Happy summer holidays!

By Sister Lilian for Baby City ©2017

Holidays are for fun and relaxing; unfortunately, stress levels are sometimes high just before the holidays and desperation can creep in. It’s so important to know that the secret to a good break is simpler than you may think, and well within your grasp

Aided and abetted by South Africa’s summery climate which in itself is a mood enhancer, you can bring back the fun with Sister Lilian’s three easy steps:

1. Preparation is key

Of course, just because you’re staying home for the holiday doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for some fun! Research some new games and activities and plan some interesting outings in your area. Home holidays are often less stressful than going away, but if you are headed off, take note of these pointers:

• Pick your place – family-friendly holiday destinations with ground floor access are best
• Simplify – luxury doesn’t matter, camping and picnics are tons of fun for little ones!
• Bond – spending time with just Mom and Dad (rather than a daycarer) is a holiday treat, and adopting a child-like approach will help you enjoy the holiday more too!
• Come prepared – bring a fully stocked first aid kit
• Do your research – know where the closest medical facilities are and if the area has medical restrictions, e.g. malaria

2. Take the circus out of travelling

Travelling by car is often the most stressful part of the holiday. Don’t try to rush; the journey is part of the experience too! Safety is vital; use child car seats and make sure that all passengers are buckled in. To minimise ‘are we there yets’:

• Stop every 1.5–2 hours to feed Baby and let toddlers stretch their legs
• Have an adult in the back seat to entertain Baby
• Get a special, inexpensive ‘travel toy’ especially for travel time
• Play some music – little ones love kiddie audio books!

And if you’re flying to your destination, don’t let Baby drink anything for about two hours before a flight so that he’ll drink on the plane – this helps equalise pressure on the inner ear. Avoid foods which give an energy high, and treat colds and ear infections before flying.

3. Go for DIY fun and games!

Your child wants you, Mom and Dad, so get involved and turn to low-tech, hi-participation activities and games – after all, if your little ones are loving their summer days, so will you! For instance, plastic or wooden animals and trees can make for hours of imaginative play on the beach, at the campsite or in the sandpit at home – your little one just needs you to occasionally compliment them as they play, or join in every now and then! Here are seven more fun activities to keep little ones busy at home or on holiday:

• Home-made puzzles – stick magazine pictures onto cardboard and cut them into different shapes, then reassemble them!
• Hand puppets – use socks with buttons for eyes and felt for a mouth, or paper bags with faces drawn on and the corners twisted into ears.
• Get creative – make interestingly shaped stamps out of veggies and sponges, or dip a toothbrush in paint and run your finger over the bristles to splatter the paint onto paper.
• Obstacle courses – use cardboard boxes for tunnels, flowerpots for stepping stones, and pillowcases stuffed with newspaper for punching bags.
• Go exploring – bring along a bucket and collect interesting leaves and stones.
• Treasure hunts – hide a few items and search for them together.
• Sandpits – these provide hours of entertainment as your little ones build all kinds of magic castles and shapes; just keep it covered when not in use and replace the sand regularly.