Worried about October half term? Expert provides her top 5 tips for parents – from preparing for bad weather to the best activities for your kids

• Louise Pentland, 38, insisted it’s all about going back to basics this half-term 
• READ MORE: How to make half-term twice as fun at half the price

Half-term holidays can be an overwhelming time for any parent if you aren’t feeling very prepared for the school-free week ahead.

But it’s not necessary to go all out and break the bank for the half-term holidays, as your youngsters may enjoy the little things just as much.

From building dens to movie days, as well as a scooter ride outside, there are plenty of simple tips and tricks to keep your household calm during the holidays. 

Louise Pentland, a parenting expert, told FEMAIL the top five tips for parents heading into the holidays. 

From a little bit of screen time to building dens or even a ‘crafternoon’, it’s all about taking it back to basics to keep your children entertained, according to Louise. 

Louise Pentland, a motherhood vlogger with over 2.2 million YouTuber subscribers, shared her top five tips for parents this half-term (stock image)

1. Don’t do a ‘ground breaking’ activity everyday

There can often be an overwhelming pressure on parents do to as much as they can with their children during the school-free period.

However the motherhood vlogger with 2.2million subscribers urged caregivers not to feel forced to plan a ‘ground-breaking’ excursion everyday. 

The NSPCC ambassador (pictured) urged parents not to stress themselves out by planning a ‘ground-breaking’ activity everyday

She explained: ‘Firstly, it can be really expensive and secondly, most children are just happy to just be spending time with their parents.’

The YouTuber elaborated that planning ahead is key to a smooth half-term holidays with your children.

And while a trip to a theme park or zoo might be great for one day, there is nothing wrong spending some days watching movies of visiting family and friends.

She added: ‘You could also link up with friends who have children of a similar age. 

‘The children will keep each other company and you will have a partner in crime to wrangle the kids with. 

‘Better still, can you arrange a little playdate schedule where you have their child one day and they have yours the other.’

2. Screen time is not the enemy

Keeping your sanity as a parent is just as, if not more, important than keeping your children entertained.

Although Louise doesn’t like to solely rely on an iPad or television to keep her little ones entertained, she divulged that sometimes it allows for a much needed break.

‘Don’t feel guilty for letting them sit in front of a screen for an hour or two, especially if you’ve already been out earlier in the day.’

The NSPCC ambassador said there are many educational programmes for the little ones on digital devices, adding her own 5-year-old, Pearl, loves Numberblocks.

She added: ‘I don’t feel guilty about that screen time then! It’s the modern world, screens aren’t the enemy.’

3. Find fun indoors 

The fun you and your little ones can have this half term isn’t weather dependant even if there are light showers outside.

If you are more keen on staying dry rather than venturing out in the cold weather, Louise has some simple tricks that will keep your youngsters occupied indoors.  

The motherhood vlogger stated: ‘If we’ve exhausted all the games, all the crafts, all the dens and movies, I throw my arms in the air and say: “Ok, you can either have a Power Hour with me OR you can find your own fun!”‘ 

The parenting expert elaborated that a ‘Power Hour’ is when she dedicates a slot of her time to do some cleaning tasks.

She humorously added: ‘You can pretty much bet they’re not going to pick that one and somehow manage to find something fun to do themselves!’

The parenting expert also revealed caregivers should not feel guilty for allowing their children a little bit of screen time, adding that ‘screens aren’t the enemy’ (stock image)

 3. Plan easy-to-do but exciting activities

Keeping your children entertained doesn’t have to be a difficult task, as there are many simple activities that you could do with items you already own.

Louise recommended several effective age-dependent tricks such as, ‘crafternoon’ or building a den.

Explaining her go-to activity of den building during the colder months, the YouTuber revealed how easy making a cute and cosy lair can be.

‘Drape the spare bedsheets over the sofa or dining room chairs, grab as many cushions and blankets as possible and curl up to watch a film of their choice,’ said Louise.

‘For extra snuggle points, pop in some fairy lights, battery operated candles or a little (safe) lamp – core memory made!’

The parenting expert candidly shared that an afternoon filled with crafts often keeps her girls occupied for a great deal of time.  

Regarding activities for different age groups, Louise advised: ‘For the little ones – playdough, colouring, finger painting will be your saviours. 

‘For the older children, how about an at home spa day? Nail painting, homemade face masks and foot massages at the ready!’

With outdoor past times, the YouTuber keeps it basic but active with scooter rides and trips to the local park.

She continued: ‘Sometimes if I’m feeling quite exciting I’ll go on Pinterest and print off a scavenger hunt for Pearl to do whilst we’re out and about.’

The mother-of-two also advised parents to ‘lean on their village’ and to be sure to ask others for help when they are feeling overwhelmed, whether it’s family, friends or trusted parents at school (stock image)

4. Don’t overwhelm yourself

Caregivers can sometimes compare themselves to others, pondering whether they are dong too much or too little.

But Louise urges parents not to ‘overwhelm’ themselves as everyone deserves a breather from the hectic school timetable.

She added: ‘Term time can be really hectic. Between the early school runs, homework, afterschool clubs, hobbies, activities, playdates, big emotions and making sure everyone has clean P.E. kit for the next day. 

‘Allow your children to rest, recuperate and reset for the new term ahead.’

Louise also added how important it is to ‘lean on your village’ when you need support as a caregiver, whether its friends, family or other trusted parents at school. 

She noted: ‘Remember, people won’t offer to help if they don’t actually mean it.  Buddy up with other mums to make a bit of a playdate schedule.’

Louise also encouraged parents to have a chat with their employer if they are working from home with the kids present so ‘reasonable expectations’ can be set.

The mother-of-two was honest when sharing her advice, noting she is privileged to have a flexible work schedule.  

Source: Read Full Article