1. Painting or Drawing

Whether you’re sketching with pencils or experimenting with watercolors, creating art is a therapeutic way to express your emotions and focus on the present moment.

2. Knitting or Crocheting

The repetitive motion of knitting or crocheting can be incredibly calming. Plus, you get the added satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional, like scarves, blankets, or hats.

3.Writing Poetry or Journaling

Put pen to paper and let your thoughts flow. Journaling helps you process emotions, while poetry encourages you to play with language and creativity.

4. Gardening

Spending time with plants connects you to nature and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s a few pots on a balcony or a backyard vegetable patch, gardening can be incredibly grounding.

5. Calligraphy

This elegant art form combines creativity with mindfulness. Practicing calligraphy can improve your focus while producing beautiful lettering for cards or decor.

6. Cooking or Baking

Experimenting in the kitchen allows you to create delicious meals while engaging your senses. Try new recipes or master a family favorite for an added touch of tradition.

7. Photography

Step away from your phone and pick up a camera. Exploring the world through a lens helps you notice details and moments you might otherwise overlook.

8. Pottery or Sculpting

Working with clay is both tactile and meditative. Shaping something with your hands can be a deeply satisfying experience that pulls you into the present.

9. Scrapbooking

Preserve cherished memories while indulging your creative side. Scrapbooking combines storytelling, design, and reflection, making it a meaningful way to unwind.

10. Music

Learn to play an instrument or revisit one you’ve set aside. Music provides a creative outlet and can be a powerful stress reliever, whether you’re strumming a guitar or learning piano.

Final Thoughts

Engaging in creative hobbies not only helps you disconnect from the digital world but also enriches your life with new skills, experiences, and moments of joy. Whether you’re painting, gardening, or playing music, these activities remind us of the beauty of slowing down and savoring life. Which hobby will you try next?

For more information on interesting hobbies visit: www.easternsuburbsmums.com.au

The post 10 Creative Hobbies to Help You Disconnect and Recharge appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

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.

Get into the festive spirit

Sing, dance and be merry

We encourage singing along at our free Christmas concerts in Surry Hills, Rosebery, Rushcutters Bay, Glebe, and Alexandria. For the added splendour of the grand organ, experience Christmas at Sydney Town Hall with carols and festive music.

Various dates throughout December

Explore inclusive events on International Day of People with Disability

Savour fresh produce and Christmas treats at Carriageworks markets

See the blockbuster exhibitions at the Art Gallery of NSW

Dive into our aquatic and fitness centre open day

Celebrate the arrival of summer with free entry across our pools including family activities, fitness competitions, giveaways and health consultations.

Saturday 7 December

Meet your new best friend at our animal shelter open day

Visit our animal shelter in the Sutherland Shire on its open day for half-price adoptions, dog training demos and fun for the whole family.

Saturday 7 December

Take flight through the history of Australian aviation

On World Aviation Day, discover the stories and achievements that shaped aviation in Australia through unique artifacts with speakers from the Powerhouse Museum.

Thursday 12 December

Count down to the fireworks on New Year’s Eve

Ring in 2025 with a spectacular fireworks show at Sydney Harbour. Plan your New Year’s Eve with information about vantage points, public transport options and the fireworks schedule for the night.

Tuesday 31 December

Want more? Find everything happening in Sydney this month

The post What to Do in Sydney This December appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

In this session, you’ll embark on a quest filled with excitement and creativity. Along the way, you’ll engage in fun writing exercises like crafting a tourism ad for a mystical village or describing the regal attire of a famous queen. You’ll develop key writing skills, including descriptive language, dialogue, and narrative structure—all while having a blast roleplaying with fellow participants.

Whether you’re a seasoned roleplayer or a complete beginner, this workshop is designed to help you improve your literacy, boost your confidence, and enhance your teamwork skills. No prior experience with tabletop games is needed—just bring your imagination!

Unlock Your Writing Potential through Tabletop Roleplaying!

Key Skills You’ll Gain

• Creative writing techniques
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Confidence in storytelling
• Problem-solving and lateral thinking
• Turn-taking and conflict resolution

Facilitator
Jayce Carrano is a published writer and communications expert with over five years of experience teaching young people. Jayce is also an experienced improvisational actor, having trained in Chicago and Los Angeles and performed at major events like SXSW Sydney and the Sydney Comedy Festival.

Bookings:
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Reserve your spot today and get ready to embark on an epic storytelling journey!

Date & Time
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM AEDT

Location
Five Dock Library
Level 1, 4-12 Garfield Street
Five Dock, NSW 2046

The post Writing and Roleplaying Workshop (Ages 13-18) appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.