play different games in a tournament format. They can compete against each other or invite friends/neighbours over for a game day.

6. Write and publish a book: Encourage your kids to explore their storytelling abilities by writing and publishing their own stories. From picture books to novels, let their imagination and creativity shine.

7. Create a mini photography project: Equip your kids with disposable cameras or a digital camera to capture interesting and unique photos. Encourage them to create a mini photo album or even host a gallery show with their favourite pictures.

8. Indoor camping: Set up a sun-tent or let your kids build their own indoor cubby. Create a camping atmosphere and let them experience a full 24 hours of indoor camping fun. They can pack their overnight bag, with entertainment and food to ‘camp out’ (you might need to deliver dinner and breakfast but lunch and snacks should be sorted)
   AND the next day they’ll be busy cleaning up for a few hours, ha ha (double entertainment)

9. Themed movie day: It is the winter holidays, so why not choose a theme, such as superheroes, animals, or fantasy, and spend the day watching movies related to that theme. Create a cozy movie-watching area with pillows, blankets, and snacks for an immersive cinematic experience.

10. Detective time: Let them organise a treasure hunt for each other in the house or the local park. They can create clues and hide small surprises or treats at each location. 

11. Restaurant time: Let your little MasterChefs take charge by deciding on a menu (making sure it fits their cooking ability), decorating their own restaurant, and serving you dinner. They can design the menu, set the table, and take pride in creating a special dining experience for the whole family
    ADDED BONUS a night off cooking for you!

12. Host an art exhibition: Encourage your kids to create artworks using different materials and techniques. Then, transform your living room into an art gallery, displaying their masterpieces. Invite family and friends for a special exhibition.

13. Create a Short Movie: It’s amazing to see what kids can do with technology, so why not encourage their skills by getting them to write, direct, act and edit a short film OR if you want to move away from technology it could be a play OR organise a talent show, encouraging them to showcase their talents, they can sing, dance, perform magic tricks - anything that makes them shine!

14. Create a mini science lab: Set up some simple science experiments at home using household items. You can find numerous science experiment tutorials online to engage and educate your kids.

With these school holiday ideas up your sleeve, you can unleash your kids' creativity, keep them entertained, and enjoy some focused work time (it could be a good time to practice the Pomodoro Method).

And let’s continue to pay it forward, share your winning activities in the comments below - #HelpAParentOut

Now go ahead and make the most of those Winter Holidays with your little ones!