Surviving School Holidays

So the kids will play a few video games, play with their new Christmas toys and spend some time with friends....but then what? In our house....argue!

So this mom has to have a plan! These ideas work for any school breaks...Christmas, Spring break, fall break or Summer break.

First stop...the library!!!! What child does not love to read and it is a good way to stay in practice for school, learn something and do something the entire family will enjoy. Check with your local library, many have special programs just for the school breaks that involving reading, special guests and crafts.

A day of cooking and/or baking! This is great during the cold days of winter! Plan a day of teaching the kids to cook new things. Things to share with neighbors and friend, even better!!!

Plant a garden. Even during the winter months a winter plant can be grown. During the spring break is a good time to plan out your vegetable garden that the kids can help plant when there is no longer a danger of frost. Of course, summer is the time to water, feed and harvest veggies.

Discover or rediscover the town in which you live. Visit museums (many offer free days each month and/or during school holidays), parks, sporting events and more.

Game day! Pick a new game to try out. Buying the game is not always needed. Check with a neighbor and swap a few games to try out before buying your own.

For those whose kids are in girl scouts, cub scouts or boy scouts, school breaks are a great time to plan a trip with scout mates or to complete a scout requirement.

Plan a special project to help a neighbor in need. Often times we look to the homeless or some other group who true do need our help, but often times there is a person right in your own neighborhood that would love to have the kids and yourself over to help with a project they could not complete otherwise.

Start a new hobby! With my two youngest now in elementary school, we are at the point of discovery when it comes to hobbies. It is fun to learn new crafts with the kids and try out new things. Even mom has picked up a new hobby or two along the way!

The key to surviving the school breaks is a mix of down time (days to do nothing!), challenging activities (both body and mind), fun days away from the house and much more. But plan them all as a family and enjoy the break as a family!!