Page 16 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 11 December 2024

ESTATE MATTERS
ESTATE MATTERS
ESTATE MATTERS
HOME FRONT
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CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL IDEAS

TO HELP KIDS BEAT BOREDOM THIS FESTIVE SEASON

he fetive season brings time for to bake their favourite treat, fold laundry, or If possible, arrange playdates or invite
relaxation and connection, but it plant flowers. These moments not only keep friends over for an afternoon of crafts or
can also come with repeated cries them busy but also instil confidence and games. Socialising in smaller groups can
Tof “I’m bored!” from the younger independence. help children learn to collaborate and
crowd. With school routines on pause, share.
many children are uncertain about how to 7. LIMIT SCREEN TIME
spend their free time. Rather than filling THOUGHTFULLY 10. CELEBRATE THEIR EFFORTS
every moment with activities, this is an While technology has its place, avoid letting When your child comes up with their
opportunity for them to develop creativity, it dominate the holidays. Set clear limits own way to pass the time, celebrate their
problem-solving skills, and independence. for screen use and suggest activities like creativity. Praise their ideas and efforts,
board games or family movie nights as encouraging them to continue finding ways
Here are some thoughtful ways to turn those alternatives. to entertain themselves.
moments of boredom into opportunities for
learning and fun, without the need to plan 8. BALANCE REST AND ACTIVITY The festive season is a chance to slow down
every second of the day. Children benefit from a mix of activity and enjoy simpler pleasures. By creating
and downtime. While filling their days is an environment where children can explore
1. EMBRACE UNSTRUCTURED PLAY tempting, allowing them to have quiet their interests and develop independence,
Children thrive on structure during school moments teaches them how to self-regulate you’re helping them build skills that will
terms, but the holidays offer a chance for and find comfort in stillness. serve them well beyond the holidays.
them to lead the way. Provide a simple Let this season be one of connection,
box of craft materials, a stack of books, or 9. ENCOURAGE SOCIAL creativity, and discovery—for you and your
building blocks and let their imagination do CONNECTION children.
the rest. Encourage them to think outside
the box, creating forts from blankets or
inventing games in the garden.

2. CREATE AN ACTIVITY MENU
Work with your children to build a “boredom
menu” of activities they enjoy and can
do independently. Include quick ideas
like colouring or puzzles alongside longer
projects, such as planting a herb garden or
starting a scrapbook. Keep the list handy for
when boredom strikes, giving them a sense
of control over their day.
3. SPARK CREATIVITY WITH DIY
PROJECTS
Tap into their creative side with hands-
on activities like baking, building Lego
masterpieces, or trying easy science
experiments. These projects keep little
hands busy while fostering curiosity and
problem-solving.
4. ROTATE TOYS AND GAMES
Reintroduce forgotten favourites by rotating
toys and games. Items packed away
for a while feel fresh and exciting when
rediscovered. This simple trick can reignite
interest in what they already own.

5. GET OUTDOORS
If the weather allows, encourage outdoor
exploration. Organise a scavenger hunt, go
bug hunting, or start a mini vegetable patch.
These activities get children moving and
teach them to appreciate the natural world.
6. TEACH SIMPLE LIFE SKILLS
The holidays are the perfect time to
introduce life skills in a fun way. Teach them

14 DPL issue 11 2024