By Kristen Ferguson | Posted: Tuesday July 2, 2024
The school holidays are upon us, and sometimes these unstructured days and weeks can be unsettling for some of our tamariki.
Stay Connected: Encourage them to stay connected with family and friends.
Stay Involved: Encourage involvement in volunteer work, hobbies, clubs, or sports. Involve them in household decisions and responsibilities, like choosing and preparing dinner.
Physical Activity: Get outside in nature, play in the backyard, enjoy the many parks around Dunedin (on a nice day!), go for a bike ride, or kick a ball around.
Maintain Routine: Establish a regular routine, such as going to bed at the same time every night and continuing family dinners around the table.
Healthy Eating: Maintain balanced eating habits with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and water. Avoid excessive junk food and sugary treats.
Encourage Play: Devote time to fun activities to help recharge and reduce stress. Kids love and need one-on-one time with their parents. Just 15 minutes a day, uninterrupted and without devices, can work wonders for your relationship and your child's mental health.
Otago Museum: Explore the many exhibits and interactive displays.
Dunedin Public Art Gallery: Enjoy a family-friendly art experience.
Moana Pool: A great place for swimming and water play.
Tunnel Beach: Discover the beautiful coastal walk and stunning views.
Baldwin Street: Challenge yourselves by walking up the world's steepest residential street.
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum: Learn about the history and heritage of Otago.
Ross Creek Reservoir: A lovely spot for a family walk or picnic.
Dunedin Botanic Garden: Explore the gardens, feed the ducks and have a relaxing day out.
Baking and Cooking: Involve your kids in the kitchen by baking cookies or cooking a new recipe together.
Arts and Crafts: Set up a craft station with supplies like paper, glue, scissors, and markers to inspire creativity.
Movie Marathon: Have a cosy movie day with blankets, popcorn, and a selection of family-friendly films.
Board Games and Puzzles: Enjoy some screen-free fun with board games or work on a challenging puzzle together.
Indoor Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for your kids to find around the house.
Reading Corner: Set up a comfortable reading nook with books and blankets for some quiet time.
Science Experiments: Try simple at-home science experiments using household items.
Home Theatre: Encourage your kids to put on a play or a puppet show for the family.
DIY Crafts: Make homemade slime, build a fort, or create DIY decorations for their room.
Fitness Fun: Have a dance party, do yoga, or follow a kid-friendly exercise video.