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6 Tips for School Holiday Fun

"School's out for summer!" Words that strike terror into the hearts of many parents. With a little planning and change in your mindset, the summer holidays can present fun opportunities for travel, camps and timeout with kids. Here are six tips for a stress-free summer!

1. Plan Ahead for Summer Activities

Summer fun activities and an endless array of sports, dance, activity, and academic camps are available in most communities. However, parents need to keep in mind that advance planning is key to getting in, as many of the most popular activities fill up quickly. Check with your local universities, libraries, and community centres for starters to find out what the offerings are and what costs may be involved. Quite often their regular afterschool activity providers run school holiday day camps. Ask your kids what they really want to do with their time ... both for individual enrichment and as a family. Then don't wait; sign up while you still can!

2. Create A Budget and Stick With It

A big stress for families over the summer months is spending too much money. After all, costs for entertainment, food, travel, and even admissions to local swimming facilities can really add up. Parents should budget their summer fun dollars, and then advise kids (as age appropriate) that there is so much money for activities. Of course, with a little creativity and searching, you might be delighted in how many activities can be enjoyed for free! Organised parks play with school friends, a group outing to the movies using bulk saver tickets or a picnic at a local swimming pool.

4. Schedule in a little "down time"

Keep an organised calendar that lets family members easily reference plans (such as swimming lessons or basketball camp). On that same calendar, schedule in some "not-to-be scheduled time". Children's (and parents) lives are so scheduled during term time that the school holiday gives them the chance to just do nothing. Sleep in, lie around the house, be bored or let them find something to do, then take a deep breath and just relax!

5. Set Limits for Neighbour Kid Play

Of course, you want the neighbourhood kids to come over and play with your children. Kids can spend hours together having backyard adventures and enjoying each others' friendships. However, be careful to avoid feeling that you are being taken advantage of or feeling that you are feeding all the neighbour kids or seem to have become responsible for their entertainment on a daily basis. Arrange playdates where you alternate which house kids meet to play or make mutually agreeable days where kids can play together. Set some limits with your own kids in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.

6. Don't Use Just Any Babysitter

Many high school kids and university students are available for babysitting jobs in the summer, but that does not mean they are qualified or even right for such a responsibility. Before you entrust anyone with your children, be sure to thoroughly check their references. You must ensure that a potential babysitter really likes to care for kids and isn't just looking for what they perceive to be "easy money". Summer days can be long and can present health and safety concerns if lively children aren't properly supervised and cared for with a warm heart and close attention to their activities.