Getting Through The Summer Holidays
Mum and nursery school manager, Astone Richardson, offers some real advice for keeping your little ones entertained throughout the summer holidays
Between running two successful country nursery settings and having a baby at home things can be decidedly hectic. Whilst our work ethos of fun, exciting all-singing, all-dancing natural activities runs through my blood… the reality of offering this at home as Mummy is very different!
As the summer holidays approach and lots of us are still reeling after working from home with our little ones, inspiration is flailing. We feel lost without our usual day out hotspots and playdates with friends to pass the time and ease the parenting load.
The key for me is to be prepared. Lots of activities can be prepared in advance and put in a box or bag for quick access later. With older children using their interests is always key so picking simple adaptable activities also works well. Lots of these ideas use the outdoors or things you can collect outside on the way to the park or the shops – and outdoor resources are perfect because they are readily available and even better, they are free! Even young children can use natural items (just be careful with certain plants and bugs for skin reactions – there are lots of apps and online sites to identify things to be careful of). A top tip is to always have a bag by the door with hats, sun cream and other essentials so you can leave with a moment’s notice for a quick energy burning ramble!
Children cannot climb the walls when there aren’t any to climb… so really, if in doubt then get outdoors!
EASY IDEAS TO TRY
Shadow drawing is perfect for all ages. Line favourite toys or household items along a roll of paper and draw round their shadows. These can then be cut/painted/coloured offering lots of creative opportunities.
Placing different fruit cubes onto skewers develops fine motor skills. Children can even chop the fruit first!
Den building is a full-day activity. Signs and drawing can be added along with extra rooms to create fortresses. Cheap sheets are a great investment!
Decorating sticks with paint and wool wraps. These can be used in play as wands, pencils, swords etc.
Ice play is perfect on hot days and freezing items inside the ice prolongs interest! Rescuing superheroes from the middle or freezing flowers is always a hit.
AND FOR THE PARENTS WHO EMBRACE MESS:
Old eggshells cleaned and filled with paint make perfect paint bombs!
Spray painting with bottles and large sheets.
Turmeric dye on old fabric that can then be weaved round sticks.
Mud pie faces on tree trunks.
Sandy Bears Tattenhall, High Street, Tattenhall, Chester, CH3 9PX, United Kingdom
t: 01829 770 889
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