Winter break is something that all kids look forward to. For school-aged kids this is a well deserved and highly anticapted break from school that gives them plenty of free time to hang out with their friends. Since school mornings are on hold, many kids take the opportunity to stay up late and sleep in. From spending hours playing their favorite video games, to lounging around in their pajamas all day, kids always find the first few days of winter break quite relaxing.
Even though winter break has its perks, many parents notice that their child’s cheerful vibe starts to dwindle as the days go by. As the holidays go on, some kids start to lose their energy and excitement, and it’s not uncommon for boredom and the blues to set in. With school friends not around and routines all out of whack, plus the extra screen time and those hectic holiday schedules, it’s no wonder that energy levels can take a hit. This makes heading back to school after the holidays a tough transition for kids and parents.
Finding fun ways to engage your child during the holidays is a great way to help them deal with boredom and low energy. Focusing too much on cramming in activities or letting kids spend too much time in front of screens can actually make them feel more irritable. Caregivers from a preschool in Olney, MD, say that keeping school-aged kids engaged during the holiday break isn’t about keeping them busy; it’s more about finding that perfect balance.
The holidays can be a whirlwind, making it tough to juggle everything while ensuring the kids are staying on track and having fun during their free time. If you’re looking for ways to give your kids the best winter break ever, you’re in the right place!
Before the winter break ends, you can teach your kids important things like how to garden at home. Your child will be more interested in farming, more aware of their surroundings, and able to spend time outside during the winter break if they garden. Not to mention that eating food that they’ve grown themselves is good for you. Not enough space for a garden? Plant a garden tower up high!
Gardening is also good for kids because it helps them learn to be patient, concentrate, and even do math. They actually build on some of the traits they’ll need for the rest of their lives in Learning the micro-skills. If it’s too cold outside or you don’t have a yard, get your kids to put plants in pots inside. Pick up some flower pots at the store nearby and show your kids how to garden. If you garden with your kids over the winter break, you can teach them a basic skill that will help them when they become adults.
Taking your kids for a nature walk is a great way to beat cabin fever. When you get home from picking kids up from an Olney preschool, or on the weekend, take some time to get your kids outside and enjoy that cool winter breeze.
Why not take a stroll through some local nature trails or parks? You can also wander around your neighborhood and connect with nature on nearby hiking paths. Don’t let you kids get restless from spending too much time inside the home. Taking them out for nature walks is a great way for them to burn off that extra energy and soak up some of those awesome mental health benefits, too.
With an engaging activity kit, your child can dive in and completely forget about counting down the days of winter break! The perfect activity kit should include a storybook, worksheets, and all the other essentials for fun and engaging learning activities. Many activity kits really emphasize creativity and learning while your child has fun playing. They’re made to help your child pick up the right skills based on their age. When you’re hunting for the best activity kit, the first thing to consider is your child’s age and pick appropriately.
Museums are great spots for parents and kids. Every parent wants to find fun and educational activities for their children during winter break. Museums are also awesome because you can always pick up something new for yourself. They’re awesome for everyone!
Museums focus on all sorts of themes, so there’s probably one nearby that matches whatever your child is into. Taking your child to these incredible places is a great way for them to learn new things and make memories that will stick with them forever.
When you give your kids old toys and clothes to charity, they learn to be grateful for what they have. It also helps them make room for any gifts they get for the holidays. You can also find out if any shelters or other groups in your area need help. Many can find ways for kids to help out with an adult.
Baking is a terrific way to spend quality time with your child over the holidays. Baking together also teaches your kids about measuring, mixing, and making messes that can be cleaned up while your sweets bake in the oven.
Whether it’s Yeti Spaghetti or Exploding Kittens, there are fantastic games for all ages that you and your child can play together. Board games are an excellent way to engage with your child and teach them a variety of skills, including how to gracefully accept defeat!
Parents often find it challenging to keep their kids engaged in fun, meaningful activities while balancing work and the busy holiday preparations. Caregivers at a preschool in Olney recommend planning a variety of fun winter break activities ahead of time. Keeping your kids mentally and physically active during the break can help them feel ready when they head back to school.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
