As schools are on mid-term break this week, we have put together some tips for our dear parents on how to engage children during the break.

School break sometimes are a cause of stress for parents. As much as we love to have the kids around, we don’t want them wandering around the house with nothing to do. Remember the saying about idle hands?

Here are five tips for your child’s school break to-do list:

Tip 1 – Day Out
Take the kids out to enjoy nature, explore and catch their breath. If you are in Lagos, you can explore the Lekki Conservation Centre, Omu Resort, La Campagne Tropicana, Apapa Amusement Park and a lot of other fun places where kids can have fun and still learn a thing or two about animals, nature, toys and so on. Researchers at the University of Illinois report findings that indicate exposure to natural settings may be “widely effective” in reducing attention deficit symptoms in children.

Tip 2 – Visit an Art Gallery
It is good for children to know and appreciate art. Let them explore paintings, sculpture, clay art etc. You could even decide to visit a museum to learn more about history and see many artefacts. Art expose people to new worldviews and ideas, and can spur creativity in children.

Tip 3 – Play a Board Game

Board games are entertaining, strengthen family bonds and encourage healthy competition. They also foster physical interaction and social skills; and boost mental health. There are so many types of board games and any one will do just fine.

Tip 4 – Watch a Movie

Movies stir our imaginations and teach salient life lessons. Get an exciting and fun movie for your children to watch, they would learn more about culture, science, art, history, politics, technology and so on. You can also ask them what they learned from the movie afterwards.

Tip 5 – Research
Give children things to do. Remember that project you’re working on? Or that new business idea? Get them to do some research on it instead of just surfing the Internet for no reason.
Research will open up their minds, help them learn about new topics or subjects and also know how to sift through information for relevant content.

When school holidays are over, it is important to still keep children creatively engaged and inspired. Meadow Hall Edutainment centre offers exciting programmes such as Afternoon Adventures, Language Parlour, Music Academy, STEM, Bookarama and a crèche for those living or working in or around Lekki. Visit www.springmeadowedutainment.com to learn more.

Zunika Crenshaw packs her purse full of asthma and allergy medications for her children when they go to the park near their house in Pleasanton, Calif