Parenting

Are you at a loss for what to do this half term?

If so, you have come to the right place! Here at Bloss we have plenty of ideas on how to get organised for half-term. There are several ways to keep your little ones occupied, come rain or shine. No matter what age your child is, we have a solution for you! Read on to learn more…

Activities

Outdoor activities are a good way to ensure your children get plenty of exercise and fresh air during half-term. You could venture out for a walk in the countryside to see all the beautiful Autumn colours and collect leaves, conkers and pine cones on the way. So, what are you waiting for, get those wellies on and go for a stomp!

Arts and crafts are a great way to keep the little ones entertained. You could make a collage with the leaves you picked up on your walk, or why not try decorating the pine cones with paint and glitter. Let your children’s imagination run free and see what they create!

Cooking together is a fun way to educate your child on what goes into their meals and also teaches them a valuable life skill. There are loads of nutritious recipes to be found on Bloss, so make sure you check out the expert content to get inspired!

Take a look at what’s on in your local town or city. During half term, there are usually loads of special offers or discounts available to families, meaning you can treat your children to a memorable day out without breaking the bank!

Finally, how could I write an article about October half-term and not mention Halloween! The spooky season is well and truly upon us, so why not incorporate some Halloween themed activities into your half-term plan.

Down time

It’s important to balance all the fast paced activities with some quiet down time, as too much stimulation can lead to an overtired and grumpy child. Encouraging your children to snuggle down with a good book is a great calming influence and gives you time to get on with all the things you need to do!

Turn your living room into a cinema. There is something really cosy about the start of Autumn when the nights start drawing in and the temperature drops. Why not make the most of the long evenings and plan a fun movie night at home with the whole of the family? You could even put some up some sheets and fairy lights to create a den!

Keeping a half-term journal is another fun and educational activity for your child. Through regular journaling, your child will develop their written and communication skills and also improve their reading and comprehension skills. Make sure you store the journal somewhere safe, as it will be lovely for you and your child to look back on when they are older.

Homework

It’s important to set aside time for your children to complete any assignments they’ve been given over half-term. Agree on times for your child to do the work and stick to them. Make sure these times fit in with your schedule in order to limit any disruption. It’s a pain, but it has to be done. Try to incentivise your children to complete their homework by offering a reward at the end. I vividly remember my mother putting a chocolate bar on a shelf just out of my reach and I was only allowed to eat it once I had finished my homework! Some healthier alternatives to reward your children could be; going to the park or watching an episode of their favourite TV show.

Most importantly, schedule time for YOU!

Remember, you need to take care of yourself amongst the half-term chaos! Here are three simple tips to take on board: Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Try to take time out for yourself once a day. This can be anything from: waking up 20 mins early to enjoy a nice cup of coffee, going for a run, phoning a friend for a quick chat, or enjoying a nice glass of wine in the evening once the children have gone to bed.

Set boundaries and stick to them. By maintaining your boundaries, you will feel empowered and more confidence in your ability to handle whatever the day throws at you. For example, if your child has been invited to four Halloween parties in one day – it’s okay to say no or, ask a friend for help.

Prepare as much as you can in advance. Having a structured plan enables you to apportion your time out in such a way that you and your children will enjoy half-term without feeling absolutely exhausted at the end. Remember – it’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s important to conserve your energy for half-term!

We hope you have taken some inspiration from this article and have a fabulous half-term! In case you are wondering “how on earth am I going to fit all of this into one week?!” Fear not, check out Annie’s template for creating a flexible family schedule. This fuss-free template enables you to capture all your plans in one simple and easy to use schedule. Available in PDF and Excel format.

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