Page 6 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 3_2023

Intro

STIMULATING However, many alternatives are
affordable and enjoyable for children.
Here are some ideas. It may be
OUR CHILDREN retrospective for some, but as I implied
earlier, it's two blinks and a sneeze until
the next school holiday rolls around.

Outdoor Activities: Encourage your
children to spend time outside by taking
them on nature walks, visiting local
parks, or going on a hiking or camping
trip.
Crafts and DIY projects: Encourage your
children's creativity by doing fun DIY
projects with them, such as painting,
drawing, making paper mache, pottery or
beading. You could also have them help
with home improvements, like planting a
garden or painting a room.
Cultural experiences: Take your children
to museums, galleries, exhibitions or
live performances like theatre, music
or dance shows. This is an excellent
opportunity for them to learn about
South Africa's diverse cultures and
history.
Cooking and Baking: Teach your children
some basic cooking skills by letting them
help in the kitchen. You could also have
them bake some treats for friends and
family or have a fun cooking competition.
t seems as though we have just taken While school holidays may not hold the Educational activities: You could use
down the Christmas lights, and yet same appeal for working parents as they the time to do some extra educational
we already find ourselves in that do for their children, they are incredibly activities with your children, such as
Istrange part of the year where the important. reading, writing or practising maths
public holidays come thick and fast. (There are plenty of fun maths games
Kids are often over-scheduled, leading to and puzzles online, so they won't feel
As a kid, I used to roll my eyes when my burnout and a lack of engagement in the like it is just more school). You could also
parents said that the older I got, the lessons being taught. As a result, children encourage them to research and present
faster time would fly. And yet, here I am, rarely have time for free, child-initiated on a topic that interests them.
watching teenage eyes rolling back as I play, which is essential for creativity and
say the same thing. But, cliche or not, it learning. School holidays provide the Volunteering: Encourage your children
is true. perfect opportunity for this kind of play. to give back to the community by
Boredom can be positive, as it often volunteering with them at a local
It's also a time of year when many of leads to creativity and self-sufficiency. In charity or organisation. This is a great
us are lucky enough to take only a few addition, it teaches children to occupy way to teach them about empathy and
days leave that allows double the time themselves and not to constantly rely on kindness.
off, thanks to the sprinkling of said others for entertainment.
public holidays. Most four-term schools I wish you all strength and patience as
returned just after Easter, and the three- School holidays also allow children to you juggle. It's not easy, but there is no
term schools are still enjoying their learn things not taught in school. They substitute for family, and most of us
autumn break. can explore, experience, and socialise wouldn't have it any other way
and may have time to learn a new skill or
This can be a double-edged sword. hobby. Kindest regards,
It's great that school and work can
fall away for a few days, and families Having said that, parents must be
can get a much-needed getaway or resourceful if they plan to keep their Nicola
chill at home catching up. But many children occupied and themselves sane
of us find ourselves in a situation during weeks of children hanging around
where we need to ensure our kids the house with nothing to do. Simply nicola@eiapublishing.co.za
are supervised and getting some dropping them off at a shopping centre
meaningful stimulation while we is not a responsible solution nowadays,
attend to the daily grind. especially for young teens and kids.

4 DPL issue 3 2023