HOLIDAYS are a time to relax and recharge. Just having the time and space in the morning to breakfast together, potter around without having a time frame for getting out of the house can be good for all family members.

There are a lot of things to do in and around the beautiful area we live in. Having a few days out planned, as well as indoors (on bad weather days), will help to make the following days and weeks a summer to remember.

The holidays don’t have to be an expensive affair as there are lots of things to do as a family that cost very little.

Dust off the cobwebs from your bicycles, pack a picnic and head off to the nearest fell, river, lake or castle.

Have a forage through your cupboards and do some baking; let your children make pizzas from scratch or, if you don’t want the mess, buy pre-prepared pizza bases.

Using an outdoor table, pour some flour onto the table and add water. Hours can be spent creating finger designs or practising letter writing. Once this is finished use lashings of soapy water to clean the table off together.

Read books, comics, watch a film together (make it a true cinema experience with popcorn and drinks).

There will be times when your children want to get together with their friends. Use playdates to help your friends out with childcare - share the load together over the next couple of weeks.

Whatever you do as a family this holiday time, have a safe and happy one.

See: www.parentandbabycoach.co.uk

NEXT WEEK: Discipline without pain