Tips for Happier School Holidays
By Janet Powell, The Parenting Coach
• Don’t try to do too much
• If the children are tired, let them sleep
• Allow plenty of playtime
• Get children involved in planning activities
• Share child-minding with a friend
• Don’t worry about housework so much

• Have a space in your home where your child can sit and draw by himself
• Provide a comfortable spot for reading and a selection of age-appropriate books within reach
• Send your children outside to play. Make sure the yard is safe, then allow free play
• Jigsaw puzzles are great if your child is not too tired
• Have a selection of clothes and accessories and a rug for dress-ups and make-believe games
• Invite a friend over to play
• Do some cooking with your children
• Go for a walk and admire the plants
• Make play-dough (see recipe below)
• Help your child make a book from a collection of drawings
• Set up a drop-sheet and get the paints and smocks out
• Meet friends at the local park for morning tea
• Pick a flower and then draw it with your child
• Sit together and read your child’s favourite book if she is looking tired

If you find the school or kindergarten holidays too hard to cope with, contact  Janet Powell, The Parenting Coach, on  03 9889 3991 to find out ways  of reducing the stress and creating happy family fun. Parenting courses and individual coaching available.

Recipe for play-dough:
1 cup plain flour
½ cup salt
2 heaped tablespoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 cup water
Colouring

Mix together flour, salt and cream of tartar in a saucepan. Add oil, water and colouring and cook over medium heat while stirring until it forms a ball.
Children love to play with the dough while it is still warm!! Store in an air-tight container. Play-dough can be kept for several weeks.

Copyright Janet Powell, The Parenting Coach, Mentor Maestro, 2010

If you'd like parenting that is easier and more fun, contact Janet Powell, The Parenting Coach, on 03-9889-3991 or janet@mentormaestro.com