HALF term is a time for a break from school and nursery and it is a time (if you are not working) for a few lazy days. It can provide you and your family with an opportunity to rest and recharge.

As a parent holidays need a fair bit of planning if you are going to avoid the refrain ‘I’m bored’ from your children, although researchers have stated recently that it is good for children to experience some boredom as it aids creativity.

Thinking about the days ahead will help when preparing for the spring half term.

Luckily on our doorstep we have the Lake District National Park, which provides us with the ideal playground for outdoor pursuits.

The great outdoors is not for everyone, I know, but there are lots of other ways to entertain our family.

Picnics can be had indoors and out. You can build a den either outside or inside.

Do something you don’t normally do, like travelling on buses or trains for your day out. Make models from the cardboard and plastic you find in your home. Make salt dough from scratch, or bake some basic fairy cakes.

Playdates are a good way of sharing the childcare during the school holiday. As parents it helps to share the load with other parents. It also allows your children to socialise with their friends outside school.

Look on social media, in the newspaper and on local radio as events (sometimes free) are advertised for families during school holidays.

See: www.parentandbabycoach.co.uk

NEXT WEEK: Why boundaries are important