A Psychologist’s Advice: It’s Okay Not to Entertain All the Time

Collett Smart, a resident psychologist, reminds parents that you don’t need to keep your kids entertained 24/7. “Children need to learn to be responsible for their own fun,” she explains. Use the holidays as an opportunity to teach them life skills like scheduling and planning.

Embracing Boredom: A Path to Creativity

Did you know boredom can be a positive thing? A study by Sanitarium and the University of Notre Dame found that it fosters creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness. Instead of jumping to provide entertainment, encourage your children to engage in active play. For extra help, create a “Boredom Box” filled with activity ideas written on paper slips—perfect for sparking inspiration when they need it!

7 Ideas for School Holiday Activities

1. Explore Nature
   Plan picnics, nature walks, or bike rides at local parks or botanic gardens. Wildlife parks, treetop walks, and water playgrounds are also fantastic options.
2. Visit Museums and Galleries
   From art galleries to science museums, these venues offer educational fun. Many provide free guided tours or holiday workshops for added excitement.
3. Join Holiday Workshops
   Check out local council programs or private workshops for new skills like crafting, coding, or sports. Some even offer extended hours for working parents.
4. Call in Favors
   Grandparents, relatives, or family friends can help with babysitting or hosting playdates. Collaborate with other parents to take turns watching the kids.
5. Stay Home and Get Creative
   Home activities like building blanket forts, cooking together, or crafting can be just as engaging. Use a schedule to keep things organized and fun.
6. Enjoy a Staycation
   Explore local attractions or nearby destinations. Day trips to beaches, mountains, or lakes are cost-effective ways to feel like you’ve gotten away.
7. Try Something New
   Websites like Groupon or Cudo often offer discounts on unique activities like trampoline parks, snorkeling tours, or even ninja warrior courses.

Final Thoughts

School holidays don’t need to be stressful. A mix of planned activities and opportunities for independent play can help parents stay sane while giving kids a holiday to remember. Embrace the moments of chaos—they’re all part of the fun!

Visit www.easternsuburbsmums.com.au for more tips and ideas to inspire your family’s next adventure!

The post OUT & ABOUT: School Holiday Activities – Tips for Teachers, Parents appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

Step 1: Brainstorm Why You Want to Thank Them

Encourage children to think about the person they’re writing to. Parents and teachers can guide kids to jot down traits that make the recipient special—kindness, patience, creativity, or humor. For example, mums could ask, “What do you love about your teacher?” or “How did your friend make you feel better when you were upset?” This step helps kids connect emotionally with the note’s purpose.

Step 2: Remember Specific Moments

Guide your child to recall specific actions or memories they cherish about the recipient. Did a teacher make learning fun? Did a parent spend extra time helping with a project? This helps personalize the note. For instance:

• “Remember when Mrs. Green helped you with your science fair project? What about thanking her for that?”
• “How about writing about the time Grandma baked cookies with you?”

Step 3: Choose Nice Stationery

Using fun or decorative stationery makes the thank-you note feel extra special. Parents and teachers can provide blank cards or colorful paper to make the experience enjoyable. This step also shows kids the value of taking time to create something personal rather than sending a quick text.

Step 4: Write the Note with a Greeting and a Personal Message

Parents and teachers can offer examples to inspire kids. Here’s a sample thank-you note to a teacher:

Dear Mr. Bradford,

Thank you for making third grade so fun! I was nervous about starting fractions, but your creative games made it so much easier to learn. I’m grateful for how much effort you put into helping me and my classmates.

Sincerely, Emma Smith

Mums might guide younger kids with prompts like, “What do you want to say first?” or “How do you feel after getting help?”

Step 5: Add a Final Touch

Once the note is complete, children can add a drawing, sticker, or even deliver the note with a small token of appreciation, like a flower or a handmade craft.

Why Writing Thank-You Notes Matters

Teaching children to express gratitude fosters empathy and strengthens relationships. For teachers, receiving thank-you notes can be incredibly meaningful, especially during occasions like Teacher Appreciation Week.

Here are testimonials from parents about the impact teachers have made:

• “My son’s teachers have transformed his attitude toward learning this year. Their patience and encouragement have made a lasting difference.”
• “The dedication of teachers has inspired my child to excel. Knowing they’re available and invested is a huge motivation.”

Encouraging kids to write thank-you notes not only brings joy to recipients but also builds lifelong habits of gratitude and mindfulness. Whether it’s for a teacher, parent, or friend, these notes are small but powerful gestures of appreciation.

The post How Kids Can Write Personalised Thank You Notes: A Guide for Mums, Parents and Teachers appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.