Español de México It’s never too early to start planning for fun, creative ways to keep the children engaged during the two-week (sometimes three-week) time period they are home for winter break. Finding activities and/or events doesn’t have to be tedious or expensive. In fact, with the internet at our fingertips it’s easy to access a variety of at-home activities just by typing in key phrases such as, “preschool winter activities” or “toddler winter fun.”
Instead of getting lost in the never ending abyss of activities available online, make it easy on yourself and connect with resources that already surround you in your local community. A few activity suggestions include:
- Connecting with your local school district. Many school districts have ongoing family activities during Winter break that are appropriate for the entire family. Some schools offer free lunches that are coupled with fun activities afterwards.
- Connect with other parents. Playdates are a must during Winter break because they are a win-win for everyone involved. Arranging playdates with your children’s classmates are a great way to get to know other families and to help budding friendships flourish between children. Once you get know other parents well, playdates can also be used to take turns with child care so that grown ups get some time to themselves. Most parents are glad to care for each other’s children if it’s in exchange for an hour alone time at the gym or even to be able to catch up on holiday shopping without the kids in tow.
- Connect with your local library. In a previous blog (Adventures in the Salem Public Library!), I shared lots of hidden treasure ideas at your local library. Inquire about preschool or toddler story times. Many libraries plan a variety of special activities for children of all ages during Winter break. Some libraries have holiday crafts, special visitors or exhibits, or even show family-friendly movies.
- Make a family winter break calendar. Plan ahead and put together a Winter Break Calendar and plug in activities and events to look forward to. Have the children decorate the calendar and participate in the countdown between one day to the next. The calendar can be a visual of fun times to come! There are many free calendar templates available online.
- Rest and relaxation. First and foremost–Winter break means just that. . .time for a break from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Make sure to schedule “down time” in your calendar for quiet and relaxing activities. Pajama day (or days!) are important to plan for during Winter break and so are “hot chocolate and marshmallow Mondays.” Don’t get caught up in trying to fit a million activities during the quick two weeks the kids are home. Sleeping in and taking naps are vital for appropriate growth and development for all, children and grown-ups alike.
The Parenting Hub would love to hear about other fun activities that you enjoy doing with your young children during Winter break. Please send your comments to: parentinghub@earlylearninghub.org.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Keep Skills Sharp During Winter Break
Keeping Kids Busy Over Winter Break
