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Christmas is almost here, which means your kids are on holiday break from school or will soon be. As parents, it’s tempting to let them sit on the couch or in their rooms all day scrolling on their phones or playing video games, but that’s not healthy, and it’s not what the holidays are all about.
Here are some tips to keep your kids engaged this holiday season without relying on their devices.
Plan Ahead: a Calendar of Activities
Before winter break, get the kiddos together and plan an activities calendar. Let them pick a mixture of outdoor and indoor activities, crafts, and family outings. This builds anticipation, especially among younger kids, gives them something to look forward to every day, and makes them feel more connected to the family.
Activity ideas include baking holiday cookies, winter nature walks, sleepovers, building indoor forts, board game day, or anything else.
Encourage Creative Play
As mentioned, it’s easy to let kids play on their devices and game systems to keep them occupied and out of your hair. But kids spend too much time with their electronics, so getting them away from them for a few days is a good thing.
The holidays are a great time to encourage creative play with arts and crafts, make decorations or homemade gifts, or consider hosting a family art night where everyone makes something festive.
If you’re handy around the house, consider involving the kids as much as possible with a DIY project. This is an excellent way to help them learn new skills and increase bonding time.
Explore the Great Outdoors
The holiday season is an excellent time to get outside, weather permitting. Depending on where you live, activities can include sledding, ice skating, hiking, going on a winter nature hike, making colored ice sculptures, or building snowmen.
Outdoor activities are fun and beneficial for your kids’ physical and mental health. Playing outside is a wonderful way to take a break from technology, enjoy nature’s beauty, and have fun.
Board and Puzzle Games
If you’re over 40, you no doubt have fond memories of playing board games with the family. Winter break is a great time to introduce your kids to board and puzzle games, which stimulate the mind and strengthen family bonds.
Decorate the House
Finally, getting the kids involved in decorating for the holidays is an excellent way to keep them engaged and build anticipation for Christmas. Kids love contributing to holiday decorations, and you can encourage them to create their own and place things where they want. Sure, you may end up with a house that would look out of place in a Hallmark movie, but your kids will have a blast and carry the memories forever.
Get Ready for Back to School
Although the holidays are approaching, now is the perfect time to consider enrolling your children in a VPK program. Kids R’ Kids at Avalon Park offers a nationally renowned program with a state-of-the-art, safe environment to prepare your kids for their learning adventure.
We’re family-owned and operated, and our staff is dedicated, highly trained, and vetted for your peace of mind.
Spots are filling up quickly. Call us today to schedule a tour at 407-306-9035 or fill out our online form.