How can I cope with my children in the school holidays?

[Annabella]

Hello. I was wondering whether anyone had any suggestions about how I can cope for the next six weeks. We have four very active children. One is severely autistic and hyperactive. The holidays are a nightmare for us as we have no garden. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

[BadHairDays]

what i do with my child is to try and take her to the park almost everyday, unless of course the weather is crap.
it may be harder for you because you may not live near a park, or you may not be able to get all your kids there without a fight.
i feel that by going to the park it lets my daughter enjoy the out doors, socialise with other children, and learn by others.

is there an animal farm or anything near you that you can take the kids to?
how about going on a picnic?
or a big open space of grass where you can take balls and toys and amuse them that way.

[swee]

i used to work at a kids club that was on over the summer holidays - is there anything like that near you? tire them out lol

[Annabella]

Thanks for all your replies. I will have to try to be more imaginative but it's a bit hard with all the chaos going on around me!! Let's hope I can find a kids holiday club before I have to resort to phoning social services!!!

[cats mate]

[cats mate]

[quote="cats mate" try pinic's if the weather is nice, long walks may help

[Tammymbd]

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[Guest]

Around us there are lots of kids clubs, mainly at local (usually private) schools. My 4 year old nephew, Matthew recently for a couple of days during half term as both his parents work and her loved it! It's especially great for energetic children and the best ones seem to be at the private schools as they normally have a swimming pool, large fields and other good fecilities. There were loads of activities for Matthew to choose from. These are the ones I remember from the brochure. (Some were not open to the younger children):

Fun Swim (with floats and inflatables)
Scuba diving
Board Games Room
Video Room
Table Tennis
Short Tennis
Tennis
Football
Tag Rugby
Basketball
Capture the Flag
Arts and Crafts
Rock Climbing
Hands and Faces (makes up, hair and other girlie stuff)
Computers
Bike Riding (you had to bring your own bike and helmet)

Perhaps you can invest in lots of arts and crafts stuff to keep them busy. It needn't be costly. You can use odd buttons, sweety wrappers, the wrappers off chocolate coins, old toilet rolls, old bits of fabric etc. There are sure to be loads of craft ideas on the internet.

You can have a day cooking with them. Fairy cakes are always popular. If you think it'll be easier, you can always make/buy the basic cakes then let them decorate them with different coloured icing, silver balls and different coloured sweets.

A day/ half day at the swimming pool is always popular. Some pools have special sessions for kids with floats etc.

See if they have any courses near you e.g at a local leisure centre. I know my neices often go on a trampolining course, an hour and a half a day for 5 days which will give you a rest and help your sanity!

They normally bring out lots of kids films at the cinema during the holidays and you could get them to spend some time reading about the different films on the internet and choosing which to see.

I agree the park is a fun, easy outing, especially if you have one within walking distance.

Board games and books are good as they don't need you constantly watching over them.

See if you have any museums or exhibitions near you which are suitable for children and they might be interested in. Farms are also popular.

[Guest]

[Guest]